INTRODUCTION
Outline.
Christ’s Mind of Sacrifice
Remarks.
1. Today we are going to be discussing the mind of Christ. The beloved apostle Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to: “If there be therefore in a consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each (esteemeth others) better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others,” Philippians 2:1-4. If there is something that we ought to be encouraging the church today, it is that it should cultivate; and maintain the mind of Christ.
2. We will consider the mind of Christ as an obedient sacrifice, even the death of the cross. Notice Paul: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross,” Philippians 2:8.
BODY OF LESSON
CHRIST’S MIND OF SACRIFICE
A. Christ’s present existence. Even though He is divine; he took upon himself, humanity. Notice our text: “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 fashioned as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross,” Philippians 2:7-8. Notice:
1. But He made Himself of no reputation. He who had everything, made no claimed on anything; and, He who was heavenly (deity); for our sakes, became earthly (a servant of men).
a. Jesus left the Majesty and glories of heaven; to begin His earthly presence, to be born in a Bethlehem stable; being wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger (an animal’s feeding trough). He did not come wearing a royal robe, or to be nursed in a noble’s court; but, to born of a virgin woman with roots to David, and to be cared for, by an honorable carpenter in the city of Nazareth. Notice:
b. Paul wrote elsewhere: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich,” 2 Corinthians 8:9.
c. Jesus warns some proposed followers: “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man, have not where (a place) to lay his head,” Luke 9:58; Psalms 84:3.
d. David said of Him: “For every beast of the forest is (are) mine; and the cattle on a thousand hills... If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness,” Psalms 50:10-12; Psalms 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26.
2. He took upon him the form of a servant. Christ took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man,” Philippians 2:7-8. As mention earlier, we want to consider the meaning of the words before us now. Notice:
a. He took upon Him the form of a servant. The words “the form” here; is the same as that which we discussed earlier, in verse 6. Consider these two references:
1. B.W. Johnson, in The People’s New Testament, referring to these verses (6-8), wrote: “The meaning is not entirely clear, but probably is, that, having a form of glory like God, he did not count it a prize which must be clung to tenaciously, especially when he appeared upon the earth, that he should be equal with God, that is, appear in a divine form, but was willing to lay aside this glory and make himself a servant,” Page 214.
2. W. E. Vine’s, Greek Grammar and Dictionary, referring to the word “morphe;” it denotes “the special and characteristic form or feature” of a person or thing; it is used with particular significance in the New Testament, only to Christ, in Philippians 2:6-7, in the phrases “being in the form of God,” and “taking the form of a servant.”... An excellent definition of the word is that of Gifford: “morphe” is therefore properly the nature or essence, not in the abstract, but as actually subsisting in the individual, and retained as long as the individual ... exists. ... Thus in the passage before us “morph? Theou” is the divine nature actually and inseparably subsisting (existing) in the person of Christ,” Page 359.
b. The word servant, in Gr. is doûlos, or doo'-los; from; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):—a bond (-man), or servant. He took on this form voluntarily. Jesus said: “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (serve), and give his life a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28.
3. As Christ existed then, in the form of God; He exists now, even in the same form of the glory of God, but now, as the Son of man. Notice:
a. Stephen reported during his stoning, moments before his death, as “seeing one like the Son of man standing at the right hand of God in heaven,” Acts 7:54-60.
b. Paul, writes: “We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our file body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself,” Philippians 3:20-21.
4. Christ existed in the same “form” as God. We see this word again in the Lord’s appearance to some disciples after His resurrection.
a. Mark wrote: “After that he (Jesus) appeared in another form “morphe” unto two of them (disciples), as they walked, and went into the country,” Mark 16:12.
b. Luke also mentions Jesus walking and talking with two disciples on the road “to a village called Emmaus,” Luke 24:13; Luke 24:30-35.
B. The word likeness, in Gr. is homoíoma or hom-oy'-o-mah; a form; abstractly, resemblance:—made like to, likeness, shape, and similitude. This is a likeness expressed by a “similitude” or example.
1. Christ came in the likeness of flesh: “For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” Romans 8:3.
2. Made of the seed of David. Jesus was made of the seed of David according to the flesh. Christ emptied Himself, of the divine form and glory, and took the form of a servant; of our race, a race whose duty it is to serve God. The divine glory was exchanged for human lowliness. Notice:
a. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ: “Called to be an apostles, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures). Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David, according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead,” Romans 1:1-4.
b. To Timothy Paul wrote: “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel,”2 Timothy 2:7-8.
3. Took on Him the seed of Abraham. Paul wrote concerning Jesus: “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham,” Hebrews 2:16.
C. Being found in fashion as a man. The word fashion in Gr. is schema or skhay'-mah; a figure (as a mode or circumstance), i.e. (by implication) external condition:—fashion. We see Him also in the fashion of a man.
