The Cruciform Life

Philippians 2:1–11 ESV

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1. We are to have the same mindset of Christ. (vs. 1-5)

Colossians 3:2 ESV

2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Paul urges the church to adopt the mindset of Christ, bridging issues and solutions. Four views on the translation of verse 5 are discussed, with the paradigmatic view being favored. The focus is on Christ's humility as a model for believers, combating selfishness. Having Christ's mindset is crucial for unity and ethical relationships within the church. This imperative statement emphasizes that all interactions should reflect Christ's thinking. Christ's mindset should govern our thoughts, leading to humility and unity among believers. The phrase "in Christ" signifies that his mindset should guide our thought processes for harmonious relationships.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Believers are urged to pursue heavenly realities, as they have been spiritually raised with Christ at conversion. The command is to set hearts and minds on things above, emphasizing new priorities and motivations. This heavenly focus is not just a future hope but a present reality, as believers are already citizens of heaven. Christ's exalted position at the right hand of God serves as a concrete basis for this new spiritual realm. Believers are called to align their thoughts and actions with heavenly priorities, allowing the Spirit to transform their minds. By filling their minds with Christ, believers allow Him to elevate their entire being, aligning their earthly existence with their heavenly citizenship.

2. We are to be empty of self and humble in heart. (vs. 6-8)

The text discusses Christ's state of humiliation as described in Philippians 2:6-8. It begins by detailing Christ's mindset before his incarnation, emphasizing his refusal to seize glory or demand recognition of his divine status. The text explores the concept of Christ emptying himself, rejecting extreme interpretations that suggest he divested his divinity. Instead, it suggests that Christ took on the form of a servant, becoming fully human while retaining his deity. The text also delves into Christ's humility, culminating in his crucifixion, highlighting his obedience to the point of death on the cross. It contrasts Christ's profound humility with human tendencies towards self-aggrandizement, portraying him as the ultimate model of humility and selflessness. The passage emphasizes Christ's willingness to serve and sacrifice for humanity, choosing the path of humility and obedience despite his divine nature.

John 1:14 gives us one of the most profound passages in all of scripture, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to earth. The Creator became part of creation. Jesus entered the dominion of darkness and became light in the darkness. We cannot fully understand it, but we can see in what Jesus did the example of how we are to live in Christ. Christ humbled himself.

If our mindset is to be that of Christ, it has to be a mindset of humility which means we have to be emptied of self. Followers of Jesus are those who do not think of themselves more highly than they ought. In the Bible, Jesus demonstrates ultimate selflessness by laying down His life for the salvation of humanity. His example serves as a model for how we should live and love others selflessly.

3. Following Jesus results in our eternal reward. (vs. 9-11)

The text discusses Christ's state of exaltation, emphasizing his humility and subsequent glorification by God. It highlights how Jesus, through his self-humbling actions, was exalted by God to the highest place, receiving a name above all names and being acknowledged as Lord of all creation. The text explains that Jesus' exaltation led to worship and submission from all beings, with every knee bowing before him. It also mentions the confession of Jesus as Lord by all creation, leading to the glorification of God the Father. The text suggests that believers should emulate Christ's humility and focus on serving others, waiting for God's vindication and blessings. Overall, the text presents Christ as the ultimate example of humility and selflessness, whose exaltation by God serves as a model for believers to follow in their own lives.

John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

The text discusses the choice humankind must make in response to Christ: belief or unbelief. Belief leads to eternal life, while rejection results in not seeing life and facing God's wrath. The passage emphasizes the importance of faith in determining one's eternal destiny. It also highlights John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for Jesus and the importance of accepting one's God-given ministry. The text concludes with a focus on the authority of Jesus, the trinitarian nature of the gospel truths, and the need for every person to make a faith-based decision regarding Christ. The overall message is that belief in Christ leads to eternal life, while rejection leads to God's wrath, emphasizing the mission to share God's salvation with the world.