The Mind of Christ: A Call to Humility and Unity

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We come into Your presence today with hearts full of gratitude and awe, lifting high the name of Jesus, the One who humbled Himself to serve, to love, and to save. You have called us to be of one mind, united in love and purpose, and we ask that Your Spirit would move among us to draw us closer to You and to one another. As we gather to worship, remind us of the humility of Christ, who did not cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself, becoming a servant for our sake. Inspire us to follow His example—to live in humility, to consider others above ourselves, and to serve with joyful obedience. Lord, we exalt the name of Jesus, the name above every name. In this time of worship, may every knee bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to Your glory and honor. Let our voices, our hearts, and our lives reflect the unity and love You have called us to in Christ. Prepare our hearts to receive Your Word, shape our lives by Your truth, and empower us to leave this place reflecting the mind of Christ to the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray and worship. Amen.

Introduction:

As we begin, let’s reflect back on the powerful example Paul set in the previous passage, Philippians 1:13-30. In those verses, Paul shares how his imprisonment has served to advance the gospel and embolden others to preach Christ. Despite his hardships, Paul maintains a deep joy and a sense of purpose, finding strength and unity with his fellow believers in their shared commitment to the gospel. He urges the Philippians to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith.

This call to unity and steadfastness is not just about survival; it's about embodying the humility and resilience of Christ. Paul’s life, even in prison, becomes an invitation for us to look beyond our circumstances and choose a Christ-centered unity and courage. This brings us directly into Philippians 2, where Paul shifts from personal testimony to a broader call for believers to adopt the same attitude of humility and unity exemplified in Christ.

Today, as we dive into Philippians 2:1-11, let’s consider how we, too, are called to live with the "mind of Christ"—in humility, in unity, and in joyful obedience—so that, like Paul, we can live lives that reflect the heart of the gospel.

Philippians 2:1–11 (ESV)

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

Philippians 2:1-11 offers a profound theological vision centered on Christ’s humility, unity, and self-giving love. Paul urges believers to live in unity and humility, valuing others above themselves, mirroring Christ’s sacrificial love.

In the "Christ hymn" (vv. 5-11), Paul describes Christ’s humility: though fully divine, He “emptied Himself,” taking on human form and obediently accepting death on a cross. This act reveals God’s self-giving nature, where true greatness comes through humility. In response, God exalts Christ, affirming that Jesus is Lord—a title that brings glory to God and serves as a model for all believers.

1. Encouragement for Unity and Love (vv. 1-2)

Philippians 2:1–2 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Paul contrasts selfish ambition with humility, calling believers to consider others' interests, (but not if it is contrary to the word of God or it leads to sin). Right out the first two verses is a powerful call for unity and selfless love within the Christian community. Paul begins by appealing to the shared blessings believers experience in Christ—encouragement, love, fellowship in the Spirit, and compassion. These spiritual gifts form the foundation of his plea for the church to live in unity. Paul reminds the Philippians of the comfort and hope they have in Christ, urging them to reflect this encouragement in their relationships with one another.

Comfort from Love: The love believers receive from God should inspire a deep, unifying love for one another. Let’s look at the word encouragement and comfort for a minute. These words have are intertwined because they have the same meaning. In the Greek they both mean consolation. Encouragement is joy and gladness. Comfort is gentle cheering and consolation. Is Paul repeating himself in the first two verses?

Ok, let us go to the word love. Agape is used in this passage. It is the same word that Christ used to restore Peter in John 21:16 “He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”” This Agape (love) that Paul refers to is a deep, unconditional, self-sacrificial loved. He is telling the Philippians to Agape from comfort in participating in the Spirit. He gives them the definition of unity. “Being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” With that unity comes love and with that love comes unity.

How do we have this agape love in unity and love? Participation in the Spirit: This shared participation in the Holy Spirit creates a bond that surpasses human differences, empowering the church to live in harmony. Paul emphasizes that unity is not just an ideal but a practical expression of joy for leaders and the church. Being "of the same mind, having the same love," and working "in full accord" requires a Christ-like attitude where personal ambition is replaced with humility and a concern for others' well-being. How does your life reflect the unity and love Paul describes? Are there areas where selfish ambition or discord needs to be replaced with humility and compassion?

2. The Call to Humility (vv. 3-4)

Philippians 2:3–4 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

In these verses, Paul offers a deeply convicting call to humility rooted in the gospel of grace. For those of us in the Reformed tradition, this passage aligns with our understanding of God’s sovereignty and the depravity of man, driving us to respond in humble submission to Christ and in selfless love for one another.

Philippians 2:3–4 calls believers to a life of humility and selflessness, a calling deeply rooted in the gospel and the doctrines of grace. This humility begins with a proper understanding of our total depravity and God’s sovereign grace. By nature, we are inclined toward selfish ambition and conceit, prioritizing our own desires above the needs of others. Yet, through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit, believers are transformed, enabled to mortify sin and walk in newness of life (Romans 8:13). This transformation is grounded in the gospel, which reminds us that salvation is not earned through human effort but is entirely a gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). Recognizing this undeserved mercy frees us from self-exaltation and compels us to reflect Christ’s humility, knowing that all we have and all we are comes from Him.

