Christians are to have the attitude of Christ in all circumstances.

GOLDEN TEXT:

Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.

…….The most important aspect of being a Christian is to be “like-Christ”. Actually, that is the only aspect of being a Christian. Though at times it is hard, we must fight within ourselves to not be ourselves. Being Christ-like is never something that happens immediately. Though there are some who seem to have a greater likeness or acquire it quicker, it is definitely a gradual change that only comes from “being with Christ” on a daily and continual basis.

We are always influenced and changed the most by the ones we are around the most. With that said, if we want to be like Christ, we must be with Christ.

1. HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST

A. Be United With Christ

Php 2:1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Php 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord (same spirited), of one mind.

…….What an opening statement to begin this second chapter. The Apostle Paul stated, if there be any consolation (comfort and exhortation), if there be the smallest amount available, let it be shared with all! Let us love all and be mindful with and for all!

Php 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; (Every work and action taken place must be done with desire and love, letting His passion work its best on our part)

but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

…….If we are focused on the well being of others, we will never have to worry about the feelings of self! Our emotions will always work against us if “I and Me” is our main focus.

Php 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

…….He didn’t say, let us look on the things of others to find out how to make ourselves look better than others. We aren’t in competition against each other, but with each other against the enemy. He said let us look on the things of others to find what they are lacking so we can fill in the void.

B. Have the Mind of Christ

Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

…….It would have been all in order for Him to use the power he possessed to make His life on earth a cake walk, but He chose not to for the sake of personally knowing the struggles of man.

Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

…….Knowing that He Himself was the very So of God, He didn’t live a life of pride, walking about as a fashion statement that screamed, “I am the all powerful one”, even though he was with equal power with God and The Holy Spirit.

Not only did he lay down His power, but making Himself lower than a civilized man, He chose to serve.

What have we alone achieved in such manner that brings pride and glory to self. Take away every blessing from God, every accomplishment that has been performed since salvation and what does that leave us with?!

Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

…….Why was he obedient to death? Because for Him, it was the will of God. Is was the pre-ultimatum in His complete work. If He didn’t experience death, He couldn’t defeat it. He overcame so we could be made over-comers!

…….If the most perfect and Holy being that has ever walked the face of the earth was absent of such characteristics, how should we perform?

2. OBEY CHRIST AS LORD

A. Submit to Christ’s Lordship

Php 2:9  Wherefore (consequently, because of this) God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Php 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

…….Why? Because even in perfect humility, he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the only one who can eliminate heartache and trade it for peace. The only one who can curve our sinful appetite, and replace it with holy and righteous desire.

How? Because He understands everything about living on this earth!

B. Work With God

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

…….I love this verse and refute the controversy that comes against it.

Paul here encourages the saints to, just as they lived in Holiness in the presence of the teacher, even more so when he is gone, to accomplish this life of salvation with all that is within. Even when the fear of failure and pain attacks this flesh, through the trembling from suffering, don’t ever give up on reaching the goal!

Remember you have a reservation to the finish line!!!

Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

…….Every calling, every desire, every unction, and every good and acceptable thought comes from God Himself so let it do it’s work in us.

Php 2:14  Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

…….(griping and complaining) My thoughts are this: if it’s a hassle or ever becomes one, don’t do it at all until it becomes your passion. Step back and let someone else that lives it and loves it take the reins. No one enjoys working with a miserable man.

Php 2:15  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Php 2:16  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

…….The times I feel the most free are when drama is boiling and I’ve kept my mouth out of it. There is a great deal of comfort in having the ability to keep peace in the midst of backbiters.

The light that shines quietest shines brightest!

3. REJOICE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST

A. Rejoice in Serving

Php 2:17  Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Php 2:18  For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

…….The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians in approximately 50 AD, and was martyred nearly 15 years later. To prove his dedication to his teaching, it is said that he ran to the chopping block with joy in fulfilling the will of the Lord!

The way he lived and the way he died never brought edification to himself. He was an arrow that pointed directly to Jesus Christ!

B. Rejoice and Be Not Anxious

Php 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

…….How many times are we encouraged to rejoice in the Lord?! It is our duty and should be our main focus to give God all of our praise and worship! If you are a Christian, you always have something to rejoice about!

Php 4:5  Let your moderation (gentleness, patience) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

…….This verse isn’t encouraging people to be rambunctious and overzealous, but to be without care to the things that cannot be controlled by man.

If there is one thing the enemy is good at, it’s putting worry and fear in the minds of church goers.

We must learn to put all care and anxiety in the hands of the Lord and let Him handle all of our requests.

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

…….In trusting the Lord to care for us as Jesus taught, we can receive the peace of God that passes human understanding.