Striving for Holiness: Adopting an Attitude of Humility

Philippians 2:5–11

Pastor Joe began a new sermon series this Sunday on Striving for Holiness, opening with a message on adopting an attitude of humility.

His central text was Philippians 2:5–11, where Paul writes:

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.”

Pastor Joe reminded us that humility is not simply an outward action—it begins with our attitude. The way we think shapes the way we act, and our actions reveal what is in our hearts.

As Proverbs tells us, we are to guard our hearts, because everything we do flows from them.

One of the recurring themes of the message was this simple but challenging truth:

Attitude is not accidental—it is intentional.

We often excuse our attitudes by saying, “That’s just the way I am,” but Scripture calls us to something much higher. Paul doesn’t simply admire Christ’s humility—he tells believers to adopt the same attitude.

Jesus, though fully God, did not cling to His rights or seek His own exaltation. Instead, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, humbled Himself, and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

Pastor Joe challenged us not to be enslaved by our attitudes, but instead to enslave our attitudes to Christ through God’s Word, the work of the Holy Spirit, and honest self-examination.

He also warned that pride is a killer of righteousness. Pride continually turns our attention toward ourselves—what we deserve, how we’ve been treated, or whether we’ve been recognized. Humility, on the other hand, chooses a different way.

One memorable quote from the message was:

“Humility is not thinking less of ourselves. It is thinking of ourselves less.”

Jesus Himself demonstrated that kind of humility.

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

If we desire to be great in God’s kingdom, we must first become servants. As Pastor Joe said, one can never be a good leader until they have first learned to be a good follower.

He closed with the reminder that humility is a choice with a reward.

James 4:10 says:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

James 4:6 also reminds us:

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

The call to holiness is not merely about changing our behavior. It is about allowing God to transform our hearts so that our attitudes increasingly reflect the attitude of Christ.

May we be people who willingly humble ourselves before the Lord, serve others with joy, and allow Christ’s humility to shape the way we think, speak, and live.

Watch here: