Centurion Education Foundation
September 7, 2018 New Smyrna Beach, FL
Dr. Andrew Knight
Title: “The Mind of Christ is Joy”
Introduction: The book of Philippians is often referred to as the “Joy epistle,” other times the book is referred to as the “prison epistle,” as the apostle Paul wrote this book while sitting in prison. Mind you the book of Philippians was not written in a modern, western city, but rather in the Middle Eastern city of Caesaria Philippi, along the Mediterranean Ocean. Scholars say Philippians was written between 62-64AD. The culture was mostly agrarian, politically they were under Roman rule, religiously, the culture was largely Jewish, and the unofficial, but widely and increasing spoken language was Greek. The Roman Empire was vastly corrupt, and grossly unjust. Wealth was not so much created, as in a capitalist system, but rather confiscated or plundered.
In this passage Paul deals with the doctrine of Christ. But first Paul describes the numerous characteristics of the attitudes, attributes, and behavior of a Christian whose life has been transformed by the gospel of Christ. Then Paul transitioned from the impact of the gospel to the character and essences of Christ. Paul concludes this passage by foretelling at Christ’ return that all will bow down and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Propositional Question: If the apostle Paul was able to have the joy of the Lord while sitting in prison for his faith, how much more ought we to have the joy of the Lord in our hearts and on our faces?
Text: Philippians 2:1-11 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 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: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Vs 1. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,”
- Any consolation = exhortation
- Comfort of love – the indwelling Holy Spirit
- Fellowship of the Spirit – kindred spirits in Christ
Vs. 2. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
- Paul’s joy – translates to the believer’s joy
- Like minded = those having a Christian worldview
- Having the same love = God’s love for me is the same love that God has for you.
- Being in one accord = “being perfectly agreed in laboring to promote the honor of your Master.”
- Of one mind – “being constantly intent upon this great subject: keeping your eye fixed upon it in all you say, do, and intend.”
Vs. 3. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
- Nothing through vain glory
- Nothing through strive
- Using your gifts to advantage others
- Lowliness of mind – esteem others greater then yourself
- Humility will translate to looking out for others’ interest
Vs. 4. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
- Don’t serve God out of any self interest
- Rejoice in other’s talents that God is using
Vs. 5. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
- Christ labored only for the salvation of the human race and the glory of God.
- Have humility, be loving, patient, and laborious
Vs. 6. “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:”
- Jesus took on the form of man, without divesting Himself of His Divinity or Holiness.
- Jesus is equal to God the Father.
- Jesus divested Himself of the Father’s glory when He became flesh.
- Jesus resumed the Father’s glory at His ascension.
- Jesus is equal in nature to God the Father
- Jesus is equal in rights to God the Father
Vs. 7. “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
- Jesus proved His humility by setting aside the elegance of His glory.
- Jesus proved His servitude by giving Himself to others.
Vs. 8. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
- Jesus humbled Himself
- Jesus was obedient unto death
- Without ever sinning Jesus had the right to immortality
Vs. 9. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
- No one else qualifies for this Devine accolade other than the Saviour of the World.
- The life of Christ was extraordinary
- The redeeming acts of the life of Christ was tremendous
- It is impossible to imagine a name higher than Jesus Christ
Vs. 10. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”
- Paupers and Presidents
- All believers and unbelievers
- Those living and those that have departed
Vs. 11 “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
- Believers should take great solace in this promise
- Unbelievers should take careful warning
Application:
Original audience: The church at Philippi, the Gentiles, the Roman soldiers and Roman government.
To yourself: Purpose to always have a joyful spirit. Purpose to have a humble spirit and show concern for others. Always remember that Christ will be acknowledged in the end.
To your family: Never stop serving and loving your family members. Put them before yourself.
To your church: Learn to get along with all types of people, with all types of personalities and temperaments. Never allow strive or back biting to take place in the church. The Lord and the world are watching.
To your job: Treat your job not only as a place where you make a living but as a mission field. How you treat people at world preaches a loud and clear sermon.
To society: Understanding that we are here for a short time in this world, and that Christians are the only ones who can share the gospel in this world. You are God’s spokesmen and you are salt and light in this world. Be the best spokesmen for God you can be and you will have unspeakable joy.