To begin the session:
Download the “Getting Ahead” puzzle here. Make copies for all class members. As they arrive, ask them to work on it individually or with others. After all class members have arrived and have had an opportunity to solve the puzzle, reveal the answer. The word list is: ambition, manipulation, control, dominance, influence, waging war, military force, oppression, getting tough. The completed quote, from the infamous Mao Zedong, is: Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.
Move into Bible study by saying, “Many have taught that one gets ahead through aggression. The more we are willing to intimidate others with raw power, the more power we accumulate. Paul told the Philippians that there was a better way—a way that showed love for God by imitating Jesus.”
To encourage personal application:
Allow class members to work in pairs or small groups to create a personal selflessness inventory by paraphrasing parts of the text. Give them ten minutes to do so, and then have them share their work. Some items on their inventory might be:
I look for areas of common ground with others (v. 2).
I try to put any personal agenda aside when dealing with others (v. 3).
I avoid “pulling rank”—using any advantage at my disposal to dominate (v. 6).
I look for opportunities to serve rather than opportunities to rule (v. 7).
I trust God to reward me rather than trying to make a name for myself (v. 9).