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Philippians 2:5 - Having the Mind of Christ. (addendum).

Philippians 2:5 - Having the Mind of Christ.  (addendum).

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

Philippians 2:5 (TNIV)  In your relationships with one another, 
have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: 

Philippians 2:5 (NCV)  In your lives you must think and act like 
Christ Jesus. 

CONTEXT

Imitating Christ's Humility: Philippians 2:1-11.

COMMENTARY APPLICATION

  Christ is the model for Christian life and service because He 
thought first of others, not of Himself. Do you look out for the 
interests of others, or do you think only of yourself? Do you have the 
servant attitude of Jesus Christ, willing to sacrifice for others? Will 
you empty yourself that others might be filled? 
  As you yield to the Lord, He works in and you work out; in 
this way, you fulfill His plan for your life (Eph. 2:10). God cannot 
shine through you until He works in you, so let Him have His way. You 
are a light in a dark world, a runner holding forth the living Word 
to a dead world. [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren 
Wiersbe] 

  The Christians at Philippi must have been a boisterous bunch. 
Paul takes some time in his short letter to remind them to get along, 
to work together, to love each other, and better yet ... to have 
the same attitude that Jesus had.  
  Jesus had a way of turning things upside down. You want to be 
great? Then be the least of all. You want to be a leader? Then be a 
servant. You want to live? Then you must die to yourself. And what do all 
of these actions have in common? An attitude of humility.  
  Notice these aspects of Jesus' humility: (1) He knew who he 
was, but he was not proud. He did not need to cling to his divine 
nature in order to lord it over people (2:6). (2) He was secure. He was 
God, but gave up his divine privileges and lowered himself to become 
human (2:7). (3) He was obedient. He knew and trusted his Father, 
submitting to his Father's will, even when it meant unbelievable pain and 
death (2:8).  
  The ultimate motivation for Jesus' attitude was his great 
love. This kind of amazing love brings out the best in us. Show your 
love for Jesus by cultivating the same attitude of humility in your 
life. Give up your pride. Submit to God's will in your life, and he 
will use you and bless you beyond measure. [The One Year Bible for 
New Believers re Phi.2:7, 8] 

  Attitudes do not just happen; we choose them. Paul urged 
believers to have the same attitude that Jesus had. Jesus was the Son of 
God. His place was at the right hand of His Father, ruling the 
universe. No position could be more glorious or honorable than the right 
hand of the heavenly Father. Jesus' relationship with the Father gave 
Him the right to this honor. 
Jesus chose not to hold on to this right. Nothing, not even His 
position in heaven, was so precious to Him that He could not give it up 
if His Father asked Him. His love for His Father compelled Him to 
make any sacrifice necessary in order to be obedient to Him. When the 
Father required a spotless sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, 
Jesus did not cling to His rights, nor did He argue that He should not 
have to suffer for the sins of rebellious creatures of dust (Is 
53:7). Rather, He relinquished the glory of His heavenly existence in 
order to become a man. He was born in a cattle shed; he slept in a 
feeding trough. His life was spent preparing for the day when He would 
suffer an excruciating execution. All of this He did willingly. 
  We are tempted to hold tightly to things God has given us. We 
say, "I would be willing to give up anything God asked of me, but I 
just don't think He would ask me to give anything up!" The Father 
asked His Son to make radical adjustments in His life. Can we not 
expect that He will ask us to sacrifice privileges and comforts as 
well?  
  If you find yourself resisting every time God seeks to adjust 
your life to His will, ask the Spirit to give you the same selfless 
attitude that Jesus demonstrated. [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry 
and Richard Blackaby re Phi.2:5] 

MINI-VIDEO DEVOTIONAL ON THIS PASSAGE BY PASTOR SHAWN BOONSTRA:

http://www.itiswritten.com/television#episodes/2051

VIDEO SERMON ON THIS PASSAGE BY PASTOR DWIGHT NELSON:

http://media.pmchurch.org/wmedia/2008-06-21_Not-I-5.wmv