There are few virtues more vital for the church today than humility. Philippians 2 explores the greatest display of humility and how it connects us to experiencing true joy in our lives. How does it promote joy, and where does it come from? The answer is One Person: Jesus. Let’s talk about it.

Philippians 2:1-11

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Read Philippians 2:1-11.

2. Share about a time when you were truly humbled. How did you feel? What came out of that experience? Was it good or bad? Why? Are those results still at work in your life? Why and how?

3. Jesus humbled Himself. How did He do that? What is the eventual outcome (see verses 9-11)? How does this give us hope and joy?

4. What does the world value most? How do those values go against the humility of Jesus? 

5. Reread v11. Then read together what the angel told Mary in Luke 1:31-33. Where do we fit in this promise? How do we receive it? 

6. Pray together as a group. Ask for humility, repent of sin, reflect on what Jesus accomplished, and receive God’s grace. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out the way of humility and give you the courage to share your faith with one person who doesn’t know Jesus this week.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Philippians 2:1-11. This passage is all about Jesus and His powerful humility. Humility is thinking of ourselves less and loving others more. It is preferring others over ourselves. How did Jesus model this?

2. Read Matthew 20:25-28. What does the world think makes someone great? How does Jesus define greatness?

3. Jesus gave Himself up on the cross to save us. What are some things you struggle to give up? Ask Jesus to help you with whatever those things are.

4. Jesus is the only God worth following. How does this help you and challenge you?

5. Pray to Jesus together. Ask Him to help you receive His strength to be humble and think of others first.