The mind of Christ

July 4^th, 2016

Philippians 2:1-11

Shepherd Paul underlined that we must love one another and be humble (1-4), since our Lord Jesus overcame the world through love and humility (5-11). Therefore, Jesus is equal to God (6). Moreover, Jesus abandonned the glory and authority of the kingdom of God for sinners (7,8). God has lifted his name above all names so that every knee on earth should bow at the name of Jesus. The extraordinary texts of the Bible contain these two messages.

1. Have the mind of Christ (1-8)

It seems, due to certain people, there were problems in the church, even though these people had been established through the gospel (1-3). Shepherd Paul encouraged them saying, « 'Have among you this mind which was also in Christ Jesus' instead of looking for problems and criticizing faulty people ».

2. Jesus who came and took on the likeness of men (7,8)

Jesus abandonned the great glory and authority of heaven and took on the likeness of men in order to save them, as they were under God's jugement.

3.Jesus lived as a servant

Jesus did not live like a king. Rather, he lived his life like a servant, like a slave. Moreover, he considered himself a servant (Mark 10:45).

4. Why God has highly exalted him (8-11)

Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. But God highly exalted him so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth. Thus, Jesus became the subject of praise and adoration for all people.

Do you have the kind of faith in which, if you lived with the mind of Christ, in love and humility, you would be victorious until the end, despite momentary difficulties ? Do you believe God will exalt you like he exalted Jesus ?

Prayer : Lord ! I shed tears without ceasing when I think about the love and humility of Jesus. I give all my thanks and praise to the Lord Jesus alone.

Bottom line : Jesus lived like a servant