"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5, NIV)
I'm still on the Philippians 2 Advent Reading. Philippians 2:7 in various translations says that Jesus, "emptied Himself," or, "made Himself nothing." He did this in order to become the Babe of Bethlehem, the child of Mary and Joseph, live under submission to Jewish leaders, Roman law, and die, "even the death of the cross." He surrendered Himself, "who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant...." (NASB)
Now the real "kicker" here is that the context exhorts us, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." I discovered today that the word translated, "mind," or, "mindset," in verse 5 is the same word used twice in verse 2, "like-minded," and, "of one mind." It is more than just thinking. It is an attitude manifested in life style. Could this be key in understanding, "the mind of Christ"?!? Jesus is One in the Father and Holy Spirit. His Mind is Father's Mind, "like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
Now during this Advent Season, consider the difference in Church life if we had, "this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus," if we really considered all of the Advent Reading, Philippians 2:1-11, if we emptied ourselves, if we did not think our rights were, "a thing to be grasped," if we were
1. "of the same mind"
2. "having the same love"
3. "united in spirit and of one mind"
4. "intent on one purpose"
5. "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit"
6. "value others above yourselves"
7. "not looking to your own interests but each of you
to the interests of the others." (NIV)
This could really mess up "'Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la"----- but only to the one who has not emptied himself. I call the Church to make Philippians 2 the corporate "New Year's Resolution?"
Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that filling myself has been more important than emptying myself. Amen.
**************************
See short new video on Israel security needs: www.apf327.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
I'm still on the Philippians 2 Advent Reading. Philippians 2:7 in various translations says that Jesus, "emptied Himself," or, "made Himself nothing." He did this in order to become the Babe of Bethlehem, the child of Mary and Joseph, live under submission to Jewish leaders, Roman law, and die, "even the death of the cross." He surrendered Himself, "who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant...." (NASB)
Now the real "kicker" here is that the context exhorts us, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." I discovered today that the word translated, "mind," or, "mindset," in verse 5 is the same word used twice in verse 2, "like-minded," and, "of one mind." It is more than just thinking. It is an attitude manifested in life style. Could this be key in understanding, "the mind of Christ"?!? Jesus is One in the Father and Holy Spirit. His Mind is Father's Mind, "like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
Now during this Advent Season, consider the difference in Church life if we had, "this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus," if we really considered all of the Advent Reading, Philippians 2:1-11, if we emptied ourselves, if we did not think our rights were, "a thing to be grasped," if we were
1. "of the same mind"
2. "having the same love"
3. "united in spirit and of one mind"
4. "intent on one purpose"
5. "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit"
6. "value others above yourselves"
7. "not looking to your own interests but each of you
to the interests of the others." (NIV)
This could really mess up "'Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la"----- but only to the one who has not emptied himself. I call the Church to make Philippians 2 the corporate "New Year's Resolution?"
Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that filling myself has been more important than emptying myself. Amen.
**************************
See short new video on Israel security needs: www.apf327.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
