Jesus' Mind

The Mind of Christ: Humility, Unity, and Exaltation Text: Philippians 2:1-11 Main Idea: Christ’s humility is our model for unity, obedience, and worship.

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.

Introduction: The Countercultural Nature of Humility

Statement: The world is obsessed with status and recognition. Social media thrives on self-promotion, leaders often measure success by influence, and businesses chase profits over people. Our culture glorifies power, yet Jesus—King of the Universe—chose a radically different path: humility. He willingly laid aside His divine privileges, taking on the role of a servant, washing the feet of His disciples, and ultimately embracing the shame of the cross. His life redefines greatness, showing that true honor comes not from elevating ourselves but from lowering ourselves to serve others.

This passage corrects our natural instincts and teaches that true greatness is found in servanthood. In a world that equates greatness with power, achievement, and self-promotion, Paul directs us to Christ, who demonstrated that the highest form of greatness is found in lowering oneself for the sake of others. True significance is not measured by how many serve us but by how many we serve. Jesus, though He had every right to demand honor, willingly laid aside His divine privilege and embraced the role of a servant. By following His example, we embody a countercultural kingdom ethic where humility is the true path to honor and unity in the body of Christ.

I. Unity through Identity  (Phil. 2:1-4)

"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."

A. Unity Flows From Our Identity in Christ

Paul grounds unity in the Gospel.

The "question" statements in verse 1 are not doubts but affirmations—"since" we have encouragement, love, and the Spirit, unity should be our response. Paul is not asking whether these realities exist but rather emphasizing that they do, and because they do, our lives should reflect them. Encouragement from Christ reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, comfort from His love reassures us of His unwavering care, and fellowship in the Spirit unites us in purpose. These spiritual truths are not just personal benefits but corporate responsibilities; they compel us toward a life of humility and self-sacrificial love for one another. If we truly experience Christ’s encouragement, His love, and His Spirit, then our unity is the natural and necessary response.

Christian unity is not built on personality or preference but on the unifying work of Christ. Our natural inclination is to gather around leaders, ideologies, or shared interests, but Paul reminds us that the foundation of true unity is Jesus Himself. Unity in the church is not about aligning with a particular teacher, worship style, or theological nuance—it is about centering our lives on the person and work of Christ. When we recognize that Christ alone is our cornerstone, we relinquish the divisive mindset that elevates personal preference over Gospel mission. This means putting aside secondary issues, embracing fellow believers with love, and prioritizing the shared identity we have in Christ above all else.

B. True Unity Requires Humility (vv. 3-4)

Contrast with the world: The world promotes self-exaltation as the key to success. Social media glorifies self-promotion, leadership is often defined by dominance, and personal advancement is prioritized over communal well-being. Yet, Paul directly challenges this mindset by saying, “Do nothing from selfish ambition.” This is a radical command in a culture that teaches us to climb the social and economic ladder at any cost. Selfish ambition is not just the pursuit of personal goals, but the pursuit of them in a way that disregards others. Paul calls believers to a different standard—one that values humility over status, servanthood over recognition, and unity over competition. Instead of seeking our own glory, we are to seek the good of others, following the model of Christ, who willingly lowered Himself for the sake of our salvation.

Rick Warren says, "Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."

Humility, as Warren explains, is not self-deprecation but a shift in focus from self to others. Many misunderstand humility as diminishing one’s value, but biblical humility is about acknowledging one's worth in Christ while prioritizing the needs and well-being of others. Jesus exemplifies this mindset by taking the form of a servant, willingly putting aside His divine privileges to serve and save humanity. True humility calls us to consider how we can serve those around us, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. It means listening before speaking, giving without expecting in return, and recognizing that our lives are meant to reflect God’s glory rather than seeking our own. This perspective fosters unity in the body of Christ, as it removes pride and competition, replacing them with love and selflessness.

Looking to others’ needs—just as Christ did for us—requires intentional action and a transformation of mindset. Jesus not only acknowledged the needs of others but actively met them, whether through healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or offering forgiveness. His humility was not passive but demonstrated in sacrificial love. In the same way, we are called to move beyond self-interest and consider how we can tangibly serve others. This means listening before speaking, giving generously without expecting return, and sacrificing our time and comfort for the good of others. When we embrace this Christ-like humility, we foster a community of love and unity that reflects the heart of the Gospel.

II. True Humility (Phil. 2:5-8)

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus..."

A. Christ’s Humility Begins in Eternity (v. 6)

Jesus is fully God—He did not grasp at divine privileges but emptied Himself.

J.D. Greear emphasizes: “Jesus did not stop being God; He laid aside His divine rights.”

