Having the Mind of Christ Text: Philippians 1:27-30, 2: 1-8
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict, which you saw in me and now hear, is in me. Phil. 2: 1-4 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Paul understands that there is just one cure for humanities problems, and that is the gospel of Christ! The good news of Jesus Christ can and will heal every hurt. Those who have ill will or an ego plus a problem with being self centered can only be healed by letting go of their agendas and motives, and choosing to place their priorities around Jesus Christ! I think it’s safe to say that Christ aways had other’s on His mind.
Remember in this day and time, the gospel was being attacked, and Christians needed each other!
Vs. 27 ask the question, “Is our conduct worthy of the gospel?”
Phil.1: 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
Someone who is in persistent opposition to the church and the gospel is a sure sign of eventual destruction. Opposition to Christ is rejecting the only way to salvation and the only way to heaven!
In the same way, when Christians are persecuted for their faith, it becomes a sign of their genuineness of their salvation!
Have any of you felt like you have been persecuted for your faith in Christ?
Phil. 1: 29-30 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
According unto the scriptures we have been given faith as a blessing, but also we are granted to suffer as a gift or privilege just as Paul and Christ suffered!
Jesus said in, Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Acts 5:41So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
I Peter 4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
Police in China’s Xinjiang region jailed the 11 minors and two adults on charges of involvement in an “illegal religious gathering.”
The China Aid Association (CAA) broke the story and also reported that these 13 Christians were transported to detention “in freezing weather and were not allowed to bring adequate clothing."
One of the jailed minors is 16-year-old Lou Nan, daughter of pastor Lou Yuanqi, who leads a house church. CAA reports that Pastor Lou was jailed in October 2006, along with three other church leaders for organizing a house church. All four pastors served 32 days in detention where "they were severely beaten by guards and inmates daily,"
Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
Comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, affection and mercy are all present benefits for every Phillippian believer.
II. Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Philippians 2:2 fulfill my joy (make my joy complete) by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Working together and serving one another this is the attitude of Christ!
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Philippians 2: 3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Wow, What if the world were like that; what if the church were like that?
Philippians 2: 5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
