Focus on Philippians 2:5

We are called to imitate the patterns of Christ's thinking, attitudes, and actions that he demonstrated when He became a man, served the Heavenly Father on earth, and died on the cross. To do this, we must not only think like Him. We should think with Him (I Corinthians 2:9-16; Romans 12:1-3; Philippians 3:12-16; II Corinthians 10:3-5 cp. 12:7-10). Ours is an interactive relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ. Don't reduce this to merely living on the memories of a dead relative.

What was the mindset of Christ?

Jesus invited us into His personal thoughts and feelings. Intimacy is the only way to successfully operate with the mind of Christ. Matthew 11:28-30 offers us an invitation to intimacy.

• Matthew 11:28 - Coming to work with Jesus is not a burden. It is a relief from burden. Jesus gives rest for your soul (I John 5:3; John 6:35,63; 8:12,30-32,36; 10:7-10).


• Matthew 11:29 - The yoke that Jesus offers is a partnership - a working relationship. You will be educated personally and experience, first-hand, the blessedness of serving with humility before God (Matthew 5:3,5; 6:33; John 10:27-30; Hebrews 4:14-16).


• Matthew 11:30 - This vital yoke with Christ will allow you, not only to learn of Him, but also to depend on His strength and be encouraged (Philippians 3:1-3; 4:1-7,13).

Philippians 2:6

Jesus understood His position with the Father. He had authority and power. He operated with a quiet confidence and joy (John 13:1-17). We too have a position with the Father. It is not identical to Christ's relationship with the Father, but it is described as oneness with the Father and with His Son. This relationship that we have with God offers us quiet confidence and joy.

• John 14:1-6,23; 17:15-23 cp. I John 1:1-4
• Romans 5:1-5
• Philippians 4:4-9
• Luke 10:17-24

Philippians 2:7-8

Jesus humbled Himself. Not demanding all of the privileges of His position, He became a servant. He primarily was the servant of His Heavenly Father. But that involved being a minister to people - sinful people who were blind, ignorant, and hypocritical. He was a gentle, patient teacher. He gave of Himself to heal and to help. He did not defend Himself or retaliate against those who insulted or attacked Him. The climax of all this was the cross, where Jesus would lay down His life as a sacrifice - a ransom for our souls, so that He could bring us to God. Jesus now sends us back into the world to offer ourselves as servants to God and, in turn, to minister to men.

• Mark 10:42-45
• John 20:21
• I Corinthians 9:19-23; 10:31-33
• I Peter 2:19-25; 3:8-18; 4:12-16
• Romans 8:31-39

Remember His promise of intimacy (Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:16-20).

Considerations from Philippians 2:5-16 to be continued.