I. THE INSTRUCTION OF THE MIND OF CHRIST—PHILIPPIANS 2:5

Philippians 2:5 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

II. THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE MIND OF CHRIST

A. He Relinquished His Place—Philippians 2:5-6

Philippians 2:5–6 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

John 14:9 (ESV) 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Colossians 1:19 (ESV) 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

B. He Refused His Prerogative—Philippians 2:6

Philippians 2:6 (ESV) 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

C. He Renounced His Privileges—Philippians 2:7

Philippians 2:7 (ESV) 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Hebrews 10:7 (ESV) 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”

D. He Restricted His Presence—Philippians 2:7

Philippians 2:7 (ESV) 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

E. He Realized His Purpose—Philippians 2:8

Philippians 2:8 (ESV) 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

F. He Received His Promotion Philippians 2:9-11

Philippians 2:9–11 (ESV) 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

III. THE IMPLICATION OF THE MIND OF CHRIST—PHILIPPIANS 2:5

A. The Words of the Old Testament—Proverbs 15:33

Proverbs 15:33 (ESV) 33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 29:23 (ESV) 23 One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

B. The Words of Jesus—Matthew 18:4

Matthew 18:4 (ESV) 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 14:11 (ESV) 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14 (ESV) 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

C. The Words of the Apostles—James 4:6

James 4:6 (ESV) 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

IV. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MIND OF CHRIST

A. The Mind of Christ Produces Unity—Philippians 2:1-2

Philippians 2:1–2 (ESV) 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

B. The Mind of Christ Produces Usefulness—Philippians 2:3-4

Philippians 2:3–4 (ESV) 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.