Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 24, 2005

PROFILE OF A GREAT EXAMPLE

Philippians Chapter Two

The beauty of watching a winning team is its coordination…it’s unity… it’s individual ability blended into corporate (team) achievement. One of the greatest testimonies to the power of God in the world today is the demonstration of the unity of the Body of Christ (John 17:20-23.

What is the key to unity? Humility! Humility is not weakness – humility is taking the strength that you have and promoting, not yourself, but what is best for the common good.

What is the key to humility? It is understanding and demonstrating the mind of Christ. Scripture says that believers have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16). “Let this mind be in you” Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5. Let it function in you. Let it find its expression in you. So the bottom line is when you have the mind of Christ, humility is present and when humility is present - there is unity.

Unity is the frame of reference in which God works. The chapter before us in this pen pulpit is Philippians chapter two - the great unfolding of the mind of Christ. There are five movements in chapter two forming the profile of a great example.

THE GREAT UNITY CHARACTERISTICS TO BE MANIFESTED IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

1. Unity of Confidence in the face of adversity 1:27-30. The power of a unified confidence is a great barrier to the enemy.

2. Unity of Mind that expresses itself in three ways – 2:2-4

*Mutual love –v.2

*Mutual purpose –v.2

*Mutual concern – vs. 3, 4

THE GREAT EXAMPLE IN DEMONSTRATING THE ATTITUDE OF HUMILITY

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest example of humility, in His sovereignty transitioning to His slavery. Let’s take a closer look at the mind of Christ.

1. His Selfless Mind –Christ did not regard equality with the Father something to be tenaciously clung to. He knew who He was and He knew who He had to become. His was the epitome of humility. The text says that He emptied Himself. This is known as the kenosis – the self-emptying of the Savior. Of what did He empty Himself of? Certainly not His deity. One can’t cease to be who he is. He emptied Himself of the independent exercise of His attributes.

2. The Serving Mind – He clearly stated in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,  and to give His life a ransom for many.” The word for “form” used in verse 7 of a bond-servant is the same Greek word for “form” in verse 5, “existing in the form of God.” As He was truly God, He became truly a servant. This concept motivated Him throughout His life on earth.

 3. The Sacrificial Mind – The ultimate form of servant hood was in obeying the Father and giving up His life on the cross for the sins of the human race. Verse 8 tells us that He became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. So our Lord transitioned from SOVEREIGN GOD - to SACRIFICAL SAVIOR.

• Christ’s first act of service was BECOMING A MAN.

• His final act of service was BECOMING SIN!

Beloved, let your minds dwell on these things. We will conclude this great chapter in our next pen pulpit. God bless,

Love in the One who sacrificed Himself for us.