199. PHP 2:5. THE IMPORTANCE OF POSSESSING THE MIND OF CHRIST

Php_2:5. The Importance of Possessing the Mind of Christ

PART 1

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."’97Php_2:5.

All true religion is connected with Christ. Its doctrines he revealed’97its principles he exhibited’97its blessings he provided’97its duties he enforced’97its spirit he ever manifested. The Christian, then, is one who believes these doctrines’97who is influenced by these principles’97who enjoys these blessings’97who discharges these duties’97and who evinces this spirit. And this is recognised in the text, where the apostle says, "Let this mind be in you," &c. In reference to this mind, let us I. Exhibit its Nature. II. The Means of its Attainment. And, III. The Importance of its Possession. Let us.

I. Exhibit its Nature.

What is that mind which was in Christ Jesus?

1. It was a mind distinguished for spiritual knowledge.

He was the true light. He knew all things. In him were hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2. It was a mind of holy obedience.

He loved God’s law. It was his delight Every desire, and purpose, and thought, was in pleasing conformity to the spotless mind of God.

3. It was a mind of pure and fervent devotion.

The whole career of Christ was distinguished for this. He held the closest communion with God. He spent whole nights in prayer. All his miracles and discourses were connected with prayer. It was displayed when he was baptized’97when tempted’97when transfigured’97when in the garden’97when on the cross. Yes, devotion was the element in which he lived, and in which he died.

4. It was a mind of unvaried meekness.

He infinitely excelled Moses in this respect. Under circumstances of the greatest provocation’97when reproached, calumniated’97when classed with demons’97when associated with publicans, and harlots, and thieves, he displayed the most perfect self-possession and composure. He never reviled his calumniators, he never railed again. He never displayed unhallowed passion, or a spirit of revenge. He wept over his vilest enemies, and he prayed for his murderers.

5. It was a mind of the greatest possible selfabasement.

Though Lord of angels, God blessed forever, yet he became a servant, yea, the tenant of servants. He affectionately served his enemies. He served the world, he poorest and vilest of mankind’97he condescended to the lowest offices’97he washed his disciples feet’97he avoided he praises and honors the people desired to confer upon him’97"he humbled himself, and became obedient even unto the death of the cross"

6. It was a mind of constant energy and activity.

It was his meat and drink to do his Father’s will. He went about doing good. "I must work," &c. His whole ministry was one scene of constant active engagements. His whole soul was devoted to it. And his work and life terminated together. The zeal of the Lord’s house ate him up. "I have a baptism," &c.

7. It was a mind of unexampled benevolence, tenderness, and pity.

This caused him to engage in the redeeming work, and this caused him to finish it. He loved mankind. His soul was absorbed in deepest interest for them. He gave his life for their ransom, and thus manifested to the world a benevolence without a parallel and beyond description "Herein is love," &c. "Greater love, &c. His life was benevolence embodied and exhibited. His words’97his thoughts’97his prayers’97his miracles’97his death, all attest to the incomprehensibleness of his pity and love. And how tender he was to the weakness and infirmities of mankind! "A bruised reed," &c.

8. It was a mind of holy patience and resignation.

He was never known to utter one murmuring word. He was resigned to all his Father’s will. He freely drank the bitter cup. "He was led as a lamb to the slaughter," &c. "Endured the contradiction of sinners," &c. These then are some of the features that distinguished the mind of Christ. And this is the mind which should also be in all who are called by his name, and profess to be his disciples.

Application

(1) Let the mind of Christ be clearly examined and studied by all his followers. (2) Let it be constantly kept before our eyes, that we may always be looking to Jesus, &c. (3) Let conformity to it be the anxious desire of our hearts. "All we with open face," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS