Reaching Forward With One Mind

Text: Philippians 2:1-11

Introduction

(SIT OUT AN EMPTY CHAIR)

Q — Have you ever known what it is like not to have the same perspective on how to lead your family than your spouse? That is one thing I establish in marriage counseling. You are going to need someone who is much wiser than you to bring your minds together prior to getting married because you are going to have to lead together through a lot of life’s challenges!

Amos 3:3 “3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

I hope you can hear the cry of the Apostle Paul!

The main thrust of this chapter is to further the gospel of Jesus Christ! — Philippians 1:27 “27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

Philippians 2:20–21 “20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”

Here is a reasonable thought: If the gospel is a result from unity between Father, Son and Spirit, then it is fair to say, our unity to the mind of Jesus will develop a life (individually and collectively) that will be sold out for advancing His gospel.

The kind of unity Paul has recommended in the previous four verses converges on ONE PERSON; JESUS CHRIST!

What is so special about Jesus’ mind?

One’s actions always speaks to what was first in one’s mind.

Paul is explaining how the GOSPEL was FIRST resolved in the MIND of Jesus before it was made available through the LIFE of Jesus.

Whatever takes ROOT IN THE MIND will bear FRUIT through the BODY.

Before we can “Reach Forward” PHYSICALLY, we must reckon ourselves to that commitment in our MINDS first.

Paul supports his recommendation by reminding these believers about the LIFE LIVED by Jesus.

Illustration: When downloading software, the progress bar shows how much of the program has been installed. Paul is essentially asking, "How much of Christ's mind has downloaded into your life?" Some believers are stuck at 15% - they have salvation but haven't allowed the full operating system of Christ's mindset to install.

YOUR QUESTION: Can you honestly say (individually and collectively) that the mind of Christ is seen by your life? Is your life reflecting the mind and life Jesus lived; a mind and life surrendered to the Father’s gospel purpose?

1) The Ambition For The Single Mind

There was a joy that Paul was encouraging the believers to experience (v2-4)

The joy Paul was talking about was in short supply on the mission field. It was extremely discouraging. He did not want them to experience the same discouragement

Philippians 2:20–21 “20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”

Paul was calling them to a mind that was likened unto Jesus.

A. The joyful work of like-mindedness

The mind of Jesus should create traction toward what pleases Him: No vanity, lowliness of mind, lifting others up, put others before yourself, servanthood, humility, obedient.

If the mind of Jesus led Him victoriously through temptation, rejection, abandonment, and injustice, how well do you think you would reach forward this year if you thought like Him?

a) We must have encouragement (v3)

How many of you would say that there is much encouragement in Jesus Christ?

Consolation = encouragement

I am encouraged every day to get up and face whatever life and the devil throw my way.

I am encouraged to get up and pray, read my Bible, tell my wife and children “I love you,” set a solid schedule to serve my church family, etc...

You have so many promises in Jesus Christ!

We are motivated by the encouragement found in Jesus.

Home life:

You better have you mind ready leading up to Sunday morning getting ready for church!

The devil attacks at that time every time!

church life:

Being with your church family should be a time that guarantees being encouraged.

No one should ever leave saying, “They were rude.”

b) We need a reciprocating love between us (v2)

Comfort of love = feeling of affection

Has Jesus brought a comforting love to you?

Romans 5:8 “8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus’ heart beats for the souls of humanity.

You and I should be motivated by the love of Jesus.

You got to remember that everyone is “human!”

One of the worst things you can say is this, “I would never do what they did! If they were a real Christian, they would not have done that.”

c) We need believer’s participating with God’s Spirit

Fellowship of Spirit = participation

Has God’s Spirit participated in the salvation of your soul?

He has convicted you of sin.

He has revealed the truth about your humanity.

He has revealed the gospel to you.

He applies dwells within you the moment of faith.

He keeps you until Jesus redeems you.

This should motivate us to participate with God’s Spirit

The Spirit does not do His work through strife or vanity.

This is something that begins with your prayer life: private and together.

You need to realize the kind of person you are: weaknesses, and besetting sins.

Challenge - Pray with your spouse. However, let them pray allowed, describing how God needs to help you. Be fair, kind, and with the purpose of their growth and God’s glory.

Q — How often do your children see you both participating with the Spirit?

