Paul encourages the Philippians and guides us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”. A mind that is humble, harmonious, joyful, peaceful, etc.
Hear Audio
TIMELINE OF NEW TESTAMENT Books
Snapshot
- Introduction
- The Mind of Christ
- Humble
- Focussed
- Harmonious
- Joyful
- Peaceful
- Discussion
Introduction
Paul wrote Philippians about 62 A.D. as he anticipated his release from prison. It was written to:
- Express his love to the Philippians.
- Appreciate the Philippians for their continued help and financial support
- Encourage their growth. [1]
The Mind of Christ
Philippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness
The Mind of Christ
Humble Mind Obedience
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Humble Mind Willingness to Suffer
Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Phillippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.
Focused Mind – Press on towards goal
Philippians 3: 13 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Focused Mind – Hold on to the Word
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Focused Mind – Count all as loss
Philippians 3:12 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Focused mind – Work to will
Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
When we work untiringly for Him
God gives us the will, and desire to fulfil his purpose
Maintain Focus
A young boy who was kidnapped from outside his Atlanta home was freed after he annoyed his kidnapper by singing a gospel song for three straight hours.
“He opened the door and threw me out,” the boy said.
Harmonious Mind – Like mindedness
Philippians 1:2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Harmonious Mind – Worthy of the Gospel
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel Ch 1
Harmonious Mind – Generous
Philippians 4:18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Joyful Mind – Positive in Adversity
Philippians 1:14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Joyful Mind – Content in all situations
Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Vs. 13 is often stated on its own without vs 12. How differently does v 13 read with and without the context of vs. 12?
Joyful Mind – Strength to Endure
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
The verse talks more about strength to endure vis-à-vis strength to achieve.
Peaceful Mind – Gentleness
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peaceful Mind – Stress free
Peace in the midst of trouble is true peace.
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peaceful Mind – Prayerful
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peaceful Mind Beautiful Thoughts
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
The Mind of Christ Discussion
- What aspect of the mind of Christ do you feel you most need to work on – humble, focused harmonious, joyful, peaceful? Why?
- Share examples of how you have worked for God and God has increased your desire to fulfil His purpose – and vice versa.
- How do you think gentleness and peace are connected?
- What steps do we need to take to truly experience joy and peace in all situations? What challenges do we face and how do we overcome them?
References
- biblehub.com