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)
Serve Others – Look for opportunities to bless, encourage, and serve, even when no one sees. (Mark 10:45)
Meditate on Christ’s Life – Study Philippians 2:5–8 regularly. Let it shape your thoughts, words, and actions. (Colossians 3:1–2)
Repent and Trust Jesus Daily – Humility starts with recognising our sin and receiving God’s mercy. (1 John 1:9)
Max Lucado said, “You were made for a purpose that only you can fulfil. The first step is to follow Christ with a humble heart.”
In other words, God has a unique plan for your life, and it begins with surrender.
V. Stories of Transformation
The Fallen Soldier: A young officer was proud, ambitious, and self-serving. After facing failure and heartbreak, he surrendered to Christ, began serving quietly, and discovered true joy in helping others. His life became a testimony to humility and love.
The Mother in a Slum: She gave everything she had to care for orphans and the needy. Though she had no worldly status, her life reflected the mind of Christ—humble, sacrificial, and full of love.
VI. Application to 21st Century Believers
In 2025, we face constant pressure to promote ourselves, compete, and secure comfort. Yet Philippians 2 calls us to a different path: humility, selflessness, and service. To have the mind of Christ today is to reject cultural values of pride, status, and self-interest and embrace the kingdom values of love, obedience, and sacrifice.
Practical actions:
Mentor someone younger in faith without expecting recognition.
Forgive a friend who wronged you.
Volunteer at a local mission or church ministry without seeking applause.
VII. Gospel Invitation
If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, hear the call today: Repent of your sin, trust in Jesus, and receive the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and heart.
Romans 10:9 says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Jesus humbled Himself for you. Will you humble yourself and receive Him as your Saviour and Lord?
VIII. Conclusion & Call to Action
Church, the world will continue to celebrate pride, selfish ambition, and self-promotion. But we are called to a higher path. Philippians 2:5 challenges us: Think like Jesus. Serve like Jesus. Love like Jesus. Live for Jesus.
Pray for humility. Serve others. Meditate on Christ. And let the Gospel transform your life from the inside out.
Benediction:
May the God of grace give you hearts of humility, minds transformed by Christ, and lives that shine His light in every dark corner. Go forth with the mind of Christ, serve with His love, and glorify Him in all you do. Amen.
