Young People's Group

The Mind of Christ

by Mitchell Tan
October 03, 2018

HAVING A POWERFUL MINDSET

In order to succeed in life and ministry, we need to learn to have a strong mindset. Whether it is facing exams or work stress, it is vital to cultivate a powerful mind that seek to overcome all the challenges of life. The apostle Paul wrote about this mindset.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 2:5

This powerful mindset was something that the Lord Jesus exemplified. It was something that the Philippians were meant to have too. They were meant to cultivate this mind of Christ. Young people, we too are meant to have this strong mindset for ourselves to face the problems and challenges of life.

BEING TAUGHT TO HAVE A STRONG MINDSET

How did Paul go about teaching the Philippians to have a strong mindset?

1. BY WAY OF COMMANDMENT

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 2:5

The phrase “Let this mind be” is a commandment. This was a direct command from the apostle Paul. Whenever there is a command given, there must be a response of obedience on the part of the person being addressed. A command is something that we do not have a choice about. Our part is to respond with submission and obedience to have this mind of Christ.

2. BY WAY OF EXPLAINING THE EXAMPLE OF THE LORD JESUS AS A SERVANT

“Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Philippians 2:6-8

The Lord Jesus demonstrated what it meant to have a strong mindset by being a servant.

A. HE FULLY EMPTIED HIMSELF OF ALL HIS DIVINE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES

The Lord Jesus chose to set aside all His rights and privileges of being deity so as to be a man. His mind was not focused on Himself. He was focused on doing the will of God.

B. HE WHOLLY TOOK ON THE FORM OF A BONDSERVANT

The word “bondservant” in Greek means “slave”. Being a slave was the lowest social status in Roman society. His mind was focused on lowering Himself to be the least in social rank and to serve as a slave.

C. HE COMPLETELY HUMBLED HIMSELF

The Lord Jesus was divine at all times when he was on this earth. He was fully God and man at the same time. And yet, he totally humbled himself to be a servant. The Lord Jesus had truly exemplified what He had taught His disciples. He taught them how to be “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3) by word and by His life.

D. HE TOTALLY OBEYED THE WILL OF GOD

His whole life was committed to doing His will. Because there was great humility, He was able to find grace from God to do His will even being crucified on the cross. His mindset was one of being obedient to the very end. Young people, let’s learn from the example of the Lord Jesus. Let’s emulate His mindset and seek to be a bondservant in faithfully serving God.

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