To be Like Christ

January 13, 2013

Lesson: Philippians 2:5–11

Key Verse: Philippians 2:5

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Introduction

When we are told that we have transgressed against God, coming short of His glory (Rom. 3:23), we see ourselves bearing the name ‘Ichabod’—one without the glory of God, lacking a true moral character, being made after the image of God. In Christ, the glory of God is returned to us as His very own people. Thus Christ in us makes us perfect, that we may glorify Him.

Though there were many good things to be said about the church at Philippi, there was an inner tension which would bring about disunion if not checked by the word of God. The undercurrent of bickering, disagreements, gossip, etc., can eventually bring about a split among the people of God. Sometimes the tensions of false beliefs, clashed personalities, etc. are hidden, and we hope that they will go soon go away. However, a desire among the people of God to be obedient to the word of God should be a cleansing balm in their relationship with their Lord and one another. We need to be reminded by the faithful minister of the word that Christ alone is our glory, and in Him we will find the healing that is needed. It is in Christ that we are enabled to be humble in our relationship with one another, to repent and forgive with the desire to be reconciled in love and friendship.

Paul turns the eyes of the saints to Jesus. Paul answers the question of what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be like Christ: “If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any (inward spirit of mercy), fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Phil. 2:1–2). Wm Hendriksen wrote: “When grace changes the heart, submission out of love, and true humility is born. By Paul this virtue is associated with those of tenderheartedness, kindness, forbearance, longsuffering, meekness.”

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Be Like Christ—Philippians 2:5–11

To love one another, to be of the same mind, is to have the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” We look to Scriptures to see the mind of Christ. As in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly at heart; and ye shall find rest (refreshment) unto your souls.” Our Lord refreshes our souls with His presence as His longsuffering and tender mercies infuse our lives with healing and joyful ointments. Therefore, we are able to be like-minded with one another. For a Christian is this: “Blessed (how happy) are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7).

The mind of Christ is revealed in His incarnation, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” The Messiah or Christ is God. It was not robbery to state this equality with God, for it is true that He is the second Person of the Godhead. “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God,” testifies Peter by the authority of the Spirit of God. Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all things created” (Col. 1:15; John 1:1). Nor did His position in the Godhead hinder Him from taking upon Himself the flesh of His creation, mankind. He lowered Himself that He might save His people from their sins. As Christ took upon Himself the form of a servant, so we must take on that form as we become a blessing to one another, with that same love with which our Lord loved us.

Christ our Lord, “found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Christ’s death upon the cross was the ultimate demonstration of His obedience to His Father in heaven. He prayed, saying “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Our love for one another, being of the same mind as Christ, reveals a measure of sacrifice. There are times when the burden of love taxes or tests our souls. However, may we, in the grace and strength of our Savior, pray, “not my will but Thine be done” in the situation in which He has placed us. Think upon the cross of Christ as you seek the mind of Christ in the fellowship of believers.

Because of Christ’s obedience, the Father exalted Him. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It is God the Father who exalted His Son. If there is any exaltation, any glory that is ours, it must come from our Father in heaven through Jesus Christ. The glory that is ours is Christ’s alone. There is no one who can claim a name above Christ’s. For, before the Person of Christ Jesus every knee shall bow. All things are under His feet. For He alone is the King of kings and Lord of lords. By the authority of Christ, all things of heaven and hearth are subject to Him. It is Christ alone who should shine through our deeds of love and mercy. Our obedience to Christ as Lord must reveal His preeminence, His supremacy as the risen King! Therefore, every nation, every language should confess that Christ Jesus is Lord. “It is to the glory of God the Father to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; for it is His will that all men should honor the Son, as they honor the Father (John 5:23). Whatever respect is paid to Christ overflows to the honor of the Father” (M. Henry).

Discussion: What does it mean to be like Christ?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2013 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.