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Outline 079 of 100 · Philippians

The Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:1-11 — The self-emptying humility of Christ as the pattern for Christian unity

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Paul appeals for unity in the Philippian church grounded not in mere social harmony but in shared participation in Christ — 'if there be therefore any consolation in Christ... fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded.' The call to esteem others better than ourselves and look not only on our own things finds its ultimate model in Christ's own descent: 'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God... made himself of no reputation... and took upon him the form of a servant.' The hymn traces Christ's humiliation to its lowest point — 'obedient unto death, even the death of the cross' — before ascending to His exaltation, where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Him Lord. This is the gospel pattern for all Christian relationships: the One with every right to glory emptied Himself for us, and we, having received such grace, are called to the same self-giving mindset toward one another.

  1. I. The appeal for unity

    • Consolation and fellowship in Christ
    • Being likeminded, having the same love
    • Esteeming others better than ourselves

  2. II. The mind of Christ described

    • Being in the form of God, yet not grasping equality
    • Made Himself of no reputation
    • Took upon Him the form of a servant

  3. III. The depth of humiliation reached

    • Found in fashion as a man
    • Humbled Himself
    • Obedient unto death, even the death of the cross

  4. IV. The exaltation that followed

    • God highly exalted Him
    • A name above every name
    • Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
The appeal

The same mind that led Christ to empty Himself for you is offered to you today. Will you let His humility, rather than self-interest, shape how you treat those around you?

Key points

  • Christian unity flows from shared participation in Christ, not mere social effort.
  • Christ's incarnation and death display the ultimate pattern of self-emptying humility.
  • Christ's exaltation follows His humiliation, and every knee will one day bow to Him.

Key passages

  • Philippians 2:3-4
  • Philippians 2:5-8
  • Philippians 2:9-11
  • Matthew 20:28