Be of the Same Mind Philippians 2

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3–5 (NASB95) INTRODUCTION ✓ No indication of doctrinal difficulties ✓ Despite meager circumstances they were a generous church (Phil 4:15-16; 2Cor 8:1-3)

2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.Philippians 2:2 (NASB95) INTRODUCTION ✓ No indication of doctrinal difficulties ✓ Despite meager circumstances they were a generous church (Phil 4:15-16; 2Cor 8:1-3) ✓ Despite all of this Paul’s joy for them was not complete

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;Philippians 1:27 (NASB95) INTRODUCTION ✓ The admonition to become of the “same mind” becomes a theme of the letter

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.Philippians 4:2–3 (NASB95) INTRODUCTION ✓ The admonition to become of the “same mind” becomes a theme of the letter ✓ There was a dispute between two prominent women

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.Philippians 2:14–18 (NASB95) INTRODUCTION ✓ The admonition to become of the “same mind” becomes a theme of the letter ✓ There was a dispute between two prominent women ✓ Such disharmony is rarely isolated in a fellowship

2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.Philippians 2:2 (NASB95) Be of the Same Mind ✓ The admonition to become of the “same mind” becomes a theme of the letter ✓ This same message was delivered to Corinth, Ephesus and Colossi (1Cor 1:10; 2Cor 13:11; Col 3:12-15; Eph 4:1-6)

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ... Philippians 2:1 (NASB95) Be of the Same Mind ✓ Paul provides powerful reasoning for like- minded agreement 27...I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;Philippians 1:27 (NASB95) ✓ Paul speaks of the attitude of humble agreement as an expression of faith

“encouragement in Christ” “coming along side someone to give assistance by offering comfort counsel, or exhortation.” MacArthur

“consolation of love” “A motive of persuasion or dissuasion” Vincent

“fellowship of the Spirit” joint participation in the things revealed and commanded by the Spirit

“affection and compassion” deep seated concern one for another

Do Nothing Do this Not That From Selfish Motives With empty conceit Regarding self as greater than others

Be of the Same Mind Philippians 2

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,Philippians 2:5–6 (NASB95) This Mind in You ✓ This context shows the connection between “theology” and practical Christianity ✓ Discipleship requires a knowledge of the One we follow ✓ As Christians we must emulate the Lord

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,Philippians 2:5–6 (NASB95) This Mind in You “the divine essence is not meant: but the external self- manifesting characteristics of God, the form shining forth from His glorious essence.” (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown)

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,Philippians 2:5–6 (NASB95) This Mind in You Form “It is the perfect expression of a perfect essence... This form, not being identical with the divine essence, but dependent upon it, and necessarily implying it, can be parted with or laid aside. Since Christ is one with God, and therefore pure being, absolute existence, He can exist without the form. This form of God Christ laid aside in His incarnation.” M.R. Vincent

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,Philippians 2:5–6 (NASB95) This Mind in You ✓ “Form” is further explained by “equality” ✓ Cannot refer to “godhood” as He emptied himself of this form ✓ Does not speak of positional equality (1Cor 15:27-28) ✓ Form and equality must refer to Divine Privilege

6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.Philippians 2:6–7 (NASB95) This Mind in You emptied “to completely remove or eliminate elements of high status or rank by eliminating all privileges or prerogatives associated with such status or rank—‘to empty oneself, to divest oneself of position.” Louw & Nida

6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.Philippians 2:6–7 (NASB95) This Mind in You emptied “What is meant is that the heavenly Christ did not selfishly exploit His divine form and mode of being... but by His own decision emptied Himself of it or laid it by, taking the form of a servant by becoming man” Kittel

7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond- servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Philippians 2:7–8 (NASB95) This Mind in You ✓ Not a God/Man hybrid ✓ God in the flesh ✓ Self-limited so that He experienced life as a man