Notes - 1st October 06

Bible passages:
Philippians 2:1-11

(1) In Phil 2: 5-8, Paul states that the attitude of a servant is vital for Christ's followers. Why is this so important?

(2) Jesus also made similar statements about the need for his followers to become servants. And he linked this attitude of being a servant with 'taking up the cross' (see Mark 10: 42-45). How do we handle this emphasis in Christianity when people would perhaps prefer to hear about spiritual fulfilment without the cross?

(3) Phil. 2:6 may be hinting towards the story of 'the Fall' (see esp. Genesis 3:4). What contrast can be drawn between 'the Fall' and what Paul says about Jesus in Phil. 2: 5-8?

(4) The famous verse John 3:16 speaks of God giving/sending his Son. Phil. 2: 5-8 provides a complementary but slightly different perspective on the Son of God coming to earth. What do you think these two perspectives tell us about God? (hint - see Matthew 28:19 for inspiration).