LET THIS MIND BE IN
YOU WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS
Every human being is made up of
the body, soul and spirit. The spirit is what was created after the likeness of
God, such lives in a body and possesses a soul. The soul is made up of the
emotions, intellect and mind. Many actions in a human being are carried out by
the mind, and it is this mind that need to be renewed [Romans 12:1-2] while our
body must be laid down as a living sacrifice. Our mind is transformed to become
like that of Christ by taking heed to the engrafted word so that we can develop
the character or image of Christ and continue to increase in Christ-likeness in
an ever-increasing splendor from one level of glory to another.
Mindset refers to the established
set of attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs that an individual holds about
themselves, others, and the world around them. It influences how we perceive
and interpret experiences, make decisions, and interact with others. Mindset
influences our behavior, decision making and interactions; impacts
relationships that is how we perceive and interact with others, influencing the
quality of our relationships with others. It affects our mental well-being;
positive mindset contributes to a better mental well-being; mindset determines
our flexibility such that positive mindset helps us to bounce back from
setbacks.
The key components of mindset
include our attitude which are the positive or negative feelings and actions
that we have towards people, things or experiences. Our thoughts, both
conscious and subconscious, plays a significant role in shaping our mindset.
Also, our beliefs, whether based on facts or fiction, worldly, carnal or
spiritual influences our mindset and behavior; and our values, which are the
principles we consider important, also contribute to our mindset.
There are two major types of
mindsets, there is the “fixed mindset” which when people have abilities and
intelligence that they believe are inborn and unchangeable and such people
fears challenges and avoid failure. There are people who has “growth mindset”
and believes that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort,
learning, and persistence. Such embraces challenges and view failures as
opportunities for growth.
To change our mindset for a major
overhaul and do what is right in the presence of God, we will need self
-awareness which is to recognize our thoughts, attitudes and beliefs; and
always work to change our mindset for the better. The word of God must be the
plumbline or measuring cylinder by which our actions are weighed.
Believers must cultivate minding
the way their mind works so as to become more aware of their thoughts and
emotions and seek to align it with godliness and allow for positive influences so
that we can align our thoughts and actions with the scriptures and emulate the
character and attitude of Christ called the fruit of the spirit [Gal. 5:22-23].
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are
of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK on
these things” Phil. 4:8 KJV
“Finally, my dear brothers and
sisters, if you want to cooperate most effectively with God for the healing of
your mind, then always choose the truth, hold on to what is honorable, pursue
everything that is right and reasonable, practice whatever is healthy, love
everything that is pure, embrace whatever is lovely and beautiful, promote
whatever is good, and—if there is anything that is truly excellent or worthy of
praise—fill your minds with such things” Phil. 4:8 Remedy Bible
We must challenge negative
thought pattern and reframe them to align with Christ-like thoughts which are
just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praise worthy. Remember … “For
as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Prov. 23:7). If you think godly, you
shall be godly!
So, this study is about having
the same godly attitude, thought pattern and behavior that Jesus Christ had
while on planet earth. Such attitude that lines up with the word of God.
The mindset of Jesus Christ, as
described in Phil. 2:5-11, is a powerful example for believers to follow.
“Let this mind be in you, which
was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery
to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him
the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and
given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the
earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father” Phil. 2:5-11
We need to ascertain and follow
after the key aspects of Jesus' mindset as seen in Phil. 2:5-11. Jesus EMPTIED
Himself of His divine privileges, taking on human form (Phil. 2:7). Jesus
adopted a servant's attitude and mindset, prioritizing the needs of others
(Mark 10:42-45). So must all believers do also. The less conscious we are of
ourselves the more Christ-like we become. We must also EMPTY ourselves of
the human nature and character, the carnal nature or works of the flesh and
put on the spiritual nature and character of Christ (Gal. 5:22-23)
Jesus submitted to God's will in
total obedience, even when it meant suffering and death (Luke 22:42). He
remained faithful to His mission and purpose, fulfilling God's plan (Hebrews
3:2). Jesus demonstrated selfless love, laying down His life for humanity (John
15:13). He prioritized the needs of others, often putting their interests above
His own (Mark 10:45; John 4:33). He was dependent on God by trusting in God's authority
and provision, relying on God the Father for strength and guidance (Psalm
22:1). He modeled a life of prayerful dependence on God [Mark 1:35], seeking
guidance and wisdom (Luke 6:12-13). Jesus said the Father loved Him because He
laid down His life [John 10:17-18]. He always does what pleases the Father
[John 8:29]. He also said He did not speak of His own accord [John 12:49]. This
is the mindset that we as believers must have also.
