Untitled Sermon (6)

The Mind of Christ: Living in the Power of the Resurrection

Bible Passage: Philippians 2:5-11

Summary: This passage in Philippians calls believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who humbled Himself in obedience to God and was exalted as Lord of all. It emphasizes the contrast between Christ’s humility and exaltation, urging Christians to similarly exemplify humility in their lives.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to navigate their struggles with pride and self-centeredness by looking to Christ as their example. By thinking like Christ, we can embrace humility and foster unity, leading to stronger relationships within the church and a more profound witness to the world.

Teaching: The main teaching is that Christians are called to embody the humility of Christ in their daily lives, reflecting His attitude in their interactions with others and thus demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader biblical narrative, Christ is the ultimate example of humility and obedience. His incarnation, crucifixion, and subsequent exaltation illustrate God’s redemptive plan, fulfilling the promise of salvation to humanity and establishing His authority over all creation.

Big Idea: To think like Christ leads to transformative living that reflects the power of His resurrection, bringing about unity and humility among believers, and glorifying God.

Recommended Study: To deepen your understanding of this passage, consider exploring the cultural context of Philippi and how societal values may contrast with Christ's teachings. Look into different translations of key terms such as 'mind' and 'obedience' in Logos, as well as any commentaries focusing on early church dynamics that shaped Paul's letter. This will enrich your message about humility and exaltation in Christ's example.

1. Prioritize a Christ-like Humility

Philippians 2:5-7

You could start by highlighting the radical nature of Christ's humility. Though Jesus was in the form of God, He did not cling to His divine privileges but instead took on the form of a servant, becoming human like us. This suggests that adopting the mindset of Christ involves letting go of our privileges and choosing servitude. Encourage your congregation to reflect on ways they can serve others by prioritizing humility over pride.

2. Embrace an Obedient Vulnerability

Philippians 2:8

Perhaps discuss Christ's obedient humility even unto death. While human tendencies might resist vulnerability, Jesus's willingness to endure humiliation shows the depth of His obedience. In overcoming personal struggles, believers might imitate Christ's obedience by trusting God during difficult times. This offers an opportunity to emphasize the transformative power found in embracing humility and submission to God’s will.

3. Victory Through Humble Exaltation

Philippians 2:9-11

Maybe conclude by focusing on Christ's exaltation. After His profound humility, God raised Jesus and bestowed upon Him the name above all names. This illustrates a powerful truth: genuine humility leads to exaltation in God's kingdom. You could invite your congregation to live in anticipation of this truth, encouraging them to reflect Christ through humility, thus leading to unity and glorification of God in their lives.