Some kinds grow up thinking that arguing with one another and being vengeful is the way marriage and family life is supposed to be.

d) We need to reciprocate mercy

How many of you believe that Jesus has been merciful to you?

bowels of mercy = a deeply felt compassion

Mercy = not giving you what you do deserve

There are a lot of people (including you) who deserve a whole lot worse than what you are currently experiencing!

If that includes all of us, we must choose to operate in the mind of Jesus!

Instead of thinking on what someone deserves, think on what you don’t deserve. Whatever that is, extend that to them.

e) We need to extinguish selfishness and vanity

How many of you believe that Jesus never operated in selfishness?

LISTEN...He could have stayed in heaven!

Strife = selfish ambition

Vain glory = vanity

Illustration: Selfish ambition is living life looking in a mirror - everything reflects back to you. The mind of Christ is living life looking through a window - seeing others' needs and God's purposes beyond yourself. Jesus never looked in the mirror; He always looked through the window at our need.

Application: Count how many times this week you make decisions based on "mirror thinking" vs. "window thinking."

2) The Attitude Of Jesus’ Mind

A. Jesus’ perspective of His original glory and our need for the Gospel (v6)

The truth is, for Jesus to remain in His eternal heavenly glory, would equal to us never having hope to escape the torments of hell.

If Jesus came in his original glory, his eminence (closeness) to us would never be a reality.

Jesus would never be able to bear our sins upon himself.

Notice Jesus’ perspective:

Jesus had no desire to use His equality with the Father to His own advantage.

In other words, Jesus didn’t view His glory as a way to escape what it would take to provide sinners salvation.

APPLICATION

Many Christians are not willing to step out into an uncomfortable place in service to their Savior!

Q — Is that why some of you have yet to step out and help fill our vacant teaching vacancies?

B. A form fit to provide our salvation (v7)

Jesus, motivated by His unity too and love for the Father, TOOK the form of a servant upon Himself.

Thoughts about Jesus emptying Himself…

Paul is describing the volitional “emptying of Christ.”

Jesus temporarily emptied Himself of His original glory in efforts to fulfil the law and therefore pay our debt and return to His former glory.

He emptied Himself that He may FILL US with HIMSELF.

APPLICATION — As Jesus took on the form of a servant, we are to take on the FORM OF JESUS; SERVANT.

Jesus was a servant for the Father in order to be a Savior for us.

Jesus was a servant so we may too take on the proper form of a servant (authentic servanthood).

To be “shaped by the gospel” is for our mind and life to be poured into the mold of Jesus’ mind and life.

Illustration: The mold of mine and Andie’s hands.

C. A death sufficient for living (v8)

“fashion as a man” — Everything about Jesus looked like everyone else, but there was something vertically different from anyone else!

Oh how we need people to live like that today!

“he humbled himself”

2 Corinthians 8:9 “9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

2 Corinthians 13:4 “4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.”

“became obedient unto death”

The further you read about his life, the more it becomes evident that he lived obediently to the Father.

His obedience became brighter with every passing trouble the world threw at Him.

Q — Are you “becoming” obedient? Jesus’ humanity illustrates that obedience is something that begins on the inside and shown outwardly as life goes on.

There was no distance Jesus would not travel nor pain He would not endure for the sake of providing a saving gospel.

Hebrews 12:2 “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Illustration: One pastor complained that his men were changing the words of the hymn from “Take my life and let it be” to “Take my wife and let me be!” They were willing for others to make the sacrifices, but they were unwilling to sacrifice for others. [Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 76). Victor Books.]

It’s not the place of a Christian to bow out of serving others or with others when it begins to cost them something!!!

Quote: Dr. J.G. Jowett said, “Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing”

Quote: Warren Wiersbe said, “If there is to be any blessing, there must be some “bleeding.”

3) The Ascension Of Jesus

At the ascension we recognize Jesus’ exaltation!

The burying of Jesus was the last thing man’s hand did to Him.

It was men who did their worst to the Savior.

It was men who gave Him names of slander and ridicule.

In His past humiliation, He was given the name JESUS, but in His exaltation, He was given the name LORD!

Confession today = receiving salvation

Confession at the judgement = condemnation

The salvation of sinners is the grand purpose of Jesus’ gospel, but our salvation has it’s ultimate purpose in God receiving glory.

Conclusion

Believer — Describe the purpose of the empty chair. If Jesus were sitting there in your home, would He see His mind being lived out?

Unbeliever