True humility is best understood in light of Christ’s example. Though He is the eternal Son of God, sovereign over all creation, He humbled Himself by taking on human flesh, living as a servant, and submitting to death—even death on a cross (Philippians 2:5–8). This ultimate act of selflessness becomes the pattern for believers, calling us to count others as more significant than ourselves and to seek their interests above our own. Such selflessness is not natural to fallen humanity but is a fruit of sanctification, the Spirit’s ongoing work in conforming us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). As we live in this way, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel, reflecting God’s providential love for the world and glorifying Him in our relationships and communities. This humility and selflessness not only build unity within the church but also serve as a powerful witness to the world, pointing to Christ as the ultimate servant and Savior, all to the glory of God alone (Soli Deo Gloria).

3. The Mind of Christ (vv. 5-8)

Philippians 2:5–8 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Paul presents the ultimate model of humility and selflessness in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He exhorts believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ, one characterized by voluntary humility, sacrificial obedience, and unwavering submission to God’s will. This call to adopt the mind of Christ emphasizes the centrality of Christ’s humility and self-sacrifice in the life of the believer. These words highlight Christ's divine nature as the eternal Son of God who, though fully equal with the Father, did not cling to His glory. Instead, He willingly emptied Himself, taking on human flesh and the form of a servant. This kenosis (self-emptying) is not a relinquishing of His divine nature but a veiling of His glory for the purpose of redemption, demonstrating unparalleled humility and obedience to the Father’s will.

Charles Spurgeon’s words, "The Bible sanctifies and molds the mind into the image of Christ," profoundly resonate here. Christ’s mindset of humility, as described in Scripture, becomes not just an example but a transformative standard for believers. Through the sanctifying power of the Word, the Spirit conforms our thoughts and attitudes to align with Christ’s, shaping us into His image.

Christ’s incarnation and atoning work stand at the heart of the believer's salvation and sanctification. His obedience unto death, even death on a cross, exemplifies both the depth of God’s love for His people and the ultimate standard for Christian living. As those united with Christ through faith, believers are called to reflect this mindset, rejecting self-exaltation and embracing sacrificial service for the glory of God. This Christ-centered humility is both the model and the means by which the church grows in unity and holiness, testifying to the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ alone in all things (Soli Deo Christo).

4. Exaltation Through Humility (vv. 9-11)

Philippians 2:9–11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Paul transitions from Christ’s ultimate humility to His divine exaltation, revealing the profound truth that exaltation comes through humility. Because Christ perfectly obeyed the Father, humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross, God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name above every name. This name, recognized universally, declares Jesus as Lord, sovereign over all creation. His exaltation demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan, where the obedience of Christ results in the vindication of His glory and the redemption of His people. This exaltation is not merely recognition; it is the rightful restoration of Christ’s supreme authority, now fully revealed as both the suffering Savior and reigning King. All will acknowledge His Lordship, as every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, both in heaven and on earth, to the praise of His glory.

The passage magnifies God’s ultimate purpose: His own glory. The entire narrative of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation flows from the divine decree to reveal God’s righteousness, grace, and power. Christ’s submission to the cross highlights His obedience to the Father’s will, while His exaltation as Lord glorifies the Father’s sovereign plan. The universal confession of Christ as Lord points to the inescapable truth that all of creation exists to glorify God. For believers, this passage is both a call to worship and a model for life, showing that true greatness is found in humble submission to God. As we embrace the mind of Christ, live in obedience to His will, and exalt His name above all else, we fulfill our ultimate purpose: to glorify God alone (Soli Deo Gloria).

Conclusion:

Philippians 2:1–11 ppaints a breathtaking picture of the gospel lived out through humility, unity, and selfless love, culminating in the exaltation of Christ to the glory of God the Father. At its heart, this passage calls us to adopt the mind of Christ, who willingly set aside His divine privileges to become a servant, humbling Himself in obedience to the Father, even to death on a cross. Through His humility, Christ accomplished our redemption, and in His exaltation, He is revealed as Lord over all creation, deserving of universal worship. For believers, this passage is both a theological cornerstone and a practical mandate—to live in humility, serving one another and submitting fully to God’s will. As we reflect Christ’s example and proclaim His Lordship, we join in God’s ultimate purpose: to glorify Him in all that we are and all that we do. This is the high calling of the gospel and the ultimate aim of our lives—Soli Deo Gloria.

As we consider this calling, let the words of the hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," echo in our hearts: "Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all." May the humility and selfless love of Christ compel us to surrender fully to Him, living lives that reflect His glory and proclaim His Lordship to a watching world.

Closing Prayer

Dear Gracious Father,

We thank You for the powerful truth found in Philippians 2:1-11. Through these words, You have revealed the heart of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself to serve, love, and redeem us. Lord, we are in awe of His selflessness, obedience, and willingness to lay down His life for us.

Help us, Father, to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus—a mind of humility, unity, and love. Teach us to put aside our selfish ambitions and value others above ourselves. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may walk in obedience to Your will and serve others with joy and grace.

May Jesus's example transform us and lead us to reflect His character in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Empower us to be people who shine brightly for You, lifting up the name of Jesus, the name that is above every name.

We ask that You continue to work in us, molding us to be more like Christ and giving us the courage to follow Him faithfully. May our lives bring You glory and lead others to know the love and salvation found in Your Son.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.