Having the Mind of Christ
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Introduction
Introduction
When the Apostle Paul was writing his letter to church in Philippi he was in a Roman prison. It was one of the last letters he wrote and the last letter specifically to a church. His desire for the church is that they have the mind of Christ. In the first chapter he gives his normal thanksgivings and greetings followed by how some were preaching Christ for the wrong motives and others for the right motives, but that Christ was being preached and because of that he was rejoicing. Then he turns to his unsure what path will have him take. Whether he will go home to glory soon or whether he will stay and continue to minister and preach the Gospel. Yet, no matter what happens he wants them to have the mind of Christ and that is where he begins in the first four verses of chapter 2.
Philippians 2:1-4
Philippians 2:1-4
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
English Standard Version Chapter 2
2 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.
Therefore if or if there (It is conditional)
Consolation in Christ (Encouragement in Christ)— a few weeks back we looked at Barnabas who was an encourager (the son of Encouragement). Are you someone who as a believer in Jesus Christ encourages other believers?
Comfort of Love (Comfort from Love) “has the literal meaning of speaking closely with someone, and with the added idea of giving comfort and solace. Its basic meaning is close to that of paraklēsis (encouragement); both words involve a close relationship” (MAC). Do you have genuine concern for people?
Fellowship of the Spirit (Participation in the Spirit)— Koinonia (Fellowship, Communion, Sharing). It talks of that bond that we have in Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Spirit guiding us and interceding for us.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
4. Affection and Mercy (Affection and Sympathy)/ Affection and Compassion. The deep care for one another and the mercy and compassion that God gave to us.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Many of what Paul is referring to our Fruit of the Spirit.
Same Mind
Same Mind
Paul tell the church (and churches) to have the Same Mind (Like Minded) - Maintaining the same Love, United in spirit, intent on one purpose. One Accord. One Mind.
Having unity doesn’t mean you never disagree. Having unity doesn’t mean you won’t have problem. Unity is that you are able to work together and keep Christ the focus. Asking for forgiveness, admitting when you are wrong.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
What the motivation? Selfish ambition or conceit (Self seeking) and vain glory- vanity
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
What is heart behind what you do?
Lowliness of mind (not thinking of yourself too high or too low)—don’t be exalting yourself, but also don’t be a door mat.
Esteem other before yourself (Regard others, Consider others)
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Look out for others. The world is racing to the top and will crush anyone that gets in the way. Be the person that helps those behind you and not use them as a stepping stool for your own ego.
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:5-11
These things that Paul just talked about he is going to show how Christ is the ultimate example. That we should have His mindset
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
English Standard Version Chapter 2
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.
Christ Jesus had this mind.
He was in the form (shape) it is the Greek word morphe of God.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be. For he, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his prerogatives as God’s equal, but stripped himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man. (Phillips)
Jesus IS GOD!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
Yet, Jesus didn’t consider this something that He should tightly grip or hang onto.
He emptied (willing) Himself of much of His glory.
For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
He took the form of a bondservant and looked just like any other man. He humbled Himself (true humility)—true compassion, mercy, esteeming others better than Himself.
He became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.
When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
Not My will, but Your will be done!
He obeyed His Father’s will to be the sacrifice for our sins. It wasn’t for selfish ambition or conceit. He did it for His Father’s glory. He did it for the reason He came.
Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Because of this, God has exalted (raised Him up) both from the grave and in honor!
The name the reputation of His name is above every name! Jesus, Joshua, Yahshua (the LORD saves)! At His name and His title/His reputation all will bow.
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
This is all done to the glory of God!
Philippians 2:12-18
Philippians 2:12-18
All will bow before Him, but how do we live practically now? Paul continues on.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
English Standard Version Chapter 2
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Work out your own salvation (doesn’t mean works = salvation). It has the meaning of continuing in your faith and salvation (Faith without works is dead as James would say). Living for Christ. Confessing sin to God. Saying you are wrong. Asking for forgiveness from others.
Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Understand the Consequences of Sin
The command is for believers to make a continuing, sustained effort to work out to ultimate completion their salvation, which has been graciously granted to them by God through their faith in Jesus Christ.
We do good because of our salvation, not do good to be saved.
Grumbling and complaining (we often do this, I often do this). How can live grateful lives?
We live in a crazy, crooked, perverse, and twisted world. We are to shine as lights in the world.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Hold Fast (Pay attention!) Read the Word, Memorize the Word, Mediate on the Word, Live the Word, Share the Word!
Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be God’s children, blameless, sincere and wholesome, living in a warped and diseased world, and shining there like lights in a dark place. For you hold in your hands the very word of life. Thus can you give me something to be proud of in the day of Christ, for I shall know then that I did not spend my energy in vain. Yes, and if it should happen that my life-blood is, so to speak, poured out upon the sacrifice and offering which your faith means to God, then I can still be very happy, and I can share my happiness with you all. I should like to feel that you could be glad about this too, and could share with me the happiness I speak of. (Phillips)
We are running this race. What is the motivation? Why do you do what you?
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Christian walk is not hard to do, it is impossible to do unless Christ is living in and through you. Have the mindset of Christ as the Apostle encouraged. Be light in this world. You cannot be light if you are grumbling and complaining. We know we live in a messed up world, but how can you and how can I be salt and light? Being like-minded, one accord.
So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
How can each of us have the mind of Christ in the coming week? How can love one another? How can we encourage one another to be in the light? What is your motivation? Be motivated to be like Christ.