200. PHP 2:5. THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING CHRIST’S MIND

Php_2:5. The Importance of Having Christ’s Mind

PART II

Php_2:5.

In the former skeleton we noticed the nature of that mind that was in Christ. Let us now consider,

II. The Means of its Attainment.

How are we to obtain like-mindedness with Christ?

1. By studying him as our only model.

We must keep him before our eyes. Be constantly recalling to ourselves the lovely and amiable traits of character which he possessed. Make ourselves familiar with all the holy footsteps of his life. Meditate upon all the circumstances in which he was placed, and the spirit he manifested upon all occasions. Set the Lord ever before you, &c. "Consider Christ," &c. "All we with open face, beholding as in a glass," &c.

2. By seeking the aids of his Holy Spirit, It is the province of the Spirit to change the heart. He only can impart the influence which will transform us into Christ’s holy likeness. He will lead us to a closer acquaintance with Christ. Gradually erase the features of the old Adam, and imprint the blessed features of the Redeemer’s holy image. We should seek then to be filled with the Spirit’97to walk in the Spirit, &c.

3. By practically conforming to his blessed example.

Study and prayer will do much, but our knowledge and convictions must be embodied. We must really walk as he walked. Imitate all his imitable conduct. Act towards friends as he did’97towards the world as he did’97towards the blessed God as he did. Imitate him in prosperity, and rejoice in spirit’97imitate him in sorrow, by patience and resignation to the will of God’97imitate him under reproach, and bless and pray for our vilest enemies. In this way we shall be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and be more fully and deeply conformed to his spiritual likeness. Consider, in reference to Christ’s mind,

III. The Importance of its Possession.

"Let, the same mind be in you," &c. We ought to possess the same mind that was in Christ,

1. On the ground of consistency.

We bear his name, profess to be his disciples, &c. It so, then we should resemble him. Walk as he walked, &c. Exhibit a spirit and conversation like his. Christ demands it. World will look for it.

2. On the ground of comfort and happiness.

We cannot be truly happy without it Our peace and comfort will be in exact proportion to it. We cannot have holy fellowship with him unless we have his mind, &c.

3. On the ground of usefulness.

Christ’s mind will not only make us happy, but useful, make us a blessing to those around. We shall then truly be "lights," "elevated cities," "the salt of the earth," &c.

4. On the ground of safety.

Without it we cannot be saved. Indeed, this is salvation, to have within us Christ’s mind. And without this conformity we cannot be meet for the celestial inheritance. Without it, were we admitted, we could not possibly enjoy it. Rom_8:29.

5. On the ground of future glory.

The closer our likeness to Jesus, the greater our future dignity’97the sweeter our felicity’97the more abundant our reward, O how desirable then to be deeply solicitous to possess the whole mind that was in Christ!

Application

(1) Learn the true test of vital religion’97the possession of Christ’s mind. (2) What need of fervent devotedness to God! How imperfectly is this possessed by the best of Christians! (3) Invite sinners to be of one mind with Christ, to believe in his name, and be everlastingly saved

Autor: JABEZ BURNS