Philippians 2:5 - Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus,
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What does "Philippians 2:5" mean?
Philippians 2:5, "Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus," is a powerful and central verse in understanding Christian humility, service, and the nature of Jesus. Let's break down what it means:
Key Concepts:
"Have this in your mind" (or "Let this mind be in you"): This is a direct exhortation. Paul is urging the Philippians (and, by extension, all Christians) to adopt a specific way of thinking, a particular attitude. It's about cultivating a mental and emotional disposition. The Greek word translated as "mind" (φρονέω - phroneō) encompasses more than just intellectual thought; it refers to one's inclination, intention, feelings, and purpose. It's about the whole way one approaches life.
"which was also in Christ Jesus": This identifies the specific "mind" or attitude to be emulated: the attitude that Jesus Christ possessed. The rest of Philippians 2 (verses 6-11) then elaborates on what this attitude was.
What was the "Mind of Christ" that the Philippians (and us) should have?
The verses that follow verse 5 (Philippians 2:6-11) provide a detailed explanation. This passage is often referred to as the "Christ Hymn" and highlights these key aspects of the "Mind of Christ":
1. Humility and Self-Emptying (Kenosis):
Verses 6-7: Although Christ was in the form of God (fully divine), he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or exploited. Instead, he emptied himself (kenosis), taking on the form of a servant (a slave). He willingly relinquished the privileges and glory associated with his divine status.
Important Note on Kenosis: The precise meaning of "emptied himself" is debated. Most interpretations agree that it doesn't mean Jesus gave up his divine nature (he remained fully God), but rather that he voluntarily limited the exercise of certain divine attributes, and/or veiled his divine glory.
2. Obedience:
Verse 8: He humbled himself further by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! This highlights Jesus's complete submission to the Father's will.
3. Selfless Service and Sacrifice:
Jesus prioritized the needs of others over his own. He was willing to suffer and die to redeem humanity. His focus was not on personal gain or comfort, but on fulfilling God's plan and serving others.
In essence, the "Mind of Christ" is characterized by:
Humility: A willingness to put others first.
Selflessness: A focus on serving and sacrificing for others.
Obedience: A complete submission to God's will.
Love: The driving force behind the humility and sacrifice.
Implications for Christians:
Philippians 2:5 is a call to action. It's not just about admiring Jesus; it's about actively cultivating his attitude in our own lives. This means:
Rejecting Pride and Self-Importance: Being willing to set aside our egos and recognize our dependence on God and our need for others.
Serving Others with Humility: Looking for ways to help others, even in mundane or difficult tasks.
Submitting to God's Will: Trusting in God's plan for our lives, even when it's difficult.
Prioritizing Others' Needs: Being willing to sacrifice our own comfort, time, or resources for the sake of others.
Pursuing Unity: Recognizing that selfishness is a key cause of disunity and conflict, cultivating a mind of humility helps to build strong, loving communities
In conclusion, Philippians 2:5 is a profound challenge and a transformative invitation to adopt the attitude of Jesus Christ, characterized by humility, selflessness, obedience, and love, so that we can better reflect His character and purpose in our lives.
Philippians 2:5 - Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus,
What does "Philippians 2:5" mean?
Philippians 2:5, "Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus," is a powerful and central verse in understanding Christian humility, service, and the nature of Jesus. Let's break down what it means:
Key Concepts:
"Have this in your mind" (or "Let this mind be in you"): This is a direct exhortation. Paul is urging the Philippians (and, by extension, all Christians) to adopt a specific way of thinking, a particular attitude. It's about cultivating a mental and emotional disposition. The Greek word translated as "mind" (φρονέω - phroneō) encompasses more than just intellectual thought; it refers to one's inclination, intention, feelings, and purpose. It's about the whole way one approaches life.
"which was also in Christ Jesus": This identifies the specific "mind" or attitude to be emulated: the attitude that Jesus Christ possessed. The rest of Philippians 2 (verses 6-11) then elaborates on what this attitude was.
What was the "Mind of Christ" that the Philippians (and us) should have?
The verses that follow verse 5 (Philippians 2:6-11) provide a detailed explanation. This passage is often referred to as the "Christ Hymn" and highlights these key aspects of the "Mind of Christ":
1. Humility and Self-Emptying (Kenosis):
Verses 6-7: Although Christ was in the form of God (fully divine), he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or exploited. Instead, he emptied himself (kenosis), taking on the form of a servant (a slave). He willingly relinquished the privileges and glory associated with his divine status.
Important Note on Kenosis: The precise meaning of "emptied himself" is debated. Most interpretations agree that it doesn't mean Jesus gave up his divine nature (he remained fully God), but rather that he voluntarily limited the exercise of certain divine attributes, and/or veiled his divine glory.
2. Obedience:
Verse 8: He humbled himself further by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! This highlights Jesus's complete submission to the Father's will.
3. Selfless Service and Sacrifice:
Jesus prioritized the needs of others over his own. He was willing to suffer and die to redeem humanity. His focus was not on personal gain or comfort, but on fulfilling God's plan and serving others.
In essence, the "Mind of Christ" is characterized by:
Humility: A willingness to put others first.
Selflessness: A focus on serving and sacrificing for others.
Obedience: A complete submission to God's will.
Love: The driving force behind the humility and sacrifice.
Implications for Christians:
Philippians 2:5 is a call to action. It's not just about admiring Jesus; it's about actively cultivating his attitude in our own lives. This means:
Rejecting Pride and Self-Importance: Being willing to set aside our egos and recognize our dependence on God and our need for others.
Serving Others with Humility: Looking for ways to help others, even in mundane or difficult tasks.
Submitting to God's Will: Trusting in God's plan for our lives, even when it's difficult.
Prioritizing Others' Needs: Being willing to sacrifice our own comfort, time, or resources for the sake of others.
Pursuing Unity: Recognizing that selfishness is a key cause of disunity and conflict, cultivating a mind of humility helps to build strong, loving communities
In conclusion, Philippians 2:5 is a profound challenge and a transformative invitation to adopt the attitude of Jesus Christ, characterized by humility, selflessness, obedience, and love, so that we can better reflect His character and purpose in our lives.