5/25/10 Philippians 2-3
The Mind of Christ
(Php 2:5)5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
Tomorrow we will begin our 12 week study “The Mind of Christ” which comes from Philippians 2:5. The Greek word can be translated mind, attitude, think, regard, and some additional words and therefore you see differences in translations. The thrust of this passage is to have an attitude of humility which results in unity. Christ is our example in the area of humility. Many scholars believe that verses 6-11 were used in the early church as a hymn or creed concerning Christ’s incarnation, humiliation, and obedience.
As the church develops the mind of Christ our joy will be made complete, being united by the same mind and carrying out deeds in the same love, and having the same purpose. Rather than being focused on our selfish interests we must seek the benefit of one another. This is the hard part of working out our salvation. It is easy for us to come with our minds, set on what we desire and what we want, but when we consider the mind of Christ he first desired what the Father wanted and willingly gave up what he was in possession of namely his glory.
God will help you both to will and to work at having the mind of Christ. Having the mind of Christ will result in doing things without grumbling or disputing, because we recognize that God is at work in us. The more our minds become like Christ the greater unity and love we will have toward one another resulting in genuine joy. The more our minds become like Christ the more we will appear as lights in a world that is crooked and perverse.
There is so much more to understand about the mind of Christ and that is why we will be doing this twelve week study. This study will prove beneficial for those who choose to participate. Sure this study requires some extra work and effort on the part of the participant. But this is part of working out your salvation. We live in a time when we see work as physical labor, but work also includes the active engagement of the mind in the areas of reading, study, memorization, and meditation. Perhaps you do not think that those things are work, just look around at how much of our culture is based on amusement which means “not thinking.”
Prayer: Father thank you for the your working in the hearts and lives of your children both to will and to work for your good pleasure. I pray that I will work hard at developing and then displaying the mind of Christ in every area of my life. I confess of my selfishness and lack of love for others. Give me the mind of Christ. Grant me His humility, grant me His obedience, grant me His sacrificial love, and grant me His joy. Search my mind over these next twelve weeks and destroy all that is contrary to your will and you ways. Plant with in my mind those things that will grow and produce fruit in my mind and overflow in my words and deeds for your honor and glory, in Jesus name. Amen.