Go! And… Have The Mind Of Christ - Philippians 2:5 Series

Go! And… Have the Mind of Christ - Philippians 2:5

Philippians 2:5 (NLT) – “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

Introduction

Today, I want to speak directly to your heart about something that can transform not only your relationship with God but also how you walk in the world. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” These are not mere nice words for encouragement—they are a call to radical transformation.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Does my attitude reflect the mind of Christ? Or are my actions driven by selfish ambition, pride, or fear? Today, we’re going to explore what it truly means to “have the mind of Christ,” how it is revealed in His life, and how it should manifest in ours. And, most importantly, we will see how only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ can this transformation happen.

I. Understanding Philippians 2:5 – The Call to Christlike Attitude

Let’s read the verse again carefully:

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

The Greek word for attitude here is phroneo, which literally means to think, to have a mindset, to set your heart on something. Paul isn’t talking about a superficial politeness or merely acting “nice” to others. He is talking about a deep, inner orientation of the heart and mind that shapes every choice, every word, every action.

Paul is writing from prison to a church he dearly loves. Philippi was a Roman colony with soldiers and merchants, a place of pride, hierarchy, and status. Yet Paul urges humility, unity, and Christlike thinking among believers. He reminds them—and us—that true greatness in God’s kingdom is measured not by power or status but by humility and service.

Paul goes on in Philippians 2:6–8: “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Here we see the ultimate example of Christ’s attitude: humility, self-sacrifice, obedience, and service.

Tim Keller wrote, “The gospel is about a God who lowers himself, not a religion that raises you up.”

In other words, we reflect Christ not by grasping for status or comfort but by surrendering ourselves for others. This is radical. This is counter-cultural.

II. Christ’s Mindset: Humility and Selflessness

Humility Before God

Jesus’ humility began with His submission to the Father. Philippians 2:6–7 shows us that He did not cling to equality with God but emptied Himself. The Greek word ekenosen (“emptied Himself”) conveys an intentional, active choice of self-limitation—not a loss of divinity, but a relinquishing of self-interest.

In our world of social media, self-promotion, and constant comparison, humility seems almost revolutionary. To have Christ’s mind is to put God first, others second, and self last.

Imagine a CEO who chooses to serve coffee and clean the floors alongside her staff, not for recognition but because she values her team. That’s the Spirit of Christ at work.

Selflessness Toward Others

Christ’s mindset is not just humility before God but humility before people. He healed, served, and ultimately died for those who would reject Him. Philippians 2:3–4 says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

John Piper stated, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, and this satisfaction always results in selfless love for others.”

When our joy is rooted in Christ, we stop competing, comparing, and grasping—and we begin serving.

III. The Gospel at the Heart of Christlike Thinking

We cannot adopt this mindset through willpower alone. Only the Gospel makes it possible. Christ’s humility and obedience stemmed from His intimate union with the Father. When we trust in Jesus—repenting of sin, receiving His forgiveness, and acknowledging Him as Lord—His Spirit begins to transform our minds (Romans 12:2).

Key Gospel Truth:

Jesus’ death: He took our punishment (Romans 5:8).

Jesus’ burial: He was fully dead for our sin (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

Jesus’ resurrection: He conquered death and gives us new life (1 Peter 1:3).

Because of this, we can think differently, act differently, and love differently.

A man drowning in a stormy sea cannot save himself. Only someone else can pull him to safety. Christ is that Rescuer. When we cling to Him, we are lifted above sin, pride, and selfishness.

IV. Practical Steps to Have the Mind of Christ

Daily Humility – Begin each day acknowledging your need for God. Surrender control. Pray for His Spirit to guide your thoughts. (James 4:10)