This verse highlights the profound mystery of Christ’s incarnation. Jesus, being fully God, did not hold onto His divine privileges as something to be exploited for His own advantage. Instead, He “emptied Himself” (Greek: kenosis), meaning He voluntarily set aside the independent exercise of His divine rights to take on human form and fully submit to the Father’s will. This does not mean He ceased to be God, but that He willingly took on the limitations of humanity to accomplish redemption.

This self-emptying is in direct contrast to the world's pursuit of power and self-exaltation. The world teaches us to grasp for more—more influence, more status, more control—while Jesus shows that true greatness is found in surrender. His incarnation was the ultimate act of humility: though deserving all glory, He chose to serve rather than to be served.

In application, this challenges us to adopt the same mindset. Just as Jesus did not cling to His divine rights but poured Himself out for the sake of others, we are called to relinquish our personal ambitions and privileges for the sake of unity and service. This is not a call to think less of ourselves but to think of ourselves less—redirecting our focus toward serving others rather than seeking personal gain. In practical terms, this means laying aside our own desires, comforts, and even rights for the good of others, just as Christ did.

Living with this mindset affects every area of life: in our families, we choose to serve our spouses, children, and relatives selflessly rather than demanding our own way; in the church, we prioritize the needs of the body over personal preferences; in our workplaces, we act with integrity and humility, lifting others up rather than seeking personal recognition.

Furthermore, adopting the mind of Christ reshapes our definition of success. The world measures greatness by power and influence, but Jesus redefined it through sacrifice and servanthood. We must trust that in God’s kingdom, humility leads to exaltation—not in a worldly sense, but in eternal significance. When we humble ourselves and take on the servant heart of Christ, we align with His will, experience deeper joy, and ultimately bring glory to God.

C. The Ultimate Humility: Death on a Cross (v. 8)

Crucifixion was the most shameful and painful death.

Piper emphasizes: “Jesus humbled Himself not just by becoming human but by dying the worst possible death.”

This statement captures the depth of Christ’s humiliation. Becoming human was already an act of infinite condescension, but Christ’s humility did not stop there—He went further, embracing a shameful and excruciating death on a cross. The Roman crucifixion was designed to be the most humiliating and torturous execution possible, reserved for the lowest criminals. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, willingly subjected Himself to this for our sake.

This reality forces us to reconsider how we view humility. Often, we think of humility in mild terms—being polite, not boasting, or deferring to others. But biblical humility is far more radical. It is about self-denial, servanthood, and a willingness to embrace suffering for the glory of God and the good of others. Christ’s example calls us not just to think humbly but to act in humility, putting aside our pride, our rights, and our comfort to serve others.

Moreover, Christ’s death reveals the heart of God’s redemptive plan. He humbled Himself in obedience, fulfilling the will of the Father so that we might be reconciled to Him. If Christ, who is infinitely glorious, chose this path of humility, how much more should we, as His followers, embrace a life of self-sacrificial love? This means serving where we are unseen, forgiving when it is undeserved, and loving when it costs us something. It is through this kind of humility that we truly reflect Christ to the world.

Application: True humility means dying to our rights, our pride, and our desires. This does not mean passivity or weakness; rather, it is a deliberate act of surrender to the will of God. Jesus’ humility was not a forfeiting of His divine authority but a willing submission for the sake of others. In the same way, we are called to let go of self-interest, entitlement, and the constant demand for personal recognition.

Dying to our rights means relinquishing the need to always be first, to always be heard, or to always be right. It requires us to set aside personal ambition for the sake of God’s greater purpose. In marriage, this means serving our spouse rather than seeking to be served. In the church, it means working together in unity rather than insisting on personal preferences. In our daily lives, it means choosing self-sacrifice over self-promotion.

Dying to pride means acknowledging our dependence on God. Pride seeks control, exalts self, and resists correction, but humility bows before God in trust and obedience. When we die to pride, we become teachable, open to accountability, and willing to serve even in ways that go unnoticed.

Dying to our desires does not mean rejecting all aspirations but aligning them with the will of God. It means surrendering our plans, trusting that God's ways are higher, and seeking first His kingdom rather than our own advancement. This kind of humility reflects the heart of Christ, who embraced servanthood and obedience, trusting in the Father’s plan even unto death. When we die to ourselves, we are free to truly live—no longer seeking our own glory, but reflecting the glory of Christ in all that we do.

III. Exaltation (Phil. 2:9-11)

"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name..."

A. The “Therefore” of Exaltation (v. 9)

Christ’s humiliation led to His exaltation. His willingness to humble Himself, to take on human flesh, and to suffer the shame of the cross was not the end of the story—it was the pathway to glory. Because Jesus fully submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death, God highly exalted Him. This exaltation is not merely a return to His pre-incarnate glory, but a new status as the risen, victorious King, affirmed as Lord over all.

This exaltation demonstrates the divine reversal found throughout Scripture—where the lowly are lifted up and the proud are brought low (Luke 1:52). Jesus, who was despised and rejected, now reigns as the supreme authority over all creation. His exaltation means that He is not only the Lamb who was slain but also the Lion who rules with power and justice. Every knee will bow before Him, not out of compulsion but because He has been proven worthy.

For the believer, Christ’s exaltation serves as both a promise and a pattern. Just as Jesus was glorified after His suffering, so too are we called to follow in His footsteps. The trials we endure, the sacrifices we make, and the humility we embrace are not in vain. God sees, and in due time, He exalts those who walk in faithfulness. Our hope is not in immediate recognition or earthly status but in the promise that those who humble themselves under God’s mighty hand will be lifted up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

The principle here is deeply embedded in Scripture: "He who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). Christ exemplifies this reality in the most profound way. His obedience led to His being given "the name that is above every name," signifying ultimate authority, power, and dominion. This means that all of creation—every being in heaven, on earth, and under the earth—will one day acknowledge His lordship.

For believers, this is both a comfort and a calling. Just as Christ was exalted after His suffering, so too are we called to follow His pattern. We are to embrace humility, endure trials with faith, and trust that God’s exaltation will come in His perfect time. This doesn’t mean seeking our own greatness but rather trusting that in lowering ourselves in service to Christ, we will ultimately share in His glory (Romans 8:17).

B. The Name Above Every Name: Jesus is Lord (v. 10-11)

Every knee will bow—some in joyful surrender and adoration, acknowledging Jesus as the Lord they have loved and served, while others will bow unwillingly, recognizing too late the authority of Christ in judgment. This moment will be the ultimate revelation of His supremacy, where no one will be able to deny His sovereignty. Those who have trusted in Him will bow in grateful worship, rejoicing in the fulfillment of His promises, while those who have rejected Him will bow in regret, compelled to acknowledge the Lordship of the One they refused to follow. The choice before us now is whether we will bow in willing submission today or be forced to bow in recognition of His authority when it is too late to receive His grace.

Personal: "Before glory comes sacrifice; before exaltation comes obedience."

Every tongue will confess—Jesus is not just a Savior who offers redemption, but He is the sovereign Lord over all creation. This confession is not simply a verbal acknowledgment but a recognition of His ultimate authority, dominion, and rightful reign over heaven and earth. Those who confess Him in faith now will do so with joy and reverence, while those who denied Him in life will confess in unavoidable realization of His Lordship, yet without the hope of salvation. The gravity of this truth calls us to examine our own hearts—are we submitting to His Lordship daily, not just in word, but in how we live, love, and serve others? True confession is accompanied by surrender, where we live under His rule, aligning our desires, actions, and purpose with His will. The question remains: will we confess Him willingly now, or will we be forced to acknowledge His Lordship when it is too late?

Final Illustration: Imagine standing before Christ on that final day. Every knee bowing, every tongue confessing. The question is: Will we bow in joy or in judgment?

This moment is inevitable. Scripture assures us that every person—regardless of status, background, or belief—will one day recognize the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ. But the difference will be in the heart behind that confession. Some will bow in joyful adoration, embracing their eternal reward in the presence of the King. Others will bow in sorrow and regret, realizing they rejected the only One who could save them.

The good news is that we do not have to wait for that final day to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Today, we have the opportunity to receive Him in faith, to confess Him willingly, and to secure our place in His kingdom. Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This is the Gospel—the good news that Jesus Christ humbled Himself, took on our sin, died in our place, and rose again so that we might have eternal life.

For those who have never made the decision to follow Christ, now is the time. You can respond in faith today by praying this simple prayer:

Sinner’s Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again in victory. I confess You as my Lord and Savior. Forgive me, cleanse me, and lead me in Your ways. I surrender my life to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer with sincerity, the Bible says you are now a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Welcome to the family of God! If you have made this decision, I encourage you to connect with other believers, grow in His Word, and walk in the new life He has given you.

For those who have already received Christ, this passage calls us to a deeper level of commitment. Knowing that Jesus is Lord over all, are we actively living in obedience to His Lordship? Are we reflecting His humility in our relationships, seeking unity in the church, and serving others sacrificially? The call to follow Christ is not just about a moment of confession but a lifelong pursuit of holiness and surrender.

Let this be a moment of renewal. Ask yourself: In what areas of my life am I still clinging to pride? Where is God calling me to deeper humility and service? As we live out the mind of Christ, may our lives testify to His grace and draw others to His Kingdom.

Prayer for Believers:

Father, thank You for the salvation we have in Christ. Help us to walk in humility, seeking to serve rather than be served. Shape our hearts to reflect Jesus in all we do. May we live daily in joyful submission to Your will, bringing unity, love, and the light of the Gospel to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  .… Chapel