Philippians 2_1_11 Sermon Outline

Philippians 2:1-11 “The Proper Mindset”

Intro: ​A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a Pastor were out for a Sunday afternoon flight on a small private plane. Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble. In spite of the best efforts of the pilot, the plane started to go down. Finally, the pilot grabbed a parachute and yelled to the passengers that they better jump, and he himself bailed out.

Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining. The doctor grabbed one and said “I’m a doctor, I save lives, so I must live,” and jumped out.

The lawyer then said, “I’m a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world. I deserve to live.” He also grabbed a parachute and jumped.

The Pastor looked at the little boy and said, “My son, I’ve lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace.”The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, “Not to worry sir. The smartest man in the world just took off with my back pack.”

We often have a grand attitude of ourselves and this attitude effects all aspect of Christian life. But Paul tells us that we should have the Proper Attitude toward ourselves and others. There seems to be strife and disunity in Philippi, hence stand fast together and Strive together, there are 2 ladies who are at odds and possible causing disunity (4:2).

2:5 is the key to this pericope, the Christian is to have the mind of Christ, “Let this mind be in you.” Mind (10x) is the Greek word phrŏnĕō, fron-eh´-o; which means to entertain or have sentiment or opinion… It is the Idea of having a certain attitude or mindset… Paul is telling us that Christians ought to have the “Proper Mindset” about ourselves and others as saints

Last week we learned 3 Principles that will help us have the proper perspective during difficult times, Remember your Citizenship, Remember your Mission, and Remember your Grace

CPS: Today I want you to see that The Apostle Paul urges the Philippians to have the Proper Mindset and thus we too are to have the Proper Mindset which is the Mind of Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul Urges the Philippians to have a Mindset of Unity2:1-2

Therefore, takes us back to living the life worthy of the Gospel and Paul’s command to stand fast in one spirit and mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. He appeals to their great benefits in Christ. “If” (4x) is a conjunction which Paul uses as an inquiry to the Philippians state in Christ Jesus, the better translation is “Since.” What Paul is saying is, Since there is so much encouragement in Christ (HOPE), Since His love brings us so much comfort, Since the Holy Spirit brings us together in such a wonderful fellowship, Since there is so much tender affection and mercy in Christ… BE UNITED!!!!

Fulfill ye my joy – Joy (Chara) = State of rejoicing … by being likeminded = think the same way. It truly means to have the mind of Christ, to see things as He would see them, and to respond as He would respond. “Have the same love,” = to show the same love to others that the Lord Jesus has shown to us. It is a love that does count cost. “Of one accord,” means to work together in harmony toward one goal. “To be of one mind,” means to act so unitedly as to show that Christ’s mind is directing our activities.

ILL: Let the mind of the Master be the master of your mind.

The Apostle Paul Urges the Philippians to have a Mindset of Humility 2:3-4

Strife or Vainglory = Selfish ambition such as those in Rome preaching the Gospel out of envy and strife, though Christ is proclaimed the Church is divided! What Paul is saying is don’t be selfish but be selfless, BE HUMBLE have humility. Have the proper mindset towards yourself that the world doesn’t revolve around you. To be humble doesn’t mean to think less of yourself but to think about yourself less! Take interest in those who around you, if we all were humble and looked out for each others interest we would have no need unmet for ourselves because or brother would tend to it.

ILL: A certain sea captain and his chief engineer argued as to which of them was the more important to the ship. Failing to agree, they resorted to the unique plan of swapping places. The Chief ascended to the bridge and the Captain went into the engine room.

After a couple of hours the Captain suddenly appeared on the deck covered with oil and soot. “Chief!” he yelled, wildly waving aloft a monkey wrench. “You’ll have to come down here; I can’t make ‘er go!” “Of course you can’t,” replied the Chief. “She’s aground!”

The Apostle Paul Gives the Philippians an Illustration of the mindset we all are to have, Mindset of Christ Jesus 5-11

He Was Unified With The Father

He Was Humble For Humanity

Emptied Himself

Jesus emptied Himself of His glorious rights of God and became a Human as well for the sake of mankind so that He could do for man what only God could do for man. Only God is good enough to die for the sins of the world and only man can die for the sins of the world.

ILL: At a reception honoring musician Sir Robert Mayer on his 100th birthday, elderly British socialite Lady Diana Cooper fell into conversation with a friendly woman who seemed to know her well. Lady Diana’s failing eyesight prevented her from recognizing her fellow guest, until she peered more closely at the magnificent diamonds and realized she was talking to Queen Elizabeth!

Overcome with embarrassment, Lady Diana curtsied and stammered, “Ma’am, oh, ma’am, I’m sorry ma’am. I didn’t recognize you without your crown!”

“It was so much Sir Robert’s evening,” the queen replied, “that I decided to leave it behind.”

FOR MAN’S SAKE JESUS LEFT HIS GLOROUS CROWN BEHIND… but 3 disciple saw it on the mount of transfiguration… it was glorious!!!

He Humbled Himself (Even Death on a cross)

ILL: A chaplain was speaking to a soldier on a cot in a hospital. “You have lost an arm in the great cause,” he said. “No,” said the soldier with a smile. “I didn’t lose it--I gave it.” In that same way, Jesus did not lose His life. He gave it purposefully.

He Was Exalted By The Father

ILL: When a ruling dignitary approaches his subjects, they all rise in respect. One day as a British king entered a room and everyone stood, he said, “Please take your seats, gentlemen. I’m not the Lord, you know.”

No, Your Highness,” replied one of the group. “If you were, we would have dropped to our knees.”

The question is not whether or not you will bow, but when and where

Conclusion: The Proper Mindset is the mindset of Christ Jesus, stand united, be humble, and God will exalt you one glorious day in everlasting worship of Jesus the Lamb of God!