1. Paul states: “He was made in the fashion like unto a man.” When we see Jesus, (as previously discussed, we know of His divine qualities); but, NOW, we need also to see humanity; he was like us a product of human nature. He is the “Son of man.”
2. We see Jesus: “Who was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man,” Hebrews 2:9.
a. John the Baptist, “Behold the lamb of God,” John 1:29.
b. Jesus, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die,” John 12:31-32; John 8:28-29.
c. Paul to the Corinthians: “And the love of Christ constraineth us,” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
d. Paul to Timothy: “for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who would have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator are between God and man, the man Christ Jesus: who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified (of) in due time,” 1 Timothy 2:3-6; John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9.
e. John to the saints: “My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. Illustrate: Mercy Seat, Hebrews 9:5.
3. He is our High Priest. For we have not a high priest: “Which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” Hebrews 4:15.
4. The Apostle and High Priest. Paul writes concerning Jesus: “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession Christ Jesus: Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful (with his entire) house. For this man (Jesus) was counted worthy of more glory than Moses; inasmuch as he who hath builded the house, hath more honor than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God,” Hebrews 3:1-4.
D. He humbled himself. Paul now directs the Philippians unto why the real meaning and purpose of Christ’s coming, emptying of Himself; and that was “to become obedience unto death, even the death of the cross,” Philippians 2:8.
1. Paul introduces these saints, to the supreme example of human sacrifice and obedient submission unto God. He humbled Himself and took upon Him the “form of a servant” and was “made in the likeness of men.”
2. He did this when He came, by:
a. Removing from Him, the form of God and His divine position in eternity.
b. Divesting from Him, all heavenly riches, glory, honor and worship, for a time.
c. Appearing NOT in the form of God, nor even in the form of an angel; but, in the fashion of a man; in the likeness of sinful flesh.
d. Taking NOT only the fashion of a man; but, by assuming all the mortality of humanity, even the certainty of death.
e. Suffering the most shameful, cruelest, and painful death devised by man; even the death of the cross.
E. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. We will now look at the humility, submission and obedience of Christ; to the will of the Father. For God’s will ultimately include His death on the cross at Calvary. Christ not only “humbled himself” for this ordeal; but He, went willing unto the executioners.
1. Christ our example: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared,” Hebrews 5:7. Notice:
a. Jesus in the days of his flesh: John 1:14; Philippians 2:8.
1) Offered up prayers and supplication with strong crying and tears,
2) Unto Him that was able to save Him from death,
3) And was heard in that He feared (NIV, prayed in reverent submission).
b. Our Lord’s submission to His Father has brought salvation for all, through His obedience (unto death, even the death of the cross). Paul alludes to a particular time when these earnest supplications were offered unto the Father. The agony of Gethsemane’s is certainly mentioned it was then that Jesus said: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt,” Matthew 26:39-42.
c. Even there he was heard for an angel to send it to strengthen him. Jesus reverenced His Father in humble submission; in pious and godly fear.
2. Paul continues: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him,” Hebrews 5:7-9. Jesus learned obedience experimentally. He was fitted in all points to be our High Priest by the things which He suffered: made Him, not a perfect man, for He was that already; but, now a perfect High Priest, He became. Through which, He is now the author of eternal salvation to all those (nations and people) that chose to obey Him. Paul said:
a. Though he were a Son:
1) Yet He learned obedience – by the things which he suffered.
2) Being made perfect (through His suffering).
3) He became: the author of eternal salvation.
4) Unto all those that obey Him, Hebrews 5:8-9.
b. Christ was obedient; therefore, we must be obedient also to God.
c. Every believer must have a heart of submission and willing obedience to God; if they desire to benefit from the redemptive sacrifice of Christ upon the cross. Salvation is possible only through our submission and obedience to the “will of God.” See Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23.
3. Application. Paul’s charge to the Philippian’s to be likeminded. We have seen in Christ, the divine pattern of “like mindedness.” Let’s return to the start of this Chapter, and see now what Paul was asking of these saints. Maybe, there is an application in our Lord’s example for us. Notice:
a. Paul writes: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,” Philippians 2:1. Can we find any of these in this Letter?
1) Consolation in Christ, for His sacrifice and death for us?
2) Comfort in the love of God for us?
3) Fellowship in the Spirit of Christ in the church?
4) Mercies within the deep recesses of our bowels (inner being), for one another?
b. Paul’s request of Philippi: “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind,” Philippians 2:2. Notice:
1) First, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each (esteemeth others) better than themselves,” Philippians 2:3. Let your service and sacrifice bring glory unto the Lord, Ephesians 6:6-8; Matthew 5:16.
2) Further, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others,” Philippians 2:4. Don’t just be concerned for yourself; but, also look out for the needs of others, who may not have all the necessities of life.
