October 8, 2023
PHILIPPIANS: THE MIND OF CHRIST
October 08, 2023
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Do you sincerely wish to pursue the mind of Christ as you go about your daily living? The sad truth is, not everyone does. But for those who do, God, through Paul, has more than enough guidelines and instructions for how to live as He would have you live, going beyond simply telling you to love God and love people. Sometimes, especially for new believers, there’s a gap between telling you to “love,” and telling you how to go about it. Last week, Dr. Costin showed us how Paul guided the Philippian church to a closer walk with God. Today, we will look at the second chapter of Philippians, focused on seeking the mind of Christ each and every day.
Focal Passage: Philippians 2.
Living in Unity:
· Read Phil. 2:1-2. As Paul continues his thought in chapter two, what is his main concern for the people of Philippi? What qualities does he ask them to exhibit?
What is the difference between the Spirit of fellowship from normal fellowship?
· How does it sound as though these believers were not being swayed by the Judaizers?
· Is it natural for us to put others first, or do we prefer to look out for our own interests? What does the world tell us to do? What are some things from the world that we find ourselves enjoying?
· What was the Greek work for “mind” in this passage? What are some ways in which we can develop a mind centered on being like Jesus Christ?
Living with Humility:
· Read vv. 3-5. What is one of the worst sins we are to avoid? How does selfish ambition and conceit have a basis in pride? Instead, what is the first thing you should think when you interact with someone else? What are some ways you can look out for the interest of others? Read James 4:6. Why is God opposed to proud people? What was Satan’s sin?
· Read vv. 6-8. Explain this passage. Why would Jesus—one-third of the Trinity—God in the flesh, come from heaven in order to “come in the likeness of men”? What did He give up? What man-like qualities did He take on Himself in order to live among us?
· Did He seek the status of the Father? How did He make Himself a slave to God’s will?
· What was God’s response to Jesus’ incarnation? What did Christ empty Himself of?
· What are some things we—or our children—do to seek a reputation? Is it worldly?
Living Well:
· Read vv. 12-13. What does it mean to work out your salvation with fear and trembling?
· How does God work in you “both to desire and to carry out His good pleasure”? What does this mean? Do you submit to this in your own life? Are you humbled by this?
· How often do you find yourself grumbling and complaining? How can you change this behavior? Why do you think it is so important to you to be right when you refute a “fact” someone has stated? How long can you go without complaining or arguing?
· Does God command or suggest that you stop this behavior? How can you stop it? What does he want us to be instead?
Living in Community:
· Read vv. 17-30. How did Paul feel about the team members who ministered with him? Do you have Christian friends who come along side you as you minister to the Lord? How much time do you spend thanking God for them and praying for their protection?
· What does it mean to remain faithful in service to God? Read Gal. 6:9. How would Christ have us carry on? What will be our reward? Read Jas. 1:12. Is this also a promise?
· Is “remaining faithful” the calling which God has placed upon all our lives?
· Read Rev. 1-11. This week, the adult studies are wrapping up Ephesians; as we ourselves carry out excellent works of righteousness, like the Philippian church—and the Ephesian church—what was the admonition God had for the church at Ephesus in Rev.? How can we be faithful to see that, as we are busy about the Father’s work, we must carefully examine our lives to make certain we have not lost that first love we had for Christ?
Close:
Last week Dr. Costin talked about the philosophy of ministry; this week we are looking at the practice of ministry. Can you really be useful to Christ if you have no real passion for serving Him as someone who is “sold out” to Him? Perhaps you can be useful in that you can fulfil a purpose, but without a passion for serving Him, you are not truly in love with Him. That is not an erotic love, but a love such as a young child has for a parent who loves and cares for them. List His attributes: He is faithful to you, loving, supplying all your needs (not wants), working things out for your good when you mess up, He’s holy, generous… the list is too long to write out. Do you really care, or do you take Him for granted—or worse, are you lukewarm? Do you want Him for what He can do for you, or what He has done for you? Don’t let the world mold you to its way of thinking—take your thoughts captive and spend time with Him daily, praying, serving Him for His glory, putting other people before yourself, and think of yourself last. You’ll soon develop the mind of Christ, and you will love Him the way you should.
By Sandy Day
October 08, 2023