Dr Tom Hover
January 29, 2023
Philippians 2:5 / Philippians 1:26–30
THE MIND OF CHRIST JESUS / The Standing for the Faith
AM
THE MIND OF CHRIST JESUS
Background Verses: Philippians 2:1–11
Text: Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
INTRODUCTION: It’s not the intuitive mind or the analytical mind that is of the soundest mind. The Spiritual mind supersedes all minds. Philippians 2:5, Proverbs 23:7 Paul in chapter 4 tells us to think positive: Philippians 4:8–9 In our text Paul referring to the first four verses in this chapter and the verses that follow verse 5 as well. Theses 11 verses teach us that in tough times, stick together by drawing on your spiritual resources and by humbly looking to the interests of others first. Be Concerned about the Interests of Others In verses 1-4 of this second chapter, Paul wrote about "The Unity That Produces Joy" In verse 5, Paul continues to exhort them to have "this mind" (the attitudes of verses 3-4), pointing out that this is also the "mind of Christ" In the following verses (6-11), Paul elaborates on the "mind of Christ”, which will serve as the focus of this particular study.
I. THE MIND OF CHRIST INVOLVES UNITY!
Philippians 2:1–2 Jesus Prayed for Us to Be One: John 17:20–21
A. PAUL’S PLEADING COMMAND TO BE UNIFIED!
1. The Grounds for an Appeal to Unity
a. We Have a Common Lord: Encouragement in Christ Philippians 2:1 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ,”
b. We Have a Common Love: Comfort Provided by Love Philippians 2:1“...if any comfort of love,”
c. We Have a Common Life: Fellowship in the Spirit
Philippians 2:1 “...if any fellowship of the Spirit,”
d. We Have a Common Load: Affection or Mercy
Philippians 2:1–2 “...if any bowels and mercies,”
2. The Command to Unity
Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord of one mind.
In The Essentials UNITY (Bible)
In The Non-Essentials LIBERTY (Non-Biblical: likes and dislikes)
In All Things LOVE
B. PAUL’S APPLICATION OF THIS UNITY:
LOOKING OUT FOR OTHERS Philippians 2:3-4
1. Treat Others as More Important than Self Philippians 2:3
2. Be Concerned about the Interests of Others Philippians 2:4
II. THE MIND OF CHRIST INVOLVES HUMILITY!
Philippians 2:6-8 A true demonstration of a lack of selfish ambition and conceit on the part of our Lord! DO WE HAVE "THE MIND OF CHRIST"? Humility = is accepting God’s evaluation of who and what you are! Pride = is not accepting God’s evaluation of who and what you are! Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Haughty = arrogantly superior and disdainful:
III. THE MIND OF CHRIST INVOLVES OBEDIENCE!
Philippians 2:8 “...became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. I Peter 1:14–16 Four great examples of obedience in the Bible. Jesus’ Example, Abraham’s Call, Saul to Paul, Mary, Jesus’ Mother
IV. THE MIND OF CHRIST INVOLVES SACRIFICE!
Philippians 2:8 “...even the death of the cross. “Luke 9:23–24, Hebrews 5:8–9, I John 3:16
V. THE MAJESTY OF CHRIST
HIGHLY EXALTED BY GOD Philippians 2:9
For God Has Highly Exalted Jesus in Two Ways:
PRESENT: Philippians 2:9 “given Him a Name which is above every name:” Acts 4:12
FUTURE: Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 5:11-14
Example: Isaiah 6:1–5 Isaiah seen Jesus and he felt so unclean and dirty!
Example: I used to think I had white shirts until I purchased new ones and put them next to my old ones.
CONCLUSION: We have seen in this passage that "The Mind of Christ" involves...Humility, Obedience, Sacrifice, Great Reward. Do we possess "The Mind of Christ"? We should, for it is the "key" to: The unity that produces joy! As Christians, let's be diligent to manifest "The Mind of Christ" in our relationship to God and to each other.
PM
The Standing for the Faith
Text: Philippians 1:26–30
Jump Off Reading: Philippians 1:26-27
Paul talks about rejoicing while in bonds in prison!
Paul concludes this first chapter by giving some exhortations about standing for the faith.
I. The Style of the Standing
Philippians 1:27 “Stand fast” The character of the standing is explained here.
A.) Stand Firmly. “Stand fast.”
This means to stand firm, dogmatically, to be solid in standing.
1. Stand Fast With Love I Corinthians 16:13–14
2. Stand Fast In Doctrine (Teaching) I Corinthians 16:13
Ephesians 4:14–15
We Are To Teach Doctrine: I Timothy 4:13,16, 5:17
Warnings About False and Demon Doctrine: I Timothy 4:1
Take your stand and do not be moved from it. Ephesians 6:10–18
B.) Stand Faithfully. “Stand fast.” Galatians 5:1
II. The Specifics in the Standing Philippians 1:27-30
A.) The Sanctification In The Standing.
“Let your conversation [general behavior] be as it becometh the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). The believer’s conduct should correspond to the believer’s creed.
B.) The Society In The Standing. “Whether I come and see you, or else be absent” (Philippians 1:27).
Examples: Paul, Joseph, Daniel, The Three Hebrews, Steven, etc. Acts 15:25–26
C.) The Service In The Standing. “Striving” (Philippians 1:27).
D.) The Stoutheartedness In The Standing.
“In nothing terrified by your adversaries” (Philippians 1:28).
E.) The Suffering In The Standing. “Unto you it is given … to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
First, The Plan For Suffering. “You it is given … to suffer.”
Acts 9:16, Romans 8:16–18
Second, The Pain In Suffering. “Conflict” (Philippians 1:30).
Third, The Purpose In Suffering.
“Suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29). This is not suffering for some sports or other achievement but suffering that comes if you are committed to Christ.
Example: At the Nicene Council, an important church meeting in the 4th century A.D., of the 318 delegates attending, fewer than 12 had not lost an eye or lost a hand or did not limp on a leg lamed by torture for their Christian faith.
A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.
Always Be Standing for the Faith
