The Mind of Christ - Humble and Serving

Philippians 2:5–11 (NKJV) ⁵Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ⁹Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The mind of Christ as described in this passage reveals total humility.  Christ who is equal with God was willing to leave the glories of heaven to come to earth as a man.  Then even as a man to suffer death on a cross in a manner that was usually reserved for the worst of criminals.

Yet, notice the terminology used of “bondservant” and “obedient”.  These are terms that are often looked down upon in our culture.  “Obedience” and “submission” seem old-fashioned and undesirable to many.  Yet, it was Christ submission to the Father’s will as revealed in Luke 22:42 where Jesus said, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will but Yours, be done,” that reveals how beautiful and beneficial to mankind submission can be. 

Christ was humble and submitted to the Father’s will.  Because of this God exalted Him, lifted Him up.   Christ’s name is above all and all will one day bow before Him.  Those bowing will include those created beings in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.  There will be none that will be able to avoid it. Even those who mock Him today and will one day face eternal punishment will bow down and their tongues will confess Jesus Christ as Lord.   

If we recall, the passage began with the challenge to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”.  Are we humble?  Are we willing to submit to others?  It is commanded in Eph. 5:21.  We are also commanded to submit to God. (James 4:7)

Peter challenges us in I Peter 5:6 to “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time.”  When we choose to humbly submit to God and others we give God the opportunity to bring exaltation to us when he sees fit.  It may be while we are on earth or it may simply be when we stand face to face and hear “well done My good and faithful servant.”    

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/churchoflittleton  FW # 50