The Mind of Christ: Part I

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus...

Philippians 2:5

This very well could turn into a multipart entry. There is so much to consider and unpack in Philippians chapter 2 that I scarcely know where to begin. However, I believe that verse 5 is the most important verse in the chapter and potentially the most important verse in Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi. Every other verse in chapter 2 needs to be considered in the light of verse 5.

There are two major themes emerging from Paul’s words. The first is the necessity of unity within the body of Christ. In verse 2, Paul tells the people to complete his joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and having one mind. I imagine unity to be important if Paul repeats himself four times in one verse! There is a great need to be unified in our thinking as God’s chosen people.

To further drive this point home, Paul gives four examples of this unified thinking.

He begins, as all things do, with Jesus Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Notice that Jesus made Himself nothing and humbled Himself. He did not have to be humbled. Christ humbled Himself.

Paul then uses his own life as a missionary to the Gentiles. Paul’s example is woven throughout the letter (1:8; 1:24-26; 2:16,17; 4:17). His aim was to serve God’s people at the expense of himself.

Paul then turns to his protégé, Timothy, as an example of humility. Timothy, Paul says, had a genuine concern for the Philippian church, which was far beyond the concern of others.

Finally, Paul gives an example from among the congregation at Philippi. Epaphroditus almost died serving with Paul, and, rather than desiring the church to express concern for him, was burdened himself because of the church’s concern for him!

I find it significant that Paul gives examples from every level of involvement in the church. He uses himself as the church planter. Timothy is an elder of sorts. And Epaphroditus is just a commoner within the church. All are submitting to Christ and adopting His way of humble thinking. Paul shows three men who are unified in one mind and in full accord to add further emphasis to our need to be unified as God’s people.