In Phil 2:5 Paul said, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” In Phil 2:5-8, we see what “this mind” is. A Christ-like mind is:
A humble mind – Phil 2:7-8 – “made himself of no reputation… he humbled himself.” This is not a reference to Jesus humbling himself by becoming a man as much as it is a reference to him humbling himself after becoming a man. Look at verse 8. “Being found in fashion as a man,” is the first thing. “He humbled himself” is a subsequent thing. And notice that he humbled “himself.” “He made himself of no reputation.” God didn’t humble him. He humbled himself.
His ministry here was not about him. When he healed people it was for their benefit. He didn’t draw attention to himself. He quieted the devils when they testified that he was the Son of God. He did all things to the glory of his Father. He wasn’t trying to get up a big following, though the multitudes followed him. He invested the bulk of his time in twelve men, so that they could carry on the work following the completion of his ministry. As a final emphasis on the need for humility, he girded himself with a towel and washed their feet.
Our lives should not be about us. Just think of the many ways pride manifests itself in your life, in an argument with someone, while your driving, in your workplace, after a hunting or fishing trip, in your thoughts. Like Christ, we must humble ourselves. If your life is not about you then, and only then, can it be about someone else. Your life can and should be about God, first, and others, second, all the time.
A submissive mind – Phil 2:7 – “took upon him the form of a servant.” A submissive mind is a mind that is willingly in subjection to God. You’re not a robot; robots don’t have a mind. You’re not surrendered; defeated soldiers are surrendered. And then they must do what their captors demand. A submissive person willingly puts himself or herself in subjection to another. A submissive wife willingly submits to her husband. Jesus said, “Come unto me… take my yoke.” Paul wrote, “present your bodies a living sacrifice,” Rom 12:1.
Our lives should be submitted to God. Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid? Chorus: Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid? Your heart does the Spirit control? You can only be blessed and have peace and sweet rest as you yield him your body and soul. Take my life and let it be. Take my life and let it be, Consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my hands and let them move, at the impulse of Thy love, at the impulse of Thy love. Take my will, and make it Thine, It shall be no longer mine; Take my heart, it is Thine own; It shall be Thy royal throne, It shall be Thy royal throne.
An obedient mind – Phil 2:8 – “and became obedient unto death.” According to Heb 5:7 obedience is something that Jesus had to learn, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”
When our minds are humble and submissive, we are then more suited to obey. When the Lord knows you want to obey him, he is more willing to reveal his will to you. Some people complain that they don’t know what God wants them to do. He wants you to know but do you want to know? The Spirit leads God’s children. But it seems some are being drug along like a disobedient child.
Our obedience should be a moment by moment, day by day, obedience. What do you want me to be doing right now Lord? Dave Eubank started an organization called Free Burma Rangers. They are a humanitarian and gospel spreading group helping internally displaced people in Burma, Iraq, Syria and other places. They work right on the front lines of war torn countries to provide medical aid and supplies to those who are wounded and who have been displaced. When Eubank was led to go to Iraq, he drove to Mosul and found the Iraqi General in charge of the troops in the Iraqu army fighting against ISIS. After a brief interview with him, Eubank asked if he could pray. The Lord impressed him to get on his knees and pray. Eubank didn’t want to obey, fearing he would look like a nut case to the general. Nevertheless, he complied. After he rose from prayer the general said something like, “Now I know that you fear God. You can go anywhere in our country that you want to go.”
God opens doors for those who are willingly obedient to his will. Jesus willingly obeyed to be crucified. He “became obedient unto death even the death of the cross.”
Conclusion: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Humble yourself right now. Submit yourself right now. Obey the Lord right now. And don’t give up when you mess up in one of these areas. Confess it and get right back on track.