Untitled Sermon (2)

Introduction

Paul is now, with an earnest plea, recommending that every believer who makes up the local church to ascend their minds to the mind of Jesus. Specifically to the mind of Christ when it came to His gospel ministry.

Paul knows first hand the power of resting one’s thinking and perspective in the mind of Jesus Christ (hence where he is writing this letter).

Remember what is a stake here: 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;”

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 make available through the LIFE of Jesus.

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

Before we can “strive together” 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.

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?

Verse 5 is saying, in your relationships with one another, have the same perspective as Jesus Christ

1) The Mind Of Jesus

A. The Father and Son are ONE

One of the foundational things to our faith being a faith worth having is that Jesus and the Father are ONE!

John 10:30 “30 I and my Father are one.”

John 10:38 “38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.”

Quick APPLICATION: We who are believers are also into a kind of oneness with Christ so that we may together live in oneness.

Christ lives within YOU!

John 17:11 “11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”

John 17:21-22 “21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:”

B. Jesus’ perspective of His original glory and our need for the Gospel

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

Unfortunately, in clear view of God, other Christians and unbelievers, we find ourselves using our current positions as an advantage for ourselves.

Examples

Your money

Your family — just about being together and never about being with others.

Your sickness — just about getting sympathy and complaining and never about being a testimony about God’s grace

C. A form fit to provide our salvation

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.

D. A death sufficient for living

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

Romans 5:6 “6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

1 Corinthians 15:3 “3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”

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 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.”

2) The Exaltation Of Jesus

The burying of Jesus was the last think 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

John 13:15 “15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

1 Peter 2:21 “21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”