Sabbath School Lesson for January 17-23, 2026
Introduction of Lesson 4, Unity Through Humility
Memory Text: “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 NKJV
Lack of unity in this universe began when Lucifer, one of God’s angels, fostered pride and selfish thoughts and began to distrust God, his Maker. Naturally, Paul would be alarmed at any form of disunity within a community of believers, and would rightfully point to pride as being the primary source of contention.
Humility, the opposite of pride, can then be safely recommended as the antidote for any lack of harmony in our relationships. This is especially important for the church, the tool God has chosen to spread the gospel to people across the world. Paul clearly warned the Philippian church of how conceit and selfish ambition cause division and disunity.
Paul’s chief solution was for them to develop the mindset of Jesus. There’s no better example than Christ who showed humility in every way possible–from His lowly birth on earth to His loving, unselfish ministry and ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
- Sunday: Disunity in Philippi
- Monday: The Source of Unity
- Tuesday: Mind Implant or Mind Surgery?
- Wednesday: The Mind of Christ
- Thursday: The Mystery of Godliness
Sunday: Disunity in Philippi
In the first chapter of Philippians, Paul mentioned that there were some who preached with selfish ambition, rather than love for God. From the context, we assume he’s referring to believers in Rome. So, Paul had seen this happening in those around him, and understandably feared it was true in the churches he had loved and labored for.
The apostle knew man’s tendency to be arrogant and selfish and wisely reminded them to focus on Jesus, rather than themselves. Throughout the New Testament we find counsel to do the same. Only by looking to the Savior’s example of love and compassion and seeking the presence of the Holy Spirit can we withstand Satan’s attractive offer to have dominance over others.
Paul said unequivocally that they were to “let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). And Jesus likewise said to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Being like-minded, having the same love as Jesus, would enable them to remain united (Philippians 2:2).
Verses and questions:
Philippians 2:1-3
- What were some of the causes for disunity mentioned by Paul in these verses?
- What is the remedy for problems that divide the church?
Monday: The Source of Unity
Paul’s powerful statement about staying united (of one mind) was a concern that he repeated four different ways in Philippians 2:2. All of them focused on thoughts and feelings, rather than outward behavior–much the same as Jesus did, and why His preaching sounded so different from the religious instruction and focus of the Jewish priests and rabbis.
In the next two verses, Paul presented a picture of humility that reinforced what was known and loved about the humble life of Christ. Jesus was unselfish and without conceit. But, Paul went a step further by proclaiming that we should not only look after the interests of others, but that we should think more highly of them than we do of ourselves.
It was a high bar to reach, but one worthy of implementing if there was to be true unity in the church. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul included the Holy Spirit, calling it the Spirit’s unity. With this source of spiritual unity, we find a true “bond of peace” and a way for Paul’s high standard to be attained.
Verses and questions:
Philippians 2:3, 4
- What does it mean to think more highly of others than ourselves? Why can’t we all just be equal?
- What are some practical ways we can put others’ interests above our own?
Ephesians 4:3
- How does the Holy Spirit help us achieve peace in the church?
Tuesday: Mind Implant or Mind Surgery?
How do we have the mind of Jesus (Philippians 2:5)? It sounds almost too lofty a goal for anyone, but without having His mind, we are doomed to failure and unhappiness. First, we must recognize the opposing forces that we battle. Paul spoke of being “carnally minded” versus “spiritually minded” (Romans 8:6). In other words, we can have either a mind set on worldly things, or one set on spiritual, godly things.
Paul left nothing to chance here. He told the Philippians later in his letter what those spiritual things were. They are things that are noble, just, pure, and lovely. These are the kinds of things we should think about (Philippians 4:8).
Our human nature cannot be trusted to cause this mind-change, however. It’s possible to change our minds rather easily, but for a total transformation, our heart and emotions must be touched as well. Only God can search and know our hearts and minds (Jeremiah 17:9, 10). Only by surrendering to Him will we have the kind of surgery or implant needed to have the mind of Christ.
Verses and questions:
Philippians 2:5, Romans 8:6, and Philippians 4:8
- What is there about the mind of Jesus that we can have for our own, and why is this important?
- What kind of thoughts and feelings should we be encouraged to have?
- How can we stay informed and involved with what’s going on in the world, or even in our own life, without losing touch with God?
Wednesday: The Mind of Christ
Jesus surrendered to God by being humble in every way possible. Philippians 2:5-8 elaborates on this thought and is considered by some to be the most powerful and beautiful passage found in Scripture.
Paul described not only the humility of Christ leaving heaven to come to our planet as one of us, but coming as the lowliest form of humanity–someone who served others, a bondservant. Not only was the way He lived a demonstration of humility, but the shameful, dishonorable, undeserved way He died as a common criminal.
Jesus was the best example to show how we, too, must show humility in our interactions with each other and be willing to sacrifice our own comfort for the sake of others. Jesus invited us in Matthew 5:48 to join Him in striving for this perfect humility. By doing so, we can have the mind of Christ Himself.
Verses and questions:
Philippians 2:5-8
- In what ways was Christ the perfect example of humility?
- How can we be humble in our daily lives and how will this change the impact we might have within our congregation and in the community at large?
Thursday: The Mystery of Godliness
It’s impossible to know everything about any topic of interest here on earth. But this is even more so when it comes to the Godhead and the incarnation. This kind of divine love seems unfathomable and impossible to fully understand.
How one member of the Godhead came in the form of man, in order to save us from ourselves, is without a question a mystery we can only begin to understand in this lifetime and beyond.
Calling it the “mystery of godliness” (1 Timothy 3:16), Paul tells us that the Son of God emptied Himself of being able to use His divine powers and was therefore tempted as we are. He not only lived a sinless, humble life among men, but He then died the most disgraceful death out of love for us all, even those who nailed Him to the cross.
Verses and questions:
Romans 8:3, Hebrews 2:14-18, and 4:15
- How did Jesus, the Son of God, show humility?
1 Timothy 3:16
- Why does Paul call what God did for us a “mystery”?
Friday: Final Thoughts
Jesus indicated in His prayer for His disciples that they must have unity (John 17). Paul also desired God’s people to be united with each other. This unity was needed if the gospel was to be preached to the world through them.
Only by having humility, esteeming others better than themselves, could this unity be achieved. Our minds must not focus on ourselves, but on Christ, the One whose life spoke of humility from start to finish.
Bonds of fellowship with each other should not only affect our actions, but our thoughts and feelings. We must think and act like Jesus in order for such a transformation to take place in our hearts and minds. Paul called this transformation a renewing of our mind (Ephesians 4:23 and Romans 12:2). 2 Corinthians 5:17 says this humility makes us a “new creation”–someone capable of working in unison with others in the church. Jesus called it the new birth, being born again (John 3:3).
Next Week: Shining as Lights in the Night
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