The Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5 – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

The natural mind of man is exceedingly wicked.  There is absolutely nothing good about man in his natural state.  He is a being conceived in sin, born into sin, and nurtured in sinfulness.  Romans 3:12 tells us, “There is none that doeth good, no not one.”  Romans 5:12 tells us the cause and result of that sinfulness, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”  So man, in his natural state, is condemned to death, because of Adam’s decision so many years hence.

But there is hope – Romans 5 continues in verse 19, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”  That second man is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:2, tells us, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  If a person will recognize the sinfulness of his natural mind, and accept the free gift of salvation provided by Christ, then he renews his mind in so doing.

Yes, when we renew our minds, we put off the natural man and take on the spiritual man and, as 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, “We have the mind of Christ.”  What does it mean to put on the mind of Christ?  Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind one toward another.  Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.  Be not wise in your own conceits.”

And then our text verse tells us, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Paul continues, “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:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (vv. 6-8).”  He humbled Himself – the Lord of Glory – He who was God Himself – humbled Himself.  And what do most of us who are nothing do?  We get puffed up – we exalt ourselves – we lift up ourselves in pride.  The mind of Christ is one of humility.

Let me say that again, the mind of Christ is one of humility.  The way up in God’s eyes is always down.  Verse 3 tells us, “But in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”  God hates a proud look (Prov 6:17).  Pride goes before destruction (Prov 16:18).  If you think you’re something, God will cut you down (1 Cor 10:12).

Let us make a conscious choice to be like-minded with Christ.  Let us put others first.  Let us “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Phil 2:4).”  If we’ll do that, then God will exalt us.  He’s looking for us to humble ourselves, to abase ourselves, to die daily to self.

Quote – “Let the mind of the master be the master of your mind.” – Unknown

"Lord, Help us each day to develop your mind in us.  Help us to strive for meekness - humility - lowliness of mind.  Help us to lay aside self and be filled with the Spirit daily.  Amen."