Having The Mind Of Christ

Imitating Christ Humility

Philippians 2:1-11

Introduction-

This is the first Sunday of Advent .

It is the time set aside for preparation. Preparation and celebrating the birth of Christ.

We heard the Advent readings from Scripture.

Jeremiah 33- restoration of Israel, the prophets proclaimed that a righteous branch will come from the seed of Kind David. That that seed will redeem mankind. And His name will be called “The lord of righteousness.”

Psalm 25- that this redeemer of mankind , we can put our hope and trust in Him.

Show me your ways Lord, guide me in your trust.

He says he guides the humble, all the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful.

Advent is about preparing our hearts to worship our redeemer, to remember what he has done.

Advent is also a time to understand who Jesus is... the humility of our savior coming

Society today is all about power. All about being the best, getting the best. All about being the master of something or someone. Very little about humility and being a servant.

Take a marriage, if it is dominated by one having power, we see that as power increases, love decreases.

Manipulative power and unconditional love are opposites.

You have trouble at work, you’ll scream-who’s in charge

You don’t get satisfaction in a store,.... who do I have to talk to get this corrected?

We ask the question: who’s the boss?, who’s in charge? The Christian should ask- who’s going to be a servant? Where can I serve?

The mind set of the world is power, control. The mind set of God- who will be a servant?

Who will have the mind of God?

After reading the text, we should be asking.

Who is going to imitate Christ?

Who is going to have the mind set of Christ?

Who’s attitude will be that of Jesus Christ?

Apostle Paul in chains advanced the gospel, constantly living in Christ humility.

“WWJD” What would Jesus Do A lot of people wear those bracelets.

Philippians 1:27-30 read from Bible.

Do you grasp the meaning?

“Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped”

Does that mean Jesus really was not God? No

“In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”

Jesus was not created. He is the creator

We think God likeness is getting our own way, being in control, telling people what to do.

Jesus says that God-likeness is “giving yourself away” “pouring yourself out”

That is the incarnation That is why Jesus came.

We are remembering the great outpouring of God himself for mankind and our attempt at modeling what Jesus did so others could see Christ.

Jesus Christ came, did what He came to do.

He made the divine exchange.

He went from the supremacy of being God to the ultimate sacrifice so mankind could go from sinner to saint saved by grace of God.

Do you realize that Jesus is crazy about you? Most do not grasp that.

Look to the one next to you and say Jesus is crazy about you.

Love is the most transforming power in time and history.

The love that Christ has for each of us is mind blowing.

To have the mind set of Christ, to have the attitude of Christ, (v4)

“Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others”

He became nothing, he humbled himself, he became obedient.

God the Father exalted Him to the highest place, and gave him the name about every name.

Jesus Christ, Son of the living God.

Every knee will bow every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

To have the mind set of Christ, we cannot even scratch the surface.

I know it has to begin with a concern for others.

Illustrations (listen how one author describes someone who lost concern for others

Blessed are they who are too tired and too busy to go to church on Sunday, for they are my best workers.

Blessed are they who are bored with the ministers mannerism’s and mistakes, they get nothing out of the sermon.

Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church for he is part of the problem instead of the solution.

Blessed are they who gossip, for they cause strife and divisions that please me.

Blessed are they who are easily offended, for they soon get angry and quit.

Blessed are they who do not give their offerings to carry on God’s work for they are my best helpers.

Blessed are the trouble makers, for they shall be called children of the devil.

Blessed is he who has no time to pray, for he will be easy prey.