Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. We are gathered here today to explore a profound teaching found in the book of Philippians. I am particularly thrilled because we will be delving into how we can cultivate the mind of Christ in our daily lives.

In Philippians 2:5, Apostle Paul writes,

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."

This verse is a beautiful invitation to each one of us to not just believe in Christ but to think, act, and love like Him.

As Henry Drummond once wrote, "To become Christ-like is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for, the thing before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain." This quote encapsulates our sermon's central theme today: to understand the mind of Christ and strive to show love like Him.

Let's start this exploration with a prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for gathering us here today. We pray that as we delve into Your Word, You will open our hearts and minds to understand and receive the teachings. Help us, Lord, to truly understand the mind of Christ and give us the strength to love like Him every day. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Let’s get started!

The Mind of Christ

The mind of Christ is the mental and emotional disposition that characterized the life of Christ Jesus. It is a mindset that is humble, selfless, and focused on fulfilling the will of God. As believers, we are called to adopt this mindset, to let it shape our thoughts, words, and actions.

Humility: Christ, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as a thing to be grasped. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. This humility is not about thinking less of oneself but thinking of oneself less (C.S. Lewis). It is about prioritizing the needs of others above our own. It is about serving rather than being served.

Obedience: Christ was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. This obedience was not blind or begrudging, but born out of love for the Father and a desire to fulfill His will. It is an obedience that is willing to sacrifice personal comfort, reputation, and even life itself for the sake of God's glory.

Love: Christ's life was characterized by unconditional, sacrificial love. He loved those who were unlovable. He loved those who rejected Him. He loved to the point of laying down His life for the sake of others. This love is not based on feelings or reciprocity but on a decision to seek the highest good of others, regardless of the cost to oneself.

Faith: Christ had unwavering faith in the Father. He trusted in the Father's love, wisdom, and power, even in the midst of suffering and death. This faith is not a passive acceptance of fate, but an active trust in God's promises, character, and sovereignty.

Hope: Christ had a steadfast hope in the resurrection and the coming kingdom of God. This hope was not a wishful thinking or a blind optimism, but a confident expectation based on God's faithfulness. It is a hope that looks beyond the present circumstances to the eternal realities.

Not something that we can achieve on our own: It is a gift that God gives to those who are in Christ. It is a process that involves the renewing of our minds by the Holy Spirit. It is a journey that requires daily surrender, continual dependence on God's grace, and persistent pursuit of Christlikeness.

We will inevitably face challenges and obstacles: We will be tempted to revert to our old ways of thinking and acting. We will be confronted with the reality of our own weaknesses and limitations. But we can take heart in the fact that Christ, who is in us, is greater than the world. He has overcome the world, and in Him, we too can overcome.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how cultivating the mind of Christ has transformed your life. Is it difficult for you? Why or why not?

Showing Love Like Christ

Showing love like Christ is a call to action, a directive to live our lives in a manner that reflects the love that Christ has for us ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO