I’m posting a series on Philippians based on some talks I gave to the York Christian Union.

Let’s return to Php 2:1-6, Paul is clear that because Christ is Lord and because He is our saviour and our righteousness He also serves as our example. Our energies must be devoted to be like Christ, in mind, in word, in deed and he encourages us to do this by reminding us of the benefits we have received from Christ.

Look again closely at Php 2:1-6 and we see that through our being in Christ we receive encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, compassion. We are nurtured, cared for, strengthened and equipped and we should then be like-minded that being that sort of person is the best choice.

And it is that example that is both challenging and essential. ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition and vain conceit.’ Let me be honest this has been the hardest thing for me to live out. Just after I graduated from the University of Nottingham, I along with some friends were invited back by the CU to take part in their houseparty in the welsh hills at Cefn Lea. The speaker that year probably gave some of the most life-shaping and defining talks I’ve ever heard. The impact of which shaped me for years to come. He captured us students as we listened to him talk of what it meant to live for Christ.

I would be lying to you if I didn’t want that same impact to happen this weekend. But is that for God’s glory or mine? Do I want to be known as an inspirational speaker or do I want to be known as someone inspired by Christ. And this I think maybe some of what Paul is hinting at in Php 1:15. Not everyone preaching Christ is doing it for the glory of God but to be known, to be heard, to be praised and to be praised higher than others.

Honestly, I guess this is all still mixed up for me – there’s a part of me that wants to be known and praised and talked about – it’s vain conceit and it’s selfish ambition. So I have to confess my sin before God and say, you know what I can’t even talk about selfish ambition and vain conceit without selfish ambition and vain conceit so how desperate is my need for Christ to lift this up and use it, and help me Jesus be a servant to have your attitude, to not somehow consider equality with you something to be grasped.

In what area of this list do you need to follow Christ’s example? How can you be more like-minded?