The Mind of Christ

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.

Big Idea: The mind of Christ leads us away from selfish ambition and into humble, sacrificial service.

Introduction

The world often tells us that the key to success is to promote ourselves, protect our interests, and rise above others. We are encouraged to seek recognition, defend our rights, and ensure that no one takes advantage of us. Humility is sometimes viewed as a weakness, while self-promotion is celebrated as a strength.

However, the gospel offers us a radically different way of living.

Paul writes the letter to the Philippians from prison, and one of his primary concerns is not his own suffering but rather the spiritual health and unity of the church. He has learned that selfish ambition and personal rivalry threaten their fellowship. Rather than simply offering better conflict-resolution techniques, he directs their focus to Jesus Christ.

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

The "mind" of Christ represents more than just a way of thinking; it embodies an entire attitude toward God, ourselves, and others. The mind of Christ does not cling to privilege, nor does it demand recognition. Instead, it willingly serves, obeys the Father, and trusts God with the outcome.

Paul demonstrates that the mind of Christ produces three things: unity through love, humility through service, and obedience through self-giving sacrifice.

1. The Mind of Christ Seeks Unity Through Love (vs. 1-2)

Exegesis

Paul begins by reminding the Philippians of the blessings they have already received. Because they find encouragement in Christ, comfort in love, participation in the Spirit, and compassion from God, they should let these gifts shape how they treat one another. These common blessings form the basis of their Christian unity, which originates from what Christ has done for them.

The four points mentioned highlight the blessings of being part of a Christian community, rooted in the work and fellowship of the Holy Spirit among God’s people. Like the Philippians, we do not create unity through our own strength. Earlier in this series, in Ephesians 4:4, we read, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.” It is in Christ and through Christ that Paul urges them to be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Paul uses the phrase “like-minded” twenty-three times in his letters. This term refers not just to intellect or ways of thinking; it also encompasses will and emotions, creating a comprehensive outlook that influences attitude. It doesn't mean that everyone has to be exactly the same. Rather, it suggests that Christian people share the same values and loves.

Scriptural Example - John 17:21 

In his "high priestly prayer" found in John 17, Jesus prayed for unity among his followers. In John 17:21, he says, "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Jesus desires profound unity among those who believe and trust in his name, which reflects the eternal unity between the Father and the Son. This unity encompasses a shared mindset and purpose, unqualified mutual love, and a sustained commitment to working together in mission, as demonstrated in Jesus’ ministry.

Jesus understood that the unity of his followers would serve as a witness to the world. When Christians love one another despite their differences, forgive one another after failures, and collaborate for the sake of the gospel, the world witnesses evidence of Christ’s transforming grace.

Application

Achieving unity can be challenging because selfish ambition often lurks nearby. We want our ideas accepted, our contributions recognized, and our preferences honored. Churches can become divided when individuals prioritize winning arguments over reflecting Christ's character.

The mind of Christ prompts us to ask different questions. Rather than inquiring, “How can I get my way?” we should ask, “How can we glorify Christ together?” Instead of wondering, “Why doesn’t anyone recognize me?” we should be asking, “How can I encourage someone else?” And rather than focusing on “What do I prefer?” we ought to consider, “What will strengthen the body of Christ?”

Unity does not mean ignoring the truth or shying away from difficult conversations. Instead, it requires us to speak the truth in love, listen patiently, and remember that those with whom we disagree are individuals for whom Christ died.

The mind of Christ seeks unity because the love of Christ transcends our differences.

2. The Mind of Christ Chooses Humility Through Service (vs. 3-4)

Exegesis

To be united with the same attitude and purpose, our commitment must come from the core of our being; it cannot be superficial. This is why Paul urges the Philippians to adopt a humble approach. They should avoid selfish ambition and vain conceit. Last week, we discussed how selfish ambition motivated some preachers who were trying to enhance their reputation while Paul was imprisoned. Conceit arises when we seek personal glory instead of glorifying the Lord. Ultimately, both selfish ambition and conceit are empty pursuits that lead to emptiness.

In contrast, Paul encourages the Philippians to be humble and to consider the needs of others before their own. Before the New Testament era, the term “humility” had a negative connotation; it was often used to describe a slave's mentality and was not regarded as a virtue. However, later in this passage, Paul presents Christ’s humility as the standard to strive for. For Paul, true humility begins with a realistic self-evaluation and an acknowledgment that all people are made in the image of God.

Embracing this kind of humility compels us to care for others' interests alongside our own. Paul emphasizes that others' concerns should become a shared concern for everyone in the congregation. The Philippians were called to imitate Christ.

Scriptural Example – John 13:14

Jesus demonstrated humility when he washed his disciples' feet. In the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus was aware of his divine origin and knew he was returning to God. Because his identity was secure, he felt free to take on the role of a servant.

He said, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). Jesus did not stop being Lord when he knelt before his disciples; rather, his act of service revealed the true nature of his lordship. This gesture showed the disciples what a life of service is meant to look like and helps to unite the family of God as the body of Christ. The disciples were bound to Christ and, through him, to one another. The same holds true for us today.

Through our baptism, we enter into a covenant with one another, forming bonds with both each other and Christ. By serving one another with a common attitude and purpose, we live out our baptismal vows.