Having the mind of Christ is to
come to that level in God that we can say like Christ that we also follow and
do the will of the Father like He did. By adopting this Christ-like mindset,
believers can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, demonstrate humility
and selflessness, and fulfill their purpose in propagating the Kingdom of
heaven. Having the mind of Christ is also to share the plan, purpose, and
perspective of Christ.
Jesus made himself of no
reputation and took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the
likeness of man. This passage from Philippians 2:7-8 highlights Jesus'
incredible humility and willingness to empty Himself of His divine privileges.
He did not come to earth with His power and glory. As a matter of fact, He was
not anointed and authorized for kingdom works until He was 30 years old. He
came to show us how to live a godly life and do the works of God.
Believers must recognize their
limitations and acknowledge that they are not self-sufficient and that they
need God’s guidance and strength [Phil. 2:5-6], they must let go of pride and
release their need to be in control, recognition, and self-importance [Prov.
22:4; 1 Cor. 13:4]; and emulate Christ’s humility by following His example of
obedience and selflessness [Phil. 2:7-8]
Jesus willingly relinquished His
divine glory and reputation, taking on a humble and lowly status (Phil. 2:7)
"Took upon himself the form of a servant" meaning Jesus assumed the
role of a servant, demonstrating His willingness to serve and prioritize the
needs of others (Philippians 2:7) and He "was made in the likeness of
man" by taking on human form, identifying with humanity in every way,
except for sin (Phil. 2:7-8; Heb. 2:14-17).
Jesus' actions demonstrate the
ultimate example of humility, showing that true greatness comes from serving
others (Matt. 20:26-28). His willingness to take on human form allows Him to
identify with humanity's struggles and weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). Jesus' humility
and servanthood ultimately led to His redemptive work on the cross, providing
salvation for humanity (Phil. 2:8; Rom. 5:8).
All believers must follow or
emulate Jesus' example in humility and servanthood, prioritizing the needs of
others and seeking to serve rather than be served; support, and empower others
(Mark 10:42-45; Matt. 20:26-28; Gal. 5:13). We must recognize Jesus'
identification with humanity and appreciate His willingness to take on human
form, allowing Him to empathize with humanity's struggles (Hebrews 4:15). We
must appreciate and celebrate Jesus' ultimate act of humility and servanthood,
which led to humanity's salvation through His work on the cross (Philippians
2:8; Romans 5:8). Even in leadership, we must demonstrate Christ-like
leadership by serving, guiding and empowering others [1 Peter 5:2-3]. Every
grace gift given to us is for others to benefit from it, we are custodian who
must use it to bless others.
Jesus' obedience led Him to the
ultimate sacrifice: death on the cross, a symbol of shame, suffering, and
redemption (Philippians 2:8). He willingly humbled Himself, setting aside His
privileges and glory (Philippians 2:8). He became obedient unto death and so
obeyed God's will, even when it meant surrendering to a brutal death on the
cross. (Philippians 2:8). This is the ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating His
love and commitment to humanity's salvation (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). The secret
here is that we will eat the good of the land if we are willing and obedient
like Christ (Isa. 1:19). All we are admonished to do is to become imitators of
Christ, model our lives after Him or follow His example [Eph. 5:1]; we do this
by walking as children of light (Eph. 5:8).
Jesus' humility and obedience
serve as a powerful example for believers, demonstrating the importance of
surrendering to God's will (Matt. 16:24-26, 1 Cor. 2:2). Jesus' death on the
cross provides redemption and salvation for humanity, offering forgiveness and
reconciliation with God (Romans 3:24-25, 2 Cor. 5:18-21). All believers must
emulate Jesus' humility and obedience, seeking to surrender to God's will in
their lives (Matt.16:24-26). They must surrender their desires, plans, and
expectations to God’s sovereign will [Romans 12:1-2; Psalm 37:4-5; follow God’s
teachings, principles, and guidelines, even when it’s challenging or uncomfortable
[John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6], and trust in God’s goodness by having faith that
His plans and purposes are good [Jer. 29:11], even when they do not understand
or agree with them [Romans 8:28; Psalms 23:4].
We must appreciate Jesus'
sacrifice on the cross, expressing gratitude for the redemption and salvation
He provides (Romans 5:8, 1 Cor. 2:2).
Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and has given him a name which is above every name: this is the
ultimate exaltation of Christ by God the Father. As a result of Jesus' humility
and obedience, God highly exalted Him, elevating Him to a position of supreme
honor and authority (Phil. 2:9). "Given him a name which is above every
name" that is God bestowed upon Jesus a name that surpasses all other names
in power, authority, and majesty (Philippians 2:9). So, Jesus' exaltation is a
testament to His glorification, where He is recognized as the supreme Lord and
King (Phil.2:9-11, Rev. 19:16). Jesus hated iniquity with a passion and loves
righteousness and so, the Father has anointed Him above His fellows. If we
follow suit to love righteousness, so shall we be anointed above our
contemporaries. [Heb. 1:9]
The new name given to Jesus
represents His supreme authority and dominion over all creation (Phil.2:9-10,
Eph. 1:20-23). This exaltation of Jesus will ultimately lead to universal
recognition, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Because Jesus paid the price and exalted,
we must acknowledge and submit to Jesus' supreme authority in our lives,
recognizing His dominion over all creation (Phil. 2:9-10).
Believers must join in the
heavenly chorus, worshiping and praising Jesus for His exaltation and
glorification (Rev. 19:1-6). We must proclaim Jesus' Lordship and share the
message of Jesus' lordship with others, inviting them to recognize and submit
to His authority (Acts 2:36, Romans 10:9-10).
The endpoint is that at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth. Then the ultimate Lordship of Jesus will be recognized,
where every knee will bow in reverence and submission to Him.
The name of Jesus is the trigger
for this universal recognition, emphasizing the power and authority inherent in
His name (Philippians 2:10). "Every knee should bow" This phrase
indicates the universal scope of Jesus' lordship, where every individual,
regardless of their location or status, will acknowledge His supremacy
(Philippians 2:10).
"Of things in heaven, and
things in earth, and things under the earth"
This emphasizes the
all-encompassing nature of Jesus' lordship, covering all realms of existence,
including heavenly beings (angels, saints), earthly beings (humans, animals)
and underground beings (possibly referring to demonic forces)
Jesus' lordship will be
universally recognized, with every knee bowing in submission (Phil. 2:10-11).
Jesus' authority extends to all
realms of existence, emphasizing His supremacy over all creation (Col.1:15-20).
This passage has eschatological implications, pointing to a future time when
Jesus' lordship will be fully acknowledged and established (Revelation
19:11-16) both in heaven and on the earth.
Believers must recognize and
submit to Jesus' authority in their lives, acknowledging His supremacy over all
creation (Philippians 2:10-11). They must join in the heavenly chorus,
worshiping and praising Jesus for His universal lordship (Revelation 19:1-6).
Share the message of Jesus' lordship with others, inviting them to recognize
and submit to His authority (Acts 2:36, Romans 10:9-10).
This passage from Philippians
2:11 highlights the ultimate declaration of Jesus' lordship, where every tongue
will confess His supremacy. We must
proclaim the universal scope of Jesus' lordship, where every individual,
regardless of their language or culture, will acknowledge His supremacy (Phil.
2:11)
Believers must regularly examine their
heart and actions by reflecting on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors,
seeking areas for improvement and growth (Psalm 139:23-24, 2 Corinthians 13:5).
They must seek feedback and guidance by asking for constructive feedback from
trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders, and be open to guidance and
correction (Proverbs 12:1, 15:31-32). Such must cultivate a growth mindset by embracing
challenges, failures, and setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning, and
development (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).
By intentionally cultivating
these qualities and practices, believers can develop a mindset that reflects
the humility, servant leadership, obedience, and surrender of Christ.
So, Jesus' lordship must be
universally acknowledged, with every tongue confessing His supremacy
(Philippians 2:11). Believers must confess Jesus' lordship by acknowledging and
declaring Jesus' lordship in our lives, submitting to His authority and
dominion (Phil. 2:11).
*We will get the same result that
Jesus got, if we also lived, served and are obedient to the Father as he did*
Such power and authority as in Heb. 1:9 shall be given to us.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater
works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” John
14:12
Jesus words are true and shall
come to pass, but great and greater works are not automatic for all Christians.
Only those who live like and do the works of God like Christ will do great and
greater works … loving righteousness and hating iniquity and walking in
holiness and righteousness like Christ did [Heb. 1:9].
