Prerequisite to having the mind of Christ - Philippians 2:1-5
In order to let this mind be in us (Philippians 2:5), there are some things that we need to do that clear and prepare the way.

• Philippians 2:1 - Take inventory of the benefits of being in a relationship with the Father through His Son.


• Comfort from His Love


• Fellowship / Partnership with His Spirit


• Bowels and Mercies / Tender Affections and Compassion


• Philippians 2:2 - Pursue like-mindedness with other brothers and sisters in Christ.


• Philippians 2:3-4 - Practice humility and mutual care for other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pondering the mind of Christ - Philippians 2:5-8
If we are going to let this mind be in us, we need to understand some things about the mindset of Christ when He came to earth.

• Philippians 2:6 - Jesus understood His relationship with the Father. This gave Him a quiet confidence and joy.


• Philippians 2:7-8 - Jesus humbled Himself and became a servant of the Father, as He ministered to men.

Preparing for Glory - Philippians 2:9-16

Philippians 2:9-11 - Wherefore / Therefore
The Father has honored the humble obedience of His Son. Christ was glorified when He rose from the dead (John 7:39). He continues to be honored by the Heavenly Father and is yet to be honored by all men and angels - good or bad (Acts 17:30-31; I Corinthians 15:23-28; II Thessalonians 1:7-10).

Philippians 2:12-16 - Wherefore / Therefore
Christ has given us glory by giving us His presence within us (John 14:15-23; 17:20-23; I Peter 4:14). But that is only the beginning. We are to anticipate a greater glory that will be revealed in us when we see Him face-to-face (Romans 5:1-2; 8:16-18; Ephesians 1:17-19; Colossians 1:25-27; I Peter 4:12-13; I John 3:2). If we are anticipating this glory, then we should live up to that expectation. We should walk worthy of our calling to glory and virtue. It is hypocritical to speak of future glory and simultaneously wallow in low and shallow living now.

• Ephesians 4:1-3


• I Thessalonians 2:12


• II Thessalonians 2:14-17


• I Peter 2:9-12; 5:10


• II Peter 1:2-11


• I John 3:2-3

It is in this spirit that Paul continues to encourage the believers in Philippi to walk in the light of their future glory. They should not only walk in light, but they are also to be light to others (Ephesians 5:1-15 - especially vs. 8).

• Philippians 2:12-13 - Working out our salvation with godly fear - "working out", not "working for." See Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5-8.


• Philippians 2:14-15 - Shining the light of our lives, which are characterized by peacefulness and purity. See Matthew 5:2-16.


• Philippians 2:16 - Shining the light of God's Word - the Gospel; the Word of Life. See I Thessalonians 1:4-8.