A. Main scriptures for this study: Matt.20:27-28
Whoever wants to be first must be your slaves – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
*** Attention: There is nothing wrong to want to be first!
The point is whose way! Jesus’ way or man’s way?
A. Me First man’s way! 3Jn.1:9-11
1. Diotrephes is one good example! He loves to be first. 3Jn.1:9
2. He will have nothing to do with us. 3Jn.1:9
3. Who were these us? Apostle John is one of these us!
(1) People who are faithful to the truth and continue to walk in the truth! 3Jn.1:3
(2) People fully support gospel preachers! 3Jn.1:5-7
(3) By way of supporting gospel preachers they are partners in spreading the gospel! 3Jn.1:8
4. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does! 3Jn.1:10
(1) Falsely accuse us with malicious words. 3Jn.1:10
(2) Refuse to receive the brethren. 3Jn.1:10
(3) Forbid and cast out of the church them that receive the brethren! 3Jn.1:10
*** By destroying others to make his me first!
5. What we must do with these kinds of people? 3Jn.1:11
(1)Imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good.
(2)He that does good is of God.
(3)He that does evil has not seen God.
6. Me first man’s way are people who have not seen God!
B. Me first Jesus’ way! Phil.2:5-16
1. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil.2:5
2. Jesus, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Phil.2:6
3. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men. Phil.2:7
4. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross. Phil.2:8
5. Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.Phil.2:9
6. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.Phil.2:10
7. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil.2:11
8. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only,
but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil.2:12
9. For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phil.2:13
10. Do all things without murmurings and disputing. Phil.2:14
11. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,
in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Phil.2:15
12. Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ,
that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Phil.2:16
C. James describes it this way! James 3:13-18
1. Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
2. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts,
do not boast about it or deny the truth. James 3:14
3. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. James 3:15
4. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
5. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive,
full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
D. Conclusion: Phil.2:3
1. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory. Phil.2:3
2. Do everything in lowliness of mind let each esteem other as your superior in rank! Phil.2:3
3. Jesus’ believers always do it this way --> you first!
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this September 1, 2019.
VIDEO SERMON BY BROTHER CHAN ON September 01, 2019