The Mind of Christ (Lesson 4)
This Week' Bible Study: Philippians 2:1-11
Introduction
As we delve into Philippians 2:1-11, we encounter a passage that strikes at the very heart of our Christian faith and practice. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Philippi, presents us with a serious theological truth and an equally weighty practical application. Let’s examine this text with open hearts and minds, seeking to understand and embody the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul begins by appealing to the Philippians’ experience of Christ’s love and the Holy Spirit’s fellowship. He writes, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil. 2:1-2). Here, Paul lays the foundation for his exhortation, reminding us that our unity as believers is rooted in the very nature of our triune God.
This unity, however, is not a mere theoretical concept. It must be lived out in the nitty-gritty of daily life. Paul continues, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4). These words echo the sentiments of the great hymn-writer, Charles Wesley, who penned:
“A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.”
Wesley’s hymn reminds us that our calling as Christians is not to seek our own glory, but to glorify God and serve others.
But how are we to cultivate such humility? Paul provides the ultimate example in verses 5-8, presenting us with what scholars often call the “Christ Hymn.” He writes, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:5-7).
This passage speaks to the weighty mystery of the Incarnation. Christ, eternally equal with the Father, willingly set aside the full exercise of his divine prerogatives to take on human flesh. As the great theologian John Owen observed, “The greatest burden that is laid upon the spirit of a believer is to walk humbly with God.” Christ exemplified this humble walk in the most extreme way possible, descending from the heights of heaven to the depths of human experience.
Paul goes on to describe the extent of Christ’s humility: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8). Here we see the ultimate expression of self-giving love. Christ’s death on the cross was not just a display of humility; it was the means by which our atonement was accomplished. As Isaac Watts beautifully expressed in his hymn:
“When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.”
The hymn captures the redemptive power of Christ’s sacrifice, challenging us to reorient our lives in light of his example.
But the story doesn’t end with Christ’s humiliation. Paul continues, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11). Here we see the cosmic significance of Christ’s humility and obedience. The One who humbled himself is now exalted above all, and his lordship extends over all creation.
This truth should inspire both awe and action in our lives. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” When we grasp the magnitude of Christ’s humility and exaltation, we are freed from the burden of self-importance and empowered to live lives of genuine service and love.
As we reflect on this passage, may we be challenged to cultivate the mind of Christ in our own lives. Let’s seek unity with our fellow believers, put others before ourselves, and live in a manner that acknowledges and glorifies the lordship of Christ in every sphere of our lives.
Key Principles
1. Christian unity is rooted in the nature of God and the work of Christ. Our oneness in spirit and purpose flows from our shared experience of Christ’s love and the Spirit’s fellowship.
2. True humility, as exemplified by Christ, involves willingly setting aside our rights and privileges for the sake of others. This self-giving love is at the heart of Christian discipleship and service.
3. Christ’s humility, demonstrated in his incarnation and crucifixion, led to his exaltation and universal lordship. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate his humility, trusting that God will exalt us in due time.
Bible Study Questions
1. In Philippians 2:1, Paul uses four conditional statements. What are they, and how do they relate to his exhortation in verse 2?
2. How does Paul’s command in Philippians 2:3-4 contrast with common attitudes in both ancient and modern societies? What specific behaviors might result from obeying this command?
3. In Philippians 2:6, what does Paul mean when he says Christ was “in the form of God?” How does this relate to John 1:1-18 and Colossians 1:15-20?
4. Examine Philippians 2:7. What does it mean that Christ “emptied himself?” Does this imply that Jesus ceased to be divine during his earthly ministry?
5. How does Paul’s description of Christ’s humility in Philippians 2:8 relate to the concept of atonement found in passages like Romans 5:6-11 and 2 Corinthians 5:21?
6. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul describes Christ’s exaltation. How does this relate to Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18 and the vision in Revelation 5:11-14?
7. What is the significance of the phrase “every knee should bow” and “every tongue confess” in Philippians 2:10-11? Where else in Scripture do we see similar language?
8. How does the example of Christ in this passage inform our understanding of Christian leadership and service?
9. In what ways does Paul’s exposition of Christ’s humility and exaltation in this passage contribute to his overall argument in the letter to the Philippians?
10. How does the statement “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11) challenge both the Roman imperial cult of Paul’s day and modern attitudes towards authority and autonomy?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to “count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3)? How might you cultivate greater humility in these areas?
2. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced genuine Christian humility. How did it impact you and those around you?
3. How does your understanding of Christ’s divine nature influence your approach to his example of humility? Does it make his sacrifice more or less significant to you?
4. In what ways might our church better embody the unity and humility Paul calls for in this passage?
5. How does the reality of Christ’s lordship (Philippians 2:11) challenge or comfort you in your daily life? Are there areas where you struggle to submit to his authority?
6. Considering Christ’s example, what might it look like for you to “empty yourself” in service to others in your family, workplace, or community?
7. How does the promise of future exaltation (implied in Christ’s example) encourage you in times of difficulty or persecution?
8. In what ways can we guard against false humility or using acts of service as a means of seeking recognition?
9. How might meditating on Christ’s humility and exaltation shape our worship, both individually and corporately?
10. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a mind more like that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5)?
Action Steps
1. Choose one relationship in your life where you struggle with pride or self-interest. This week, intentionally look for ways to serve and elevate the other person, keeping a journal of your experiences and reflections.
2. Memorize Philippians 2:5-11 over the next month, meditating on a different aspect of Christ’s humility and exaltation each day. Share your insights with a fellow believer for mutual encouragement and accountability.
3. Identify an area in your life where you’ve been resisting Christ’s lordship. Prayerfully surrender this area to him, and create a specific plan to align your actions in this area with his will, seeking support from trusted Christian friends or mentors.
Thank you for joining me in this study of Philippians 2:1-11. May the truths we’ve explored take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives, all for the glory of our humble and exalted Lord, Jesus Christ. I encourage you to share this study with others who might benefit from its message, and to subscribe for more weekly devotionals and resources. Remember, you can find additional materials not included in our email updates by visiting our Walking Points page. May God bless you as you seek to cultivate the mind of Christ in your daily walk.