Let This Mind Be in You

Introduction:
In Philippians 2:5–11, the apostle Paul exhorts the church to unity through humility. He points believers to the supreme example—Jesus Christ. Only by adopting His mind and attitude can Christians dwell in harmony and glorify God together. The aim is to develop within each of us the mind of Christ.

The Exhortation: The Mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)
Paul commands, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” To be united in faith, the church must share the same attitude as its Lord. Jesus’ life was marked by submission, compassion, and service. He demonstrated this mindset when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14–16). Though He was their Lord and Teacher, He took the lowest role to show that love serves. A servant’s heart is the foundation for unity among brethren.

The Example: Christ’s Humility and Obedience (Philippians 2:6–8)
Jesus existed in the “form of God,” meaning He possessed the very nature of deity. He has always been divine and eternal (John 1:1–2). Yet, He did not cling to His heavenly privilege but surrendered His glory to fulfill the Father’s redemptive plan. He “made Himself of no reputation,” laying aside His exalted position and taking on the form of a servant (John 17:1–5). The Word became flesh and lived among men (Romans 8:3).

His humility went deeper still—He “humbled Himself” and became “obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Only a divine being could accept death as obedience. Jesus willingly gave His life in full submission to God’s will (Hebrews 5:8–9). His obedience opened the way for all who follow Him to find eternal salvation.

If the church desires unity, it must reflect this same humility and obedience. Pride and rivalry destroy fellowship, but self-denial builds it. Every Christian should ask, “How can I serve?” instead of “How can I be served?”

The Exaltation: Christ’s Lordship and Authority (Philippians 2:9–11)
Because of His obedience, “God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.” Jesus returned to His heavenly throne, His glory restored, reigning far above all power and dominion (Ephesians 1:20–21). Every creature will one day bow before Him and confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

This confession demonstrates His universal authority. The phrase “in the name of Jesus” signifies “by His authority.” The same authority that governs heaven also rules the church. As Paul urged the Corinthians, all must “speak the same thing” and be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). True unity is achieved only when every believer honors Christ’s divine authority and bases all beliefs and practices on His Word alone.

Conclusion
Christ’s example of humility, obedience, and glory is the perfect pattern for His followers. When His mind governs our hearts, the church becomes united, strong, and a reflection of heaven’s harmony.

Let This Mind Be in You Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Text: Philippians 2:5–11

• Aim: To implant within every believer the humble and obedient mind of Christ.

I. The Exhortation – The Call to Christ’s Mind (Philippians 2:5)

• A. A command to imitate Christ’s humility.

• B. The demonstration of service: washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:14–16).

• C. The principle of unity through servanthood.

II. The Example – Christ’s Humility and Obedience (Philippians 2:6–8)

• A. His Divine Nature (John 1:1–2).

• B. His Voluntary Surrender (John 17:1–5).

• C. His Humanity and Service (Romans 8:3).

• D. His Humility – placing others before Himself.

• E. His Obedience – complete submission to the Father (Hebrews 5:8–9).

III. The Exaltation – Christ’s Lordship and Authority (Philippians 2:9–11)

• A. His Exaltation and Glorification (Ephesians 1:20–21).

• B. His Supreme Name and Universal Authority.

• C. His Lordship demands all bow before Him (Romans 14:11).

• D. The church must honor His authority alone (1 Corinthians 1:10).

IV. The Application – Living with the Mind of Christ

• A. Practice humility in relationships.

• B. Submit to God’s Word as final authority.

• C. Strive for unity through shared faith and purpose.

Call to Action:
Let each of us seek to let the mind of Christ dwell richly within us. Choose humility over pride and obedience over self-will. Serve one another in love and submit to the Lord’s authority in every aspect of life. Bow to Christ willingly now—through faith, repentance, confession, and baptism—before the day comes when all must bow before Him.

Key Takeaways:

• Christ’s humility is the model for Christian unity (Philippians 2:5–8).

• Jesus willingly set aside His heavenly glory for mankind (John 17:1–5).

• Obedience to God brings salvation and peace (Hebrews 5:8–9).

• God exalted Christ to supreme authority (Philippians 2:9–11).

• Unity is only possible when all submit to Christ’s Word (1 Corinthians 1:10).

• Every knee will one day bow before the Lord (Romans 14:11).

Scripture Reference List:

• Philippians 2:5–11: The pattern of Christ’s humility, obedience, and exaltation.

• John 13:14–16: The example of servanthood.

• John 1:1–2: The eternal nature of Christ.

• John 17:1–5: Christ’s surrender of heavenly glory.

• Romans 8:3: The Son’s incarnation and victory over sin.

• Hebrews 5:8–9: Obedience perfected through suffering.

• Ephesians 1:20–21: Christ exalted at God’s right hand.

• 1 Corinthians 1:10: Unity through submission to Christ’s authority.

• Romans 14:11: The universal confession before God.