DEVELOPING THE MIND OF JESUS

Philippians 2:1-11

Introduction: The last couple of months have been a time in my life that has caused me to re-evaluate some areas in my own life. Amber started Bible College in Tennessee; the other two began their freshman and sophomore years in high school. As this has been going on my prayer life has intensified for my children. The chief concern that I have had is “have I trained my children to the point that they are developing the mind of Christ so they can respond when He speaks to them?”

The ideas of success that we tend to hold dear, more often than we would like to admit, are determined by what the world says and not what God says. We are a society that thinks that education is the cure all for all the problems of society, and often concentrate on the world’s philosophy much more than on Godly principles.

Jonathon Witherspoon, the first president of Princeton once stated, “Cursed be all learning that is not subservient to the cross of Christ.”

We live in a success oriented culture and readily fall prey to that way of thinking. More important for us to be highly educated in the educational system of the world we need to focus a great deal more attention to Developing the Mind of Christ.

The Bible presents to us the need to be successful, not in the view of man, but in the eyes of God.

Joshua 1:8 KJV 1900

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Note – We have already learned that if we will become like Christ, that we must “die to self.” This paves the way for yielded ness to the Holy Spirit. A man who has come to this place in his heart is ready to begin developing the mind of Christ.

Note – Of course, to develop the mind of Christ is to think spiritually.

Romans 8:6–9 KJV 1900

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Dr. Lee Roberson “If a man is to be all that God wants him to be, he must die to self and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily”

Note – Developing the mind of Christ, is not only a matter of our thought processes but also a matter of our attitudes.

Philippians 2:5 KJV 1900

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Think like a christian ought to think. The renewed mind, the mind of Christ. I must read the Bible each morning until I have the mind of Christ.

It is entirely possible for a saved person to go through life with the same mindset as an unsaved person.

Helmet of Salvation is a submissive/humble mind.

Note –We are admonished to let the mind of Christ flow through us. Let the mind of Humility and lowliness surge through us.

Note-Developing the Mind of Christ requires me to search out some things, His Position, His Decision, and His Passion.

Note – In order to really comprehend the depths of His love and compassion, we must first understand His position as the Son of God.

I. His Position v. 6

A. Eternally Pre- existent Son of God – “Being”

Note- The word “being” indicates that Jesus was already in existence before His incarnation.

An American Dictionary of the English Language INCARNATION

INC̵ARNA´TION, n. The act of clothing with flesh.

2. The act of assuming flesh, or of taking a human body and the nature of man; as the incarnation of the Son of God.

John 1:14 KJV 1900

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Note- Jesus declared, “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30)

B. God in the Flesh – “Form of God”

Note –“Form” = The outward expression of the inward nature.

Hebrews 1:3 KJV 1900

3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Note –In these phrases we see Jesus High and lifted up. Yet, the mind of Christ is an attitude that says, I cannot keep my privileges for myself, I must use them for others.

Note – ‘Others” is a key word in the vocabulary of the Christian.

Prefer one another

Bear one another’s burdens

Admonish one another

II. His Decision – verse 7

Note –Developing the Mind of Christ is a choice I must make.

Ill – Teenager with shirt, “I’m dysfunctional by choice.”

Note – His decision was to humble himself to meet the needs of a spiritually sick and dying human race.

Note – Jesus shows us the most perfect example of humility the world has ever seen.

A. He Made Himself of No Reputation – verse 7

Note – He allowed Himself to be overshadowed by the Holy spirit, and miraculously He entered His mother’s womb, and was born a carpenter’s son.

Note- He did not reduce His deity, but He restrained it in order that we might be saved.

Note – “He was made in the likeness of man”

Note – The message we see here in Philippians is, “The way up is down.” We must descend into greatness.

Note – Jesus shows Us that greatness is not measured by “self will” but by “self abandonment.”

James 4:10 KJV 1900

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

B. He Took the Form of a Servant

Note – We are not accustomed to this type of “downward mobility”

Ill – Jesus washed His disciples feet.

John 13:3–5 KJV 1900

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Ill – Are we willing to be involved in service? I heard of a pastor who challenged the men to be involved. He said, “I’m afraid some of you are taking the words to the song Take My Life and let it Be, and changing them to Take my Wife and let be.”

C. He Humbled Himself- verse 8a

Note – This was the greatest act of condescension the world has ever seen.

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Humility

The story is told of two brothers who grew up on a farm. One went away to college, earned a law degree, and became a partner in a prominent law firm in the state capital. The other brother stayed on the family farm. One day the lawyer came and visited his brother, the farmer. He asked, “Why don’t you go out and make a name for yourself and hold your head up high in the world like me.” The brother pointed and said, “See that field of wheat over there? Look closely. Only the empty heads stand up. Those that are well filled always bow low.”

Said differently, “The branch that bears the most fruit is bent the lowest to the ground.”

Note- Ministry that costs us nothing accomplishes nothing.

III. His Passion-VS. 8

Note – His passion was for our reconciliation to God.

A. He Became Obedient –8b

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 6127 Epigram on Submission

The best way to know God’s will is to say “I will” to God.

Illustration – The Garden of Gethsemane

Luke 22:42 KJV 1900

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Note – What area of the Christian life seems difficult for you to obey? What area is it difficult for you to practice the attitude of Christ? Perhaps if we were to remember Gethsemane!

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 6127 Epigram on Submission

To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge, to find the will of God is the greatest discovery, and to do the will of God is the greatest achievement.

—George W. Truett

B. He Died on the Cross – verse 8c

Colossians 1:20 KJV 1900

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Note – Many people are willing to serve others if it doesn’t cost them anything.

Ill – Missionary in Brazil once saw a sign in a market,

“ Cheap Crosses.” But there are no cheap or easy crosses to bear in real life.

Romans 5:8–9 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

As a Christian I would say to you, God has manifested Himself in the realm of Salvation, in only one way, And that is the Lord Jesus Christ!

Acts 4:12 KJV 1900

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Ill- New Christians Beware of this Broad Humanistic Road that is so often promoted!

Matthew 7:13–15 KJV 1900

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Note – If there are many ways to god, then the work of Christ was not necessary!

Conclusion

Jesus, who is an equal person of the Godhead, left heavens glory for you and for me. God has highly exalted Him and so should we.

Philippians 2:9–11 KJV 1900

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Do you know Him as Savior?

Christian, are you developing the Mind of Christ. Are you willing to leave your comfort zone and serve?

Christian, are you seeking to die to self daily?

Christian, are you seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Jesus says, If we will lose our self ambition He will honor us. If we will lose our desire for things, He will provide for us. If we will lose our desire to be in control, he will give us power to follow Him. If we will lose our life He will give us His own.