that service starts in the mind.
He came to that he was in control, yet he did not fail
SERMON FOR TRINITY 9
THE MIND OF CHRIST
Text: Philipians 2: 5 – 7
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took
upon him the form of a servant, and was made
in the likeness of men”
There is no doubt that Jesus Christ has a divine
nature because he is God from God, but his
humanity is both in the flesh and the mind. In
the text, we see that Jesus did not demand and
cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his
mighty power and glory, taking the form of a
servant and becoming like men.
He showed all men a great example by putting
on the mind required of them to be approved by
God. He could have come into the world
gloriously and in a powerful way but that would
have been a deviation from the plan of God.
His encounter with the devil in the wilderness
and his eventual rejection of worldly power,
fame and riches showed that he was human in
his mind. He had a choice of becoming popular
and wealthy but he rebuked the devil and stayed
on course of the plan of God for his life. In his
mind, he was clear of his mission.
What then was the state of his mind?
In Philipians 2: 7, we are told that he put on the
mind of a servant. It will be confusing to
consider him a son and yet see him have the
mind of a servant. Jesus Christ was convinced
perform the service of redemption to all
mankind and therefore he must serve God and
all mankind.
As a servant of God, he demonstrated five
attitudes which all Christians must have if they
really want to serve God.
1. He thought more about others than
himself. Jesus thought more of the
people he came to save than he thought
of himself. He did not think less of
himself but thought of himself less. This
is true humility. He was more aware of
the needs of the people than his own
needs. Consider this statement of his:
I have compassion on the multitude, because
they continue with me now three days, and have
nothing to eat: and I will not send them away
fasting, lest they faint in the way. Matt 15:32
The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air
have nests; but the Son of man hath no where to
lay his head. Matt 8:20
In contrast, are you not only interested in your
own desires, goals, interests, happiness and
self? Remember what Paul advised in verse 3 &
4 of our bible passage today, Philipians 2:
Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good
impression on others. Be humble, thinking of
others as better than yourself. Don't just think
about your own affairs, but be interested in
others, too, and in what they are doing.
Phil 2:3 – 4 (TLB)
2. He thought like a steward, not owner.
Jesus Christ knew his mission and knew
to always acknowledge God at all times.
At the raising of Lazarus from the dead,
he made the people to know that God is
the one who has sent him. (John 11: 42)
After his valedictory speech to his
disciples, Jesus in John 17 gave all the
work he had done to God and gave a
report of what he has done with those
God has given him.
Have you ever looked at all God have given you
and give God the glory for it. Do you consider
your possessions as yours and you cannot use it
for God’s work. Have you not seen your present
work as yours and not God’s work? So that you
can do it the way the world is doing it. Any
work you do and is not according to God’s law
is definitely leading you to hell.
3. He thought about his work and not what
others are doing. Jesus was more
involved in the work he was doing that
he did not bother about what others are
doing or what is being said concerning
his by opponents.
At his encounter with the Samaritan woman at
the well, when his disciples brought him food,
he declared to them:
"My food is to do the will of him who sent me
and to finish his work”. John 4:34-35 (NIV)
4. He based his identity in God and
nothing was too demeaning for him to
do. A servant is always willing to do
whatever he is asked to do. In the case
of Jesus Christ, he did not see the
 washing of the feet of his apostles as a Dear brethren, the mind of Christ is that of a
task below his status. servant who is ready to do what God have asked
him to do. Likewise, you must be like-minded
Among the Jews, washing of feet was a
Jesus Christ did not count equality as something
common task before entering a house. In the
to be grasped but emptied himself and put on
case of ordinary people, the host furnished the
the form of a servant and became obedient to
water, and the guests washed their own feet, but
death and even death on the cross.
in the richer houses, the washing was done by a
slave. It was looked upon as the lowliest of all What do you want to do today?
services Why not put on the same mind of a servant?
Servants willingly accept jobs that insecure If you are ready, begin to pray to God.
people would consider “beneath” them. If
you’re going to be a servant, you must settle
your identity in God. Only secure people can
serve.
How do you handle menial jobs given to you in
the house of God? Even among friends don’t
you consider some tasks as demeaning? Be like
Jesus, who is ready to do anything to the glory
of God. Your doing a task does not does lower
your status.
5. He thought of his work as an
opportunity and not as an obligation. A servant
who sees his work as an opportunity will serve
willingly. This he showed in the Gethsemane
when he willingly submit to the will of God by
saying:
O my Father, if this cup may not pass away
from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Matt 26:42
How do you see God’s task assigned to you. Do
you carry them out grudgingly or you are happy
doing them, and glorifying God for giving you
the opportunity to be used by Him.