Philippians 2:1-11
Thursday, 24 February 2022
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 2:5
“Let me be more like Jesus” is the prayer of most believers and ‘to have the mind of Christ’ is a disciple’s ardent desire. It is with the same desire that the Apostle Paul entreats us to pursue-the very attitude that Christ Himself portrayed (Phil.2:5). We who, in Christ have been blessed with the encouragement of being with Him, the comfort of His love, the fellowship of the Spirit and an affectionate and compassionate heart- are urged to endeavor to have the mind of Christ. Let us understand the mind of Christ and strive to follow His example.
A Mind of Love (Vs 1-2)
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love… fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love…” It was His attitude of agape love that enabled Christ to come down from the heavenly throne, to the confines of an earthly body, who suffered and died as a substitute for our sins. Do we have that unconditional love to share Christ with the lost? Do we encourage and build up our brethren in love? The greatest command He gave us is to love (Matthew 22:37-39).
A Mind of Unity (Vs 2-4)
“… being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” His desire is that we will live in unity and fellowship, sacrificing selfish interests for our dear brethren, just as He gave His everything for us. In John 17:20-26 Jesus prays that everyone who believes in Him be united and made perfect as one, with the Father and the Son. Let us strive for such unity and fellowship that overlooks personal interests and shows care for others.
A Mind of Servanthood (Vs 6-7)
‘who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.’ Drawing a parallel to Christ as the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, this portion portrays the servanthood attitude of Christ. Jesus Christ, the Son of God- God Himself forsook all the glory and honor of Heaven to come as a human being, the suffering servant who came to serve and minister to the lost. He taught us, “…whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant…. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45) Can we empty ourselves of pride and wrong attitudes so that we can serve God and others in love?
A Mind of Humility (Vs 8)
‘And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.’ Christ’s humility and obedience shows an absolute submission to the Father’s will – He did nothing of His own accord, but sacrificed every privilege to fulfill the Father’s will, even to the point of death for the redemption of sinful man. He says, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34) Let us follow Jesus’ example of humility that is gentle and kind to all.
To have the mind of Christ is to think as He thinks and live as He lived – to live a transformed life that portrays His example of love, fellowship, servanthood and humility.
To Act on:
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” (Colossians 3:12)
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