Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, January 24, 2026.

Central Theme: This week, we’ll look at the biblical basis for unity in the church, focusing especially on the amazing condescension of Jesus, the lessons we can gain from beholding Him, and how we can grow to be more like Him.

Read in Class: Philippians 2:1-4. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What factors seem to have led to disunity within the church? What practical steps does Paul urge to have unity in the church?

Apply: What kind of death to self would lead us to where we, indeed, esteem others better than ourselves? How can we learn to do that? How different would our relationships be if we all lived like that?

Share: Your friend asks you if you have ever known anyone who was so humble that it reminded you of Jesus? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 2:5.

Study: What do you think it means to have the “mind” of Christ?

Apply: Why is it so important that we follow what Paul tells us here: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8, NKJV)?

Share: Your friend says that we are all human, so there is no way we can really have the mind of Christ. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Romans 12:1-21.

Read in Class: Philippians 2:5-8. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is Paul saying to us here? What are the implications of these words? Most importantly, how do we apply the principle expressed here to our own lives?

Apply: How should we respond to what Christ has done for us, as depicted in Philippians 2:5-8? What response could possibly be “adequate” or worthy of what Christ has done for us, perhaps other than to fall on our knees and worship? Why is it so wrong to think that our works can add to what Christ has already done for us?

Share: Your friend says he thinks the reason so many people have trouble being humble is that they think it is humiliating to be humble. Is there a difference between being humble and being humiliated? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Romans 8:3, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Hebrews 4:15.

Study: What characterized Jesus’ condescension and His taking of human nature?

Apply: How can, and should, focusing on what Jesus did for us at the cross–seeing the cross as our example of surrender and humility–make us more humble, as well as more submissive to God?

Share: Your friend says, 1 Corinthians 8:2 says, “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” Your friend asks what that is saying. Does it mean we are not supposed to act like we know anything? What do you tell your friend?

Mission: Ask yourself what specific changes you can make to show more humility at your work, school, church, and family. Share these specific changes with God and ask for His help.