Jesus' Christmas Presence: An Example - He Gives a New Attitude

Introduction:

4 Things the Incarnation Teaches Us About Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-11):

1. Selflessness starts in the Mind . (Phil 2:6)
2. Selflessness is a matter of Identity . (Phil 2:7)
3. Selflessness shows up in Action . (Phil 2:8)
4. Selflessness leads to Glory . (Phil 2:9-11)

   Matthew 23:12 - Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

   Luke 14:11 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

   Luke 18:14 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

   1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

   James 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read Philippians 2:5-11

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you ever felt like some job at the church was “beneath you”? What does God becoming man teach you about how we view any job at the church?
   

3. Have you ever felt like you have served too much or given too much? What does the incarnation teach us about how far we should be willing to serve and give?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Jesus' Christmas Presence: A Savior - He Gives Forgiveness

Introduction:

A Savior: He Gives Forgiveness (Colossians 2:8-15):

In Christ...

1. I have been gifted with the Truth . (Col 2:8)

   Colossians 2:2-3 - To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2. I have been gifted with All That I Truly Need . (Col 2:9-10)
3. I have been gifted with New and Everlasting Life . (Col 2:11-12)
4. I have been gifted with Total Forgiven . (Col 2:13-14)
5. I have been gifted with Victory Over My Spiritual Enemies . (Col 2:15)

   1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Colossians 2:8-15

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. When it comes to this time of year, why is it so easy to slip into a state of forgetfulness regarding the true focus and meaning of Christmas?
   

3. What does it mean to be “in Christ” and “complete in Him”? What blessings and gifts do we receive in Him?
   

4. What specific errors and false teachings do we need to be on guard against right now? How can we prepare to stand against false teaching and “see to it that no one takes you captive”?
   

5. How does the forgiveness of Christ change how you view your sin? How should it fuel your fight against sin?

Breakout
Pray for one another.