Like Christ

August 8, 2010

Lesson: Philippians 2:1–11

Key Verse: Philippians 2:5

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Introduction

Let us set our eyes upon Christ; for we belong to him, claiming that he is our Lord and Savior.

During that night in the upper room, Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Our Lord spoke also of his cross, saying, “In my Father’s house are many (dwelling places) …I go and prepare a place for you” (Matt. 26:28, John 14:2). Near the end of the evening, knowing that the hour had come for the Son to be glorified by the Father, and the Father by the Son, Jesus spoke to his Father saying, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:22–23).

The glory (Gr. Doxa), to which Jesus referred in John 17:22, is that of recognition, of being seen as the person you really are. Doxa, or glory, is the appearance or reputation of the person, his honor or importance, etc. When we are told that we have transgressed against God, coming short of his glory (Rom. 3:23), we see ourselves as not being what our Lord intended us to be. We then bear the name Ichabod (without the glory of God), lacking his image and moral character. In Christ the glory of God is returned to us as his very own people. Thus Christ in us makes us perfect, bringing us to completion in his image and glory.

Discussion: What does it mean to bear the glory of God?

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Be Like-Minded—Philippians 2:1–4

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, hoping 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. He gives them a fourfold incentive to be like-minded, one with another. If the following statements are true (which they are), then there is no reason that we cannot attain that unity which will reveal the glory of Christ in us.

1. If there is any consolation in Christ, if there is any encouragement, any strengthening of our faith that we belong to God our Father in Christ, then we can be like-minded.
2. If there is any comfort of unconditional love in Christ, then we have a great incentive to love one another, to be like-minded.
3. If there is any fellowship in the Spirit of God, there is great encouragement from God himself that we be like-minded.
4. If there is any strength of compassion from within, any spirit of tender mercies, then it is within the character of the Christian to be like-minded.

Prove yourself that you belong to Christ by showing Christ-like love and unity among the brethren.

Therefore, Paul charges the saints to fulfill his joy by being like-minded. This like-mindedness is to be shown by the saints in these three ways:

1. Having the same love which results in “being of one accord, of one mind.” Being of one accord signifies a community of love. It concerns the soul or life of the people of God.
2. Having a “lowliness of mind,” esteeming others better than themselves. Grace continues to change the heart, whereby it submits to Christ, becoming more and more like him in kindness, patience, meekness, love, etc.
3. Having a concern for the needs of others, the Christian looks for ways to be a blessing to others. In our covenant relationship with our Lord, who loves us, we are to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of God” (Gal. 6:10). If you have the heart of Christ, you will then have a heart for one another.

Discussion: What does it mean to be like-minded?

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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 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 like 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 that 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 exalts 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 which 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 © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.