Bible Questions and Answers

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

Paul is exhorting us to love and humility. To change the way that we think naturally, where we put self first, to a way of thinking which is spiritual, where we put the welfare of others before our own.

He says:

Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

This is the same exhortation as that to the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 10:24 [RSV] Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Paul continues:

Philippians 2:5-8 [RSV] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God [like Adam], did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

Christ, having the strength of character of his Father and the spirit of God without measure, could have avoided the cross. To rule the world on his own terms was a temptation that he overcame in the 40 days in the wilderness. He could have easily ruled the world with his God-given power, but it wouldn’t have saved his fellow man. Only his voluntary suffering and death could provide the means of atonement for sin. Christ put his own wellbeing aside and died for us.

The exhortation to service is exemplified by the washing of the disciples’ feet.

John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Those who believe the gospel and are baptised for the remission of sins are exhorted to follow his selfless and humble example; to think in the same way as Christ thought with regard to their fellow man.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

It is expressed thus by John:

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he (Christ) laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Peter says:

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Solomon says succinctly: 

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Humility for Christ’s sake in this life will be rewarded by exaltation in the kingdom of God, made sure by the resurrection and exaltation of Christ:

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I hope you have found this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn