Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: By having the mind of Christ is not meant doing exactly as He did, but having the disposition so that had we been in His circumstances we should have done what He did, and so acting in our circumstances as He would act were He in them. Here His obedience is set forth for our imitation. Notice that it was — I. VOLUNTARY, not forced or reluctant. "He made Himself," "He took," "He humbled Himself." 1. There was no compelling power in heaven, earth, or hell. 2. The inspiration of this obedience was love to God and man. 3. Human obedience to be of any value must be the free and joyful outcome of love. II. HUMILIATING. 1. Obedience is easy when the path is agreeable and the end profit or renown. In Christ's case the, pathway was the manger and the wilderness, etc., and the goal the cross. 2. There was no species of humiliation, sin only excepted, which Christ did not endure. 3. This is the first step in true human obedience, for before that can be rendered, pride, self-seeking, self-importance, must be subdued. 4. This can only be effected by the religion of Jesus. II. PERSEVERING — "unto death." 1. The last term of our Lord's obedience was the hardest and worst. His other trials, heavy enough, were only preparatory. Our obedience will be worthless unless we endure to the end. "Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us, arm yourselves with the same mind." (C. Bradley, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:WEB: Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, |
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