Meditations from the Book of Philippians part 4 – Week 27 / July 2nd

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The Meaning of Christianity – Philippians 2:1-11

Paul’s Question V1-4
What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? Or, to put it as Paul does in this passage; why do we go to fellowship meetings and what attitudes should we embrace and display in our interaction with other followers of Christ? These are fundamental issues that Paul, writing from a Roman jail, would now like to address in chapter two of his epistle to the believers at Philippi.

Essentially, Christianity is about a new community living in a new way and demonstrating this new life as they gather together for fellowship. The early Church was initially called “the people of the way” and their way of living was so different from that of the world that they were accused of “turning the world upside down.” (Acts9:2; Acts 19:23; Acts 17:6) Would to God that this would be true today but sadly it is not! “The way” actually challenges our carnal natures that are driven by the desire for personal recognition, status and importance. This evil within us, if not conquered by Christ, is essentially selfish and cares little for the well being of others. The fact that Paul addresses the issue is evidence that carnal Christians abound within the precincts of the Church and the consequences can be destructive as we see in the Corinthian Church of his day.

By contrast the Christian is to be lowly of mind and more concerned about the interests of others. This sounds simple enough but in fact it is beyond us and supernatural. Thankfully, having the life of Jesus in us changes the equation and makes the “way” possible. Paul wants Christians to tap into this possibility! Carnal ungodly behavior is common to us all and must be put to death in us by appropriating the life of Jesus in all its fullness. (Colossians 3:1-11) As Christians then we are to let Christ reign in our mortal bodies and this, according to Paul, requires a change of mind; Jesus will do the rest.

Our minds control our emotions and our emotions control our actions. Whoever then has control of your mind will also determine your behavior or actions! This is why the “battle-ground” of the believer is the mind. We are to have the mind of Christ (V5) and all of scripture stresses this point. (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:1-3; 1Peter 1:13) What you do with your mind is very important and it will determine the nature or outcome of your Christian confession. Who has control of your mind? Remember; all of Jesus’ life and blessings are unlocked and released into our hearts when we change our minds daily! So it is that Paul here writes, “Let this mind be in you.” (V5) This should constitute a daily check-list and it is otherwise known as repentance which essentially means; a change of mind.

Paul’s Answer V5-11
Paul’s solution is simple; have the mind of Christ and if you want to know what it looks like it is mirrored in His example. To walk with Jesus is to recognize that the ‘way up” is in fact the “way down.” Nothing demonstrates this truth more than the incarnation, passion and exaltation of Jesus.

He:
1.    Being God limited Himself to being a man but not just any man in that He became a servant to sinful men, women and children.

2.    Being God He abandoned His glory, place of privilege and reputation and assumed an image that looked like all of us yet without sin.

3.    Being God He humbled Himself by allowing men to crucify Him. This He did in obedience to His Father’s will but in so doing showed us what He expects us to do.

So this is the road that we are to travel and, if we do, we shall be exalted to a place of prestige, influence and power as Jesus was. His unique, redemptive sufferings, on behalf of the world, led to His exaltation. One day every knee will bow and confess that He is Lord!

We cannot assume His position but the lesson is clear; God will exalt the Church in the world and give it power, authority and influence just as soon as it becomes a servant to the lost and an instrument of love, mercy and kindness to those who join it. This is what fellowship is all about.

Have we got Paul’s message?

Malcolm Hedding.

©Malcolm Hedding Ministries

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