SHIFT: SHIFT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH PEOPLE

SCRIPTURE 

Philippians 2:1-18
“If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine pas lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”

SUMMARY

Imitating Jesus, especially his humility, is the key to living well with other believers.

At Home DISCUSSION

Here are some great discussion starters for you to take this discussion home after TOV.  Don't quiz your teen, but instead talk about it in a transparent way where you are sharing as well.

1. Do you ever struggle in your relationships with other Christians—either at your church, or within the worldwide church? Share an example.
2. Do you think society encourages us to be selfish? How do you see examples of that? Do you ever fall into that trap?
3. How often do you struggle with complaining and grumbling? How do complaining and grumbling relate to humility? How do they relate to sacrifice?

APPLICATION

1. In what kinds of situations is it hardest for you to look to the interests of others?
2. How can we as a familypractice humility and servanthood this week?