Application

The mind of Christ encourages us to pay attention to those around us. It recognizes the person who feels invisible, listens to the one who is hurting, welcomes the stranger, cares for the lonely, and serves without seeking recognition or applause.

Paul reminds us that while we should care for our own interests, we must not focus solely on them. Christian love broadens our concern, prompting us to carry each other's burdens and celebrate one another’s successes.

This humility is not something we can achieve through sheer determination alone. It is a result of God’s sanctifying grace. As we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, God liberates us from self-centeredness and shapes Christ's character within us.

John Wesley taught that Christian perfection is perfection in love—having a heart so filled with love for God that it overflows into love for our neighbors. Such love is active and expresses itself through practical service.

The church resembles Christ most not when it holds the greatest influence but when it embraces humility, taking up the towel and basin. The mind of Christ chooses humility because no act of loving service is beneath a disciple of Jesus.

3. The Mind of Christ Follows the Way of Obedient Sacrifice (vs. 5-11)

Exegesis

Paul then moves to one of the most often quoted passages, Philippians 2:5-11. Most refer to this as the “Christ Hymn.” Scholars have debated whether or not this is a hymn Paul has adapted from paganism, a circulated statement of faith among the early church, or an original composition of Paul. Trying to analyze and debate these points goes far beyond what we have time to do today. So for our purposes, I want to focus on two aspects of the Christ Hymn.

The first comes from Philippians 2:5, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Paul goes back to what he began with in this chapter - the idea of “like-mindedness.” Paul is calling on the Philippians to pattern their lives in love and humility as Christ did. He is the model for our relationships with one another. Having the same mind/attitude/common purpose as Christ is the antidote for selfish ambition and conceit. There can be no humility until Christ’s thought-life permeates and guides our every though. Our relationships with others among the body of Christ must reflect Christ at every point.

The second aspect I want to focus on is from Philippians 2:8, “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Again, at this point we could do a theological deep-dive into the nature of God and Christology, but for us, let’s look at the action Christ took to show us the example of obedience. He was obedient to the will and purpose of the Father. He was of the same mind/attitude/purpose of the Father. Jesus obeyed even though it cost him his life. The cross was seen as a curse to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles. For Paul and other devout Christians, it was not an embarrassment. It demonstrates the extent of God’s love us. Our liturgy for Holy Communion quotes Romans 5:8, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ was obedient in order to reconcile us to God.

Scriptural Example - Luke 22:42

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” This is not the picture of a reluctant Savior, but of a God-man who knew full well the cost of being Savior. The agony Jesus felt reached its climax. The cup from which he would have to drink was not just death or physical suffering or rejection by the masses. He knew that to carry the sin of the world he must endure separation from the Father as he declared from the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” He knew there was no other way. He was fully submissive to the will of the Father.

That is the mind of Christ: complete trust in the Father expressed through costly obedience.

Application

Our obedience will not take the same form as Christ’s saving death. Only Jesus could bear the sins of the world and accomplish our redemption. But everyone who follows him is called to take up the cross.

Sometimes obedience means forgiving when resentment feels easier. Sometimes it means telling the truth when silence would protect us. Sometimes it means serving when we are tired, giving when it costs us, or remaining faithful when we cannot see immediate results.

The mind of Christ does not ask only, “What is comfortable?” It asks, “What is faithful?” It does not ask only, “What will this cost me?” It asks, “How can my life honor God?”

But the story does not end at the cross. Paul continues:

“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).

Jesus humbled himself, and the Father exalted him. One day every knee will bow—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The way of Jesus moves through humility to glory, through sacrifice to victory, and through the cross to resurrection. Christ did not exalt himself. He trusted the Father to exalt him.

We can follow Christ humbly because our future is safe in God’s hands. We do not need to grasp for status or demand recognition. God sees every hidden act of faithfulness. No sacrifice made for Christ is wasted, and no act of loving obedience is forgotten.

The confession “Jesus Christ is Lord” is both the hope of the church and the goal of history. One day all creation will acknowledge what the church confesses today: the crucified and risen Jesus is Lord of all.

Conclusion

Paul doesn’t simply ask us to admire the humility of Jesus; he urges us to embody the mindset of Christ.

The mind of Christ seeks unity through love, embraces humility through service, and follows the path of obedient sacrifice. This way of life is unattainable without grace. We cannot cultivate the character of Christ through our own willpower alone. However, the same Spirit that united us with Christ is actively working within us. God’s grace can heal our divisions, liberate us from selfish ambition, and teach us to love with the self-giving love that Jesus exemplified.

Where is Christ calling you to seek unity? Whose interests should you consider alongside your own? What act of obedience have you been hesitant to undertake because it seems too costly?

The world asserts that greatness comes from rising above others. In contrast, Jesus teaches us that true greatness is found in kneeling to serve. While the world encourages us to seize power, Jesus invites us to trust in the Father. The world chases after empty glory, whereas Jesus walks the path of humble love.

Because he humbled himself, God has highly exalted him.

May the Holy Spirit instill this same mindset within us, so that our relationships, our service, our obedience, and our life together proclaim with one voice: Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.