The Christlike Life
To live a Christlike life, we must imitate Christ's attitude of self-emptying, self-sacrifice, and obedience to God's will.
Andrew Murray emphasizes that our attitude should mirror that of Christ Jesus, who, despite being God, chose humility and self-sacrifice. He highlights that Christ's character was defined by obedience to God's will and love for humanity, culminating in His death on the cross. Murray encourages believers to imitate this self-emptying attitude, asserting that while it may seem impossible, with God, all things are possible. He reminds us that we are called to work out our salvation with reverence, as God empowers us to obey and please Him. The ultimate goal is to embody the attitude of Christ in our daily lives.
Text
"Your attitude should be the same that Chris Jesus had."
Philippians 2:5
What was the attitude that was in Christ Jesus? "Though He was
God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. He made
Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and
appeared in human form. And in human form He obediently
humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross."
(Philippians 2:6-8). Self-emptying and self-sacrifice, obedience to
God's will, and love to men, even unto death of the Cross -
this was the character of Christ for which God so highly exalted
Him. It is the character of Christ that we are to imitate. He was
made in the likeness of men, so we could be conformed into the
likeness of God.
Self-effacement and self-sacrifice that God's will might be
done and that man might be saved - this was the attitude of
Christ. He lived only to please God and to bless men.
Don't say that this is an impossibility. What is impossible
with men is possible with God. We are called to work out this
salvation of a Christlike character with fear and trembling; for
"God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and
the power to do what pleases Him" (Philippians 2:13) As we
pray, let this be our one aim: to have the attitude that was in
Christ Jesus.
Sermon Outline
- The Attitude of Christ Jesus
- Imitating Christ's Attitude
- The Possibility of a Christlike Character
- What is impossible with men is possible with God
- God working in us to give us the desire and power to obey Him
Key Quotes
“Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.” — Andrew Murray
“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” — Andrew Murray
“God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- Pray for the desire and power to obey God and live a Christlike life.
- Seek to please God and bless others in all that you do.
- Trust in God's power and guidance to work out your salvation.