Jan. 18 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Sermon: Life in Christ: Full Accord
Philippians 2:1-11
If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Key Idea of the Sermon 9 Therefore God exalted him even more highly and gave him the name that is above every other name, 10 so that at the name given to Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
Key Idea of the Sermon
The ancient wisdom of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is preparing us for whatever may come our way in 2026. The heart of this wisdom is to open our hearts to the grace and peace of God made known in Christ Jesus, and then to share these life-renewing gifts with others. Today we look at one of the earliest and most inspiring of the proclamations of the good news about Jesus. Quoting a hymn sung by the first generation of disciples, Paul invites us to be in full accord with Christ, following the way of self-giving love.
Questions for Reflection
• Paul begins this passage with some helpful questions. How do you answer? What example can you give of the encouragement of Christ? How have you known consolation in love? How do you share in the Spirit? What is your experience with compassion and sympathy?
• What does it mean that Jesus “emptied himself”? How do you follow Jesus’ example in your life?
• What does obedience to God look like in your life? How can this obedience to God be liberating and joy producing?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Paul encourages disciples to look to the interests of others. Put this admonition into practice in your daily interactions and see what difference it makes in your life and in the lives of others.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
