Attitude OG Church - Part 3 12/15/24 Series Scripture: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42–47 ESV This Week: So 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. Philippians 2:1-11 ESV English-Greek Truth Mind - φρονέω (phroneó) To think, to set one's mind on, to have a mindset; to direct ones mind to a singular focus Usage: The verb "phroneó" primarily refers to the act of thinking or having a particular mindset. It encompasses the ideas of setting one's mind on something, having an attitude, or being disposed in a certain way. In the New Testament, it often implies a deliberate choice of thought or attitude, reflecting one's values and priorities. It can denote both positive and negative mindsets, depending on the context. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of the mind (phrēn) was central to understanding human behavior and decision-making. The mind was seen as the seat of rational thought, emotions, and moral reasoning. In the New Testament, the use of "phroneó" reflects a Jewish understanding of the heart and mind as the center of one's spiritual and moral life. The early Christian community was encouraged to adopt a mindset that aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing humility, unity, and love Attitudes United in Thinking - Faith “being of the same mind” - Having unity in the Fatih/Truth(Eph. 4:13; 1 Cor. 1:10) United in Action - Love “having the same love” -.Love in such a way the world will notice (John 13:35; 1 Cor. 13) United in Perspective - Hope “being in full accord and of one mind” - Set your mind on the things above (Col. 3:2-10) Put others first in thought and action “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.” - Time - Sacrifice - Service Obey in all things to the very end “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” - Obedience is the ultimate test of faith and love (John 14:15; Gal. 2:20) Tough Question: 1) Is the attitude of the early church critical to our faith today? If so why? 2) What attitude within the early church do you find the most compelling and impactful for you? 3) What attitude from the early church do you think the church today needs to embrace? 4) How can you begin to model the attitudes of the church within your daily life? 5) In a society that idolizes individuality of thought what does Gods call to unity of mindset mean? How do we choose to live counter-culture in order to live out this call. 6) How are you at living out the call to put others first? How are you going to embrace living this more fully? 7) What does it practically look like to “look to the interests of others”? 8) How can you grow in obedience? Is there a point short of death where your obedience stops? For most us that is a yes, so how do we live obeident to the point of death? 9) It truly comes down to a “mindset”, is your faith all of your life or something you do? (Joshua 24:15)