3) Finally, brethren:
a) “Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12-13.
b) “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain,” Philippians 2:14-16. Paul desired, that they should be about preaching Christ and work, in life, and indeed. This was their life’s work. Unless they did this they will surely be a failure before him and God.
c) “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all,” Philippians 2:17. Paul was willing to be martyred, for his preaching of the gospel to these Gentiles; if his death, would be encouragement and boldness to their faith, Philippians 1:12-14.
d) “For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me,” Philippians 2:18. Like me, rejoice in the prospect of my death, that therein, Christ may be glorified; “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Philippians 1:20-21.
c. Paul’s request of Rome: "After speaking of the goodness and severity of God...and the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be (is) glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36. Paul then encourages the saints:
1) First, he writes: “I beseech ye therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.
2) Further, he pens: “Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another,” Romans 12:9-10.
3) Next, he directs: “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits,” Romans 12:16.
4) Finally, he admonishes: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men,” Romans 12:17-18.
4. Timothy “a pattern” of like mindedness. Paul continues: “I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state,” Philippians 2:19. He planned to send Timothy shortly unto them; that he might “learn of their affairs, that they stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27.
a. Timothy was Paul’s companion in Rome, during his first arrest; a beloved convert, fellow laborer, and son in the gospel, 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Acts 16:1-5.
b. Paul in the next few verses will outline Timothy’s, “pattern of like mindedness” as a reminder to the church at Philippi.
c. We would do well as preachers, evangelists and ministers to aspire to this kind of unity within the brotherhood. Notice this pattern of unity:
1) First, he writes: “I (Paul) have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state or condition,” Philippians 2:19-20.
a) His Letter to the Corinthians he wrote: Concerning those things that were without; and those that were within, that which pressed on him daily: “the care of all the churches,” 2 Corinthians 11:28.
b) There is no one else here with me who would well represent my feelings and care when he visits you, except Timothy; my fellow laborer. Illustrate: Barnabas; Silas, Demas, etc.
2) Further, he pens: “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s,” Philippians 2:21. On the other hand, there are many who were more mindful of their own interests; rather than in the things of Christ.
a) Paul would speak to all these ministers, in his second letter to Timothy: while being housed in a Roman prison, in Rome, 2 Timothy 1:15-18; 2 Timothy 4:9-15.
b) You might recall we spoke to these types of preachers in our lesson, entitled: “At My First Answer,”2 Timothy 4:16-18. Please obtain a copy of it; to better understand Paul’s message to Philippi.
3) Next, he notates: “But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel,” Philippians 2:22.
a) He then turns to the proof of Timothy’s work and life among the church. You know the proof of him, he states. Like a son he has served with me in the gospel.
b) I want to be clear with this; Timothy did not serve under Paul; nor did Paul serve over him: but, Timothy served with Paul in the gospel.
c) Illustrate: No Big I, Little You Preachers.
4). Finally, beloved in the Lord, if there is a message here for older ministers; it would be this: “Open up your work, so as to, tutor and mentor young men; to aspire to become gospel preachers and teachers.” Like Paul did unto Timothy, in 2 Timothy 2:2. Here are some things we can do assist them! We can:
a) Inspire them towards “excellence in their preaching of Christ.”
b) Show them in your life, how to be an example of unity among the brethren.
c) Be an example for them, not just in our preaching; but, before them in our work with other ministers; and the church, as well as unto the Lord.
d) Compliment them openly before the church; but, critic them privately.
e) Be constructive in our comments; and not critical!
f) Be more than a brother: be to them “a father, as Paul was unto Timothy.”
5. Him therefore I hope to send presently, as soon as I see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:23-24. The apostle had not given up hope: that he too might see them, if the Lord wills.
a) Regardless of our present condition, there is always hope; that God will be gracious unto us, to better our condition, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Illustrate: Paul’s infirmity in the flesh. I went to the Lord, three times regarding my infirmity.
b) If not, let us even in this be thankful for the many other prayers that were answered favorable since our salvation.
c) He will now send Timothy unto them to learn of their condition; and inform them of his, and present hope to see them again. This was not Timothy first “missionary effort for Paul in the work of Christ:”
1) His work in Corinth: “For this cause I send unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church,” 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:10.
2) His work in Thessalonica, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3.
3) His work in Macedonia, Acts 19:22.
With this, let’s move to a conclusion of this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
Christ’s Mind of Sacrifice
B. Remarks.
1. We considered the mind of Christ as an obedient sacrifice, even unto the death of the cross. Recall Paul wrote: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross,” Philippians 2:8.
2. The mind of Christ must be our mind. Obedience must begin in our submission to the will of God through obedience to the gospel of Christ. It will continue in us doing the will of God always. As Christ’s humbling example exalted Him; when we humble ourselves to the will of God; He will lift us up also to our rightful place with Christ.
C. Invitation, H, B, R, C, B.
D. Motivation.
E. Persuasion.
