Let This Mind Be in You (Philippians 2:4-11)

2022-08-04

One aspect of Christianity is being focused on others. Focusing on others is the practical result of an objective doctrinal teaching. Consider Philippians 2:4-11, which is thought to be an ancient creed that Paul incorporated into his letter to enhance this teaching.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (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. (Philippians 2:4-11)

We know that Jesus was the Son of God and equal with God, but He chose to become a human being and essentially a poor nobody. He came to serve. He was born in a trough and not a palace. He was tortured to death. He rose to life again to exaltation and greatest authority.

There are obvious differences with us. We are not God, and we will not be exalted with the authority of Jesus Christ. However, if we are to walk in the life given to us by Christ, it calls for the humility of Christ. It involves picking up our cross daily. We do not promote self; we embrace our death with Christ. Philippians 2:4-11 is the blueprint for the life of every Christian in this respect.

This is the incarnational model of service: Being dead to self to be free for the service to others.