Philippians is primarily a PRACTICAL epistle. In the section from chapter 1:27-2:18, Paul answers the question: How now shall we live? Chapter 2 begins with four verses of exhortation which describe the selfless Christian as opposed to the selfish Christian.

Our attention is then drawn to the example of Christ Jesus from verses 5-11:

Philippians 2:5-11 KJV – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

If there was one verse that you could highlight in your bible, it is verse 5. If you put that verse at the forefront of your lives and filtered everything through it, you might be surprised at how your walk with God changes. Your mind and focus is guaranteed to change for the better.

One word that stands out in this whole section is the word ‘mind’. “Like-minded,” “one mind,” and “lowliness of mind”, then in verse 5, it is all connected to the mind of Christ saying, “Let THIS mind be in YOU”.

A little glimpse ahead in Philippians shows us the context of the situation in the church Paul was addressing.

Philippians 4:2 KJV – “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.“

The issue of disunity was because the members were not centered on the Mind of Christ. If they imitated the mind of Christ described in Philippians 2:1-8 then these issues, whether ‘selfish ambition or conceit’ (v3) would dissipate.

So there is a clear message here for us. We need to make a determined decision to follow Christ’s example. The words “Let this mind be in you” is an instruction for us all. Paul didn’t want his readers to admire this from a distance or to write a song about it. He wanted them to live it.

In many places, Paul told believers that they needed to ‘put on’ spiritual things. There is one example which I think is especially relevant due to the fact that the context sets itself in the ‘last days’, a time where many feel we are approaching quickly as our world deteriorates.

Romans 13:11-14 KJV – “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

So with that we look at the example of Christ. Chuck Smith describes this section as “treading into the Holy of Holies”.

What’s noticeable in the description of Jesus’ earthly ministry was His selfless attitude and complete submission. From the top rung of the ladder being glorified in Heaven, all the way to the bottom “EVEN the death of the cross”.

When you examine the story of Lucifer and Adam, you see the intention being, “I will!” Whereas Jesus said, “Thy will”. What camp do we fall into?

We see at the conclusion of this section from Philippians 2:10-11 that ultimately, Jesus has been restored to His glory and sits enthroned. Paul uses a quote from Isaiah 45, which equates Jesus with Yahweh.

Philippians 2:10-11 KJV – “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The sobering thought here is that, ultimately, every human being will make this confession. Either with joyful faith or resentment and despair. It’s vital that one chooses Christ now before it is too late. The scriptures say, “Now is the day of salvation.” Don’t delay that decision!