Today, we will study some of the “Let commands” in scripture: calling those things that don’t exist as if they were (Genesis)– to cultivate the mind of Christ in humanity and service to establish unity among the us- the brethren and amongst men to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:3 -Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than him-self. The mind of Christ see every individual as mankind, male or female made in the image and likeness of God and is worthy of God’s love, deserving of equal treatment. The mind of Christ place authentic value on all people and affirm their worth with a goal to build them up so their lives would be reflective of the God they worship to bring Him glory and praise.
As in the case of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, when Abraham made a petition on behalf of his nephew Lot, he did not considered himself more righteous than Lot, He did not condemned Lot for living among the wicked, rather he asked the Lord, the judge of all the earth to do what is right by not sweeping away the righteous with the wicked, and the Lord save Lot’s life from destruction.
Philippians 2:4- Let each of you of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others. The mind of Christ treats people with equality. This was foreshadowed in the parting of Abraham and Lot. Abraham did not relinquish his right to his inheritance or at his own expense rather, he humbly permitted Lot to make a choice and then willing accepted the terms of agreement. Christ pursues his interest as a good shepherd when he leads guides, protects and provides for His sheep to save lives to reconcile them to God. Jesus also met the interest of others through his compassionate work: He made the blind see, lame walk, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead were raised, the poor had to the gospel preached to them. As in the case of the Greek woman Syro-phoenician woman encountered with Jesus.
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, what are the attributes of the mind of Christ: Christ, as God in the flesh, did not considered himself equal with God, (vs6) so he made himself of no reputation (vs7), he did not arrive to a place with entourage or announce himself, rather he presented himself as a servant, (vs7). Jesus said: the Son of Man did not come to be served but serve and give his life as ransom for many.
God, from eternity past, the great king above all god, the sovereign God, the most high above all the earth, condensed Himself in a spectrum called time, was found in the appearance as a man who washed the feet of His disciples. Think about that! Jesus said: If I the Lord and your teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
As a man Jesus humble himself and was obedient to our father who is heaven, who made His soul a sin offering to save us from sin and justify many. Jesus did not yield to the desires of his flesh, even though he was tempted in everywhere yet did not sin and He is able to save to the utmost those who come to God through Him, for he always makes intercession for them.
How can believers cultivate the mind of Christ?
Have a spiritual mindset: To be spiritual minded is life and peace, for a carnal mind cannot please God. May we walk according to the spirit.
As in the case of the one leper who please God, by acting in faith when he came back to Jesus, to give thanks and give glory to Him for healing him. Luke 17:11-19
By being obedient to the father in heaven – to love God is to obey His word.
Serve and love others through Christ. By Faith, lay hands on the sick in Jesus name and say be healed and they shall recover. We should be sensitive or empathic to the people around us, to meet or provide their needs. Christ encountered people in such a way that affected them deeply to liberate or heal them; this can be accomplished through submission to the Holy Spirit, who transformed us into the image and likeness of Christ. The Holy Spirit will endow us with power from on high to transform the lives of other. Jesus said: I am the vine and you are the branches, He who abides in me and I in him bear much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. You can do all things through Christ who strengthen you. May we hear the voice of Christ and obey Him. Jesus said, my sheep hears my voice and follow me. As in a case when Jesus healed a man who was born blind from birth.
We should cultivate the mind of Christ by being humble: We should submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit and ask him to teach us what to say, what to do and when to do it, to be an effective witness of Christ. May we not let your own mouth praise us but someone else. May we not lean unto your own understanding, trust in the Lord, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make His path straight before us. Jesus said: For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me gave me a command, what I should say, and what I should speak. In our encounters in homes, city, or town, may we declare peace to it, Jesus said, when you enter a house, say peace to it and in our departures say thank you.
Sound Mind: We should cultivate a sound mind by not being anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make our request known and the peace of God that surpasses human understanding will guard our heart and mind through Christ. May we renew our minds through the word of God to do what pleases God, by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and mind to bring glory God our Father who is in heaven. In reverence, may we work out our salvation with fear and trembling before a Holy God.
Therefore, God also has highly exalted Jesus and given Him the name which is above all names, that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and of those under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Hallelujah, Thanks Be to God. May we confess Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Amen.