To Live Like Christ

Today as we return to Paul’s letter to the Christians in first century Philippi, we resume at chapter one verse 27.

Philippians 1:27-30 (NIV)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

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You will recall how, as seen in the verses preceding these, Paul voiced his internal dialogue in which he weighed the benefits of dying and going to Jesus and living to further serve Jesus by continuing to spread the gospel. Here he encourages the Philippians to stay the course of faithfulness through “whatever happens” – whatever happens to him and whatever happens to them. Focus on the latter of the two. To help you do so, re-read verse 29.

Philippians 1:29 (NIV)
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him . . .

Eugene Peterson translated that as . . .

Philippians 1:29 (MSG)
There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him.

Here is a verse worthy of some attention. To ease our minds, we may give a brief nod to the words while we rush past. Let us, as uncomfortable as it may be, slow our pace and ponder. Only a few will accept those words, really accept them, for it is quite a different action to embrace those words than to merely recognize their truth. If suffering is granted, I’d like to step out of the receiving line. In truth, we who live in the free West and follow Christ suffer very little for our faith. For, as Frank Thielman wrote . . .

Paul’s language was intended “to encourage people who stood as a tiny island of commitment to the gospel amid a raging sea of pagan antagonism. The suffering of which Paul speaks is suffering for “the gospel faith” (v. 27, REB), not suffering in general, and certainly not opposition to some personal agenda.” (98)

Should true persecution come our way, will we receive it as a gift?

That is a question worth pondering.

That question also prepares us for continuing through Paul’s letter.

Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV)
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death--
        even death on a cross!

When I read those words, I observe how verse five is the sinew that bonds the meat of verses 1-4 to that of verses 6-8. We will address verse five in a moment. First, however, let us glean for the meat.

From verses 1-4 we learn the importance of unity within the body of Christ and the pivotal role humility plays in accomplishing that. From verses 6-8 we receive the summary of the ultimate role model who lived in such humility. Regarding the latter we observe the great servant act of Jesus.

Philippians 2:7 (NIV)
Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

About Jesus’ taking the nature of a servant, N.T Wright wrote . . .

“[Jesus’] decision to become human, and to go all the way along the road of obedience to the divine plan of salvation, all the way to the cross—this decision was not a decision to stop being divine. It was a decision about what it really meant to be divine. Jesus retained his equality with God. The eternal Son of God, the one who became human in and as Jesus of Nazareth, regarded his equality with God as committing him to the course he took. This is the true meaning of who God is. He is the God of self-giving love.” (31)

How are we to live like Jesus in such a way that we do things like those mentioned in verses 1-4 – value others, be like-minded, look after the interests of others? For the answer we return to the sinew.

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Neuroscientist Gregory Berns refers to the human brain as “a lazy piece of meat.” He continues by proposing that . . .

“The brain must be provided with something that it has never before processed to force it out of predictable perceptions.” (qtd in Gallo, 127)

We must train our brains to think differently, to think like Christ. Robert Wicks wrote . . .

“. . . in this passage we have the first definition of the test for a Christian: a disposition of mind. Not creeds, sacraments, rites, or correct morals, and certainly not any beliefs in economic or political systems, but a disposition of mind.” (48)

Train your mind to think like Jesus. How you think determines your view of the world. How you view the world determines your actions. Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “where the mind goes the body will follow.” That is true in all of life, not only in weightlifting.

As you mature in your relationship with Jesus you will, through the work of the Holy Spirit, change your brain. Slowly, yet surely, the old way of thinking will move to the trash bin. Paul, in another letter, acknowledged such a change.

Colossians 1:21 (NIV)
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.

“Once you were” is, obviously, a statement in the past tense. How do we move from past tense into a present reality of growth in our minds?

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Those words, too, came from Paul’s pen. Paul pressed the issue. Without mind change, you will experience little life change. So, you may (and hopefully will) ask how we train our brain. Once again, Paul came through with the answer. Before you read the passage below, pray to God that the Holy Spirit will illuminate for you, areas of life you need to surrender to Him.

Ephesians 4:22-5:2 (NIV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

#ordinarylives


For further reading:
Gallo, Carmine. Talk like TED. Pan Books, 2017.
Thielman, Frank. (1995) The NIV Application Commentary: Philippians. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Wicks, Robert R. (l955) The Interpreter’s Bible: Volume 11. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.
Wright, N.T. (2009) Philippians: 8 Studies for Individuals and Groups. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.