Philippians 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
Looking back at the previous weeks of our study of Philippians chapter 2, we saw that the apostle Paul was dealing with disunity in the Philippian congregation. In stead of mentioning the negative and harmful aspects that were causing the disunity among them and pointing out its consequences. We saw how Paul being guided by the Holy Spirit with discernment, wisdom and love focuses on the positive characteristics of the congregation to encourage them to address the issue.
Last week we studied how the two points in verse 3a, “selfish ambition” and “vain conceit” are detrimental to the unity of the church. We also saw how Paul contrasted these two points by telling the Philippians in verse 3b how humility is to others in the congregation. Also, in greater detail in, verse 4, Paul explains how humility is to function in the life of every believer.
Understanding these points, we need to ask ourselves an important question, from who’s life example can we learn about how humility should be in our lives? Paul answers the question in the next verse, 5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus”.
What is attitude? “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.” Our attitudes or mind-set “is a predisposition or inclination.” Our attitudes are expressed in our thoughts, through our words, actions and much more. But what forms our attitudes? First of all, the secular world’s influence should not be a major contributor or influence to our attitudes, especially those topics that are contrary to Biblical truth and Biblical values. Romans 12:2, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. There are many different things of this world that can influence a Christian’s attitude which will conflict with our relationship with Christ and can be a hindrance and even are detrimental to our relationship with Him. The following are just only a few examples.
– The home culture we grew up in and culture outside our home.
Matthew 10:37
“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me…”
Ephesians 2:1-2
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
– Politics
Matthew 20:25-28
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
– Religious Tradition
Mark 7:8-10
8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” 9 And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!
– Even others who we hang around with.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
As believers in Christ, our attitude or our way of thinking is continually influenced by our growing relationship with Christ and God’s Word. Matthew 11:28-29, 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
1 Peter 2:21, To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Also, our attitudes are influenced by following the example of other and more mature Christians. 1 Corinthians 11:1, Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. Philippians 3:17, Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
What forms our attitudes to be the same as Christ’s as verse 5 suggests? The answer is simple in spite of the process being challenging at times and sometimes long in the process. It is the Holy Spirit working in us.
John 14:26-27
26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 16:12-13
12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.
Romans 8:5
5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Verse 6 can be difficult to understand by just reading it in the New International Version we need to refer to other translations of the Bible to gain a better understanding of this verse. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped” NIV.
Philippians 2:5-6 Holman Christan Standard Bible
5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.
Philippians 2:5-6 New American Standard Updated Edition
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, (utilized or asserted)
One among the many reasons Christ did not use His deity here on earth for His advantage as the next two verses describe, was because of His humility. 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Jesus Himself said this very same thing in Matthew 20:28, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
If we as disciples of Christ would learn to follow Jesus’ attitude expressed in His words and actions and apply them to our lives and when dealing with others, we would see and experience less disagreements and divisions, but most importantly we would benefit from the fruit of our unity with Christ and with others.
Pastor John
Ephesians 5:1-2 New Living Translation
5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
