Read Philippians 2:5–8
Questions from the Scripture text: What part of who they are does the apostle address in Philippians 2:5? What kind of mind does he urge should be in them? What was Christ’s form (Philippians 2:6)? What did He not count as something to be forcibly grabbed? What did He empty (Philippians 2:7)? What form did He take? Into what likeness did He become? In what appearance was He found (Philippians 2:8)? What did He further do to Himself? What did He become? To what point?
Like-mindedness unto Christ. What is that like-mindedness to which Philippians 2:2 called us? It is not merely all of us coming together to be like one another. Rather, our like-mindedness to one another must come as a result of being like-minded unto Christ.
Willingness to go low. What dignity or respect are we clinging to, trying to lay hold of? The Lord Jesus is, in very nature, God Himself (Philippians 2:6). And yet did not shrink from adding another nature, taking also that of a bondslave (Philippians 2:7). Surely, we must be willing to be lightly-esteemed for His sake, and for others’ sake.
Willingness to go lower. Perhaps we think that we have humbled ourselves enough. But this would not be to be like-minded unto Christ. For, even after becoming a man, He humbled Himself further. And, even after becoming obedient, He proceeded in this obedience even unto death—the accursed death of the cross. If the Lord Jesus is our template, we can never think in this life that we are done being humbled. In the Christ-ian life, lowering ourself is the way up.
How are you making little of yourself? What kind of service and obedience have you sacrificed yourself for?
Suggested songs: ARP131 “My Heart Is Not Exalted, Lord” or TPH533 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
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