Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:5 (KJV)

Context

Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi while in prison, and joy runs through it even in hardship. In the verses just before this one, he urges believers to be likeminded, to have the same love, and to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit (Philippians 2:2-3). He tells them to count others more significant than themselves and to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Verse 5 then presents Christ Jesus as the supreme example of the mindset believers are to adopt.

Meaning

The word “mind” here means attitude, disposition, or way of thinking. Paul is not asking for mere intellectual agreement; he is calling for a transformative pattern of thought and conduct. The phrase “let this mind be in you” is an active, ongoing choice, not a passive wish. Believers are to let the same disposition that was in Christ Jesus be formed in them.

Jesus, though He was the Son of God, humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His mindset was characterized by humility, selflessness, and obedience to the will of God. To have the mind of Christ means adopting that same attitude in our own lives.

Humility

Jesus exemplified humility by willingly leaving His heavenly glory and taking on the form of a servant. As Christians, we are called to humble ourselves and consider others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). We should not be self-centered or seek our own glory but rather be willing to serve and consider the needs of others.

Selflessness

Jesus’ sacrificial act on the cross demonstrated His selflessness. He gave up His life for the salvation of humanity. Likewise, we are called to live selflessly, putting the interests of others before our own (Philippians 2:4). This involves caring for the needs of others, showing compassion, and being willing to sacrifice for the well-being of others.

Obedience to God

Jesus’ ultimate act of obedience was to submit to the will of God, even in the face of great suffering. We are called to emulate this obedience by submitting ourselves to God’s will and His Word. This involves aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with God’s commands and seeking to live a life that pleases Him.

Application

To apply this verse, we should continually examine our attitudes and actions. Are we living with the mindset of Christ? Are we humble, selfless, and obedient? It requires surrendering our own desires and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within.

• Philippians 2:5 challenges us to have the same mind that Christ Jesus had. By imbibing the attitude of humility, selflessness, and obedience to God, we can reflect the character of Christ and live out our faith in a way that honours Him and blesses others.