Philippians 2 - A Submissive Mind

This chapter really focuses on having a mind or attitude like Christ's. We are to have a submissive mind.

So, what does submissive mean?

Well, submissive or submit is often a concept that is thrown into negative light. In fact, the definition for submissive is an excellent example of this negative view on submission. "Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive."

This shows what the world sees submission as. So often, submission is seen as a sign of weakness. BUT, it isn't. In fact, we are called to submit. In Philippians 2, Paul conveys that, as believers, we should have a submissive mind or attitude. He does not mean that we just bow down to everyone and let people walk all over us. No, he means that we should follow the example of Christ and think of others before ourselves. 

Have you ever heard of the JOY acronym? It stands for Jesus, others, you. Last week, we looked at the reasons for having Joy. All of them had to do with focusing on Jesus. Paul reminded us that JESUS is not finished with us yet, that JESUS uses our situations for the spreading of the gospel, and that, if we focus on living for JESUS, then nothing can steal our joy. 

This week, in chapter 2, Paul shifts the focus to others. He tells the believers several different things that they should be doing, and gives examples. 

One of the people he uses as an example is Jesus. 

1. First, Jesus demonstrates an attitude that is focused on others, not on Himself. Philippians 2:5-6 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God." In this verse, mind means attitude. Jesus displayed a selfless mind or attitude. Jesus is God. He does not need anything from us or anyone else. He receives all the praise and glory, He reigns over the universe. Yet, Jesus did not consider being "equal with God" as something that He should selfishly hold on to. His attitude was that He must use the privileges and gifts He had for others. 

2. Next, Jesus is a picture of serving. In verse 7, it says, "but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." Jesus not only THOUGHT of others, but He also BECAME a servant to others. The word "form" in this verse means "an outward expression of an inward nature." Jesus took on the FORM of a bondservant. He took on an outward expression of His inward nature, to serve. Jesus served others. Others did not serve Him. 

3. Jesus is also an example of sacrifice. Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Jesus sacrificed His will, His desires, and ultimately His life. He humbled Himself and became obedient. Guys, Jesus did not want to die on the cross. Crucifixion was an awful, brutal way to die. It was often used for some of the worst criminals. It took several days for the criminal to die, usually by exhaustion and asphyxiation. It was not a quick and easy way to die. It was long, painful, and gruesome. Jesus prayed that if there was any other way, to let Him die that way. But, he ultimately sacrificed His will and desires to obey the will of God. He then sacrificed His life for us. Jesus gave up everything for us. He gave up His LIFE for us. This is the ultimate picture of a selfless attitude. Even though He did not WANT to or FEEL like dying for us, He did it because it was the Father's will and the only way. 

4. Finally, Jesus demonstrates an attitude of glorifying God. Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The purpose of Jesus' humiliation and exaltation was to glorify God. We are to live so that we can glorify God. 

If we follow Jesus' example and live with a submissive mind, then we must expect sacrifice and service. We must expect to sacrifice our will and desires in order to best serve others. But, in the end, it will lead to glory. We can draw joy from having a submissive mind, because we can know that we are glorifying God. 

Application : 

What are some practical ways that we can have a mind or attitude focused on others?

How can we become a servant like Jesus?

In what ways can we sacrifice, so that we can serve others?

How can we glorify Jesus?