The Mind of Christ

Introduction

Last week we looked at the first four verses of Philippians 2. There we found the first four of five points that Paul makes that tell us how we should relate to others.

We are to be like-minded with our brother’s and sister in Christ.

We are to be filled with unconditional love (agape love).

Then we are told that we are to be one in spirit and in mind.

We are to do NOTHING out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. We do this by valuing others as more important than ourselves.

Now today we come to verse 5 of Philippians 2, and we are given the fifth attribute that we are told we should have.

If you have your Bibles, I want to encourage you to turn with me to Philippians 2 and we’ll begin reading with verse 5.

Philippians 2:5 NIV

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

The Mind of Christ

Having the Mind of Christ

Paul tells us that in our dealings with others we need to have the same mind (mindset) as Jesus had.

So what does having the same mindset that Jesus had look like?

Paul is going to tell us in the next several verses.

Jesus is God

First, Jesus was and is God! (v. 6a)

Philippians 2:6 NIV

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

Jesus knew who He was. He had NOTHING to prove! (v. 6b)

So He didn’t feel the need to use His being God for His own advantage! (v. 6c)

Jesus Knew Who He Was!

Emptied Himself (kenosis)

Because Jesus knew who He was (God) He voluntarily He made Himself nothing (Gk. emptied Himself, or took off or laid aside his Godly attributes). This had the idea of a king taking off his kingly mantle or robe--making himself a “normal” person (v. 7a).

He actually took on the very nature of a servant. Thing about this, Jesus went from creator of the universe to servant of all he created! (v. 7b)

This looked like being made in human likeness (v. 7c). Jesus was 100% God while being 100% man. You see anything less and Jesus could not have been the messiah.

Jesus Made Himself Nothing (kenosis)

Obedient to Death

Being a human allowed him to humble himself and become obedient unto death. Compare John 10:18 .

John 10:18 NIV

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Became Obedient to the Father

Jesus went the extra mile by going to the cross. The most gruesome death you could imagine.

He Went the Extra Mile

If we are going to have the mind of Christ we need to exhibit the same qualities that He exhibited.

1. We need to know who we are in Christ. We are a new creation. Check out 2 Corinthians 5:17.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2. We need to empty ourselves of our own agendas and desires.

3. We need to live our lives obedient to God. Check out 1 Peter 1:14

1 Peter 1:14 NIV

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

4. We need to be willing to go the extra mile for those around us. Check out what Jesus said in Matthew 5:39-41

Matthew 5:39–41 NIV

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

God’s Response

Look at how God responds to Jesus’ obedience.

Philippians 2:9 NIV

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

Therefore

The “therefore” refers back to the obedience of Jesus, to the Father.

God Exalted Jesus

Jesus was exalted to the highest place.

Given a name that is above every other name!

Philippians 2:10 NIV

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

At the name of Jesus—Every knee will bow.

—In Heaven (angels)

—On earth (humans)

—And under the earth (demons)

Philippians 2:11 NIV

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

At the name of Jesus—Every tongue will acknowledge (confess) that Jesus Christ is Lord.

All of this will be done to the glory of God the Father.

So What?

If we are going to have the mind of Christ this passage details how we should live.

We need to know who we are—we need to find our identity in Christ.

We need to be lay aside all of our wants and desires and empty ourselves so God can fill us with His agenda and desires.

We need to live as obedient servants of God!

And not just obedient, but we need to be willing to go the extra mile.

Finally we need acknowledge that Jesus IS LORD.

—He is Lord of Heaven! (angels)

—He is Lord of the Earth! (humans)

—He is Lord of under the earth! (demons)

Jesus is LORD of ALL!

Everything we do needs to bring glory to God the Father!