The Mind of Christ

The mind of Christ is one of the most essential and misunderstood elements of the Christian life. Many messages have been spoken and written on the subject, but to find his mind operating in the church is rare. Yet, it is the very basis of pleasing God.

The mind of Christ is often presented as the ability to "think the thoughts of God" or to "act like Jesus." While both these qualities might be commendable, neither is really what the Spirit meant as he spoke through the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians.

Paul was exhorting the Philippian church to seek for consolation and comfort in the Spirit, and to fulfil his joy by being "likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." (Phil.2:2) Paraphrasing what he said would be, "All of you be intent on one purpose."

What was the purpose that Paul was referring to?

"Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory (self conceit); but in lowliness of mind let each (one) esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (vs.4)

Paul was teaching the church the principle that all believers should have a concern for others of their brotherhood and circle of relationship. This was not intended to give license to become busybodies or to mind other people's business, but rather, to cultivate a sincere desire for the well-being of all.

Such harmony can only be achieved as we humble ourselves and not allow strife or selfish conceit to have any place among us. Genuine respect and consideration for others must be the order of the day. We're to let nothing be done through strife.

How is it possible to "look also on the things of others" without becoming busy-bodies?

Hebrews 12:15 gives us a clue: "See to it that no one comes short if the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." (NAS)

Although no one can receive the grace of God for another, as Christians, each of us is responsible to point others to God's grace when it seems to be out of their reach. This is necessary in order to avoid a root of bitterness springing up. When hope is lost in a situation, it leads to bitterness, which then leads to defilement. Therefore, we're to "see to it" that no one comes short of the grace of God.

We can be guilty of wrong motives and attitudes when we see someone in adverse and unfortunate circumstances. Although not expressed, we might think, "It's about time they're dealt with in that area of their life." Or perhaps, "I wonder how they'll stand in this test." But what Paul wanted to get across was a compassionate response that says, "Turn to the grace of God: It is sufficient for your particular situation, right now. There is hope!"

Knowing that God's grace is available to you in whatever situation you face rekindles hope. Discouragement and despair give way to faith and anticipation because God cares. Often such hope is realized only because someone looked "also on the things of others."

It is into this context that Paul writes, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil.2:5) The Amplified Bibles puts it this way: "Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. - Let Him be your example in humility."

The mind of Christ is not something that you possess: It possesses you! It is not to be "put on" or to be "adopted." Rather it is something that you allow to come forth from within you. You must "let it" come forth.

Continuing in the next verses, Paul explains the mind and attitude that were so perfectly demonstrated through Jesus Christ. It is this same mind and attitude that are to be evident in the lives of his followers.

"Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fulness of the attributes which make God, God], did not think this equality with God as a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained; But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity] so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being." (vs.6-7 Ampl.)

Because Jesus was willing to "look also on the things of others," he left his place in glory to reveal the grace of God to people that were in hopeless despair. He did it without hesitation because of "the joy that was set before him." (Heb.12:2) He willingly despised the momentary shame that it required him to bear, knowing that some people who sat in darkness would see the light and receive the grace of God.

When we consider how Jesus "stripped himself" of his heavenly privileges in order to take on the form of a servant, it is almost more than we can conceive. He laid aside the glory and righteousness he had known so he could be made sin for us, and emptied himself of the attributes of divinity so he could be tempted as a mortal. "Though he was rich, yet for your (our) sakes he became poor, that ye (we) through his poverty might be rich." (2 Cor.8:9)

He, who had never known sin, nor the temptation of sin, was made subject to its allurements. As he found himself in the limitations of mortal men, he submitted himself totally to his heavenly Father. As he revealed grace and truth to mankind, he brought hope of deliverance to everyone he touched, demonstrating that sin did not need to be served any longer!

Although knowing from "whence he came," Jesus did not consider being equal with God as an act of usurpation, but he did not call on any divine assistance for himself that is not also available to all mankind. He laid aside everything he had been in order to fully identify with those to whom he had been sent on his earthly mission.

It is important to understand that Jesus emptied himself of the glory he had with his Father before he could be a compassionate redeemer. He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Had he not been limited in this way, he could not have been "touched with our infirmities." (Heb.4:15) Consequently, he would not have been a complete and perfect substitute for our sin.

I'm aware that much traditional teaching says that Jesus was "very God" and "very man" while on his mission as the Saviour. This was not possible. Jesus was the beginning of a new creation man - the second man and last Adam - and the forerunner of all who would follow him in the regeneration. He is the "firstborn among many brethren." (Rom.8:29)

Had he retained his former status of divinity, he, as "very God," could not have been tempted, because "God cannot be tempted with evil." (Jam.1:13) He was in "the likeness of sinful flesh," (Rom.8:3) "made of a woman," (Gal.4:4) in order to completely identify himself with every temptation known to man. The potential for sin was as great in Jesus as it is in any man. All that would have been necessary on his part was disobedience and self-assertiveness.

Before you reject the rest of this article as heresy, let's consider Hebrews 2:14-18: "Forasmuch then as the children (mankind) are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; And to deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

"For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."

To help clarify verses 17 and 18, I'll cite them from the Amplified Bible as well: "So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful (sympathetic) and faithful High Priest in things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation for the people's sins.

"For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able (immediately to run to cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]."

These verses should clarity the truth that Jesus laid aside every aspect of divinity that would have given him an advantage over his "brethren." This is not to say that he ever lost sight of who he was, or that he lived as some confused, lust-crazed wimp, as has been portrayed in certain blasphemous films. He was about his Father's business from the time he had an understanding of his mission.

Finding himself in the fashion of a man, that is, limited and "made a little lower than the angels," (Heb.2:9) Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to every directive from his Father. This was in stark contrast to the attitude and response of the first man, Adam.

Adam's deliberate disobedience caused the degeneration of all "his brethren" and brought sin and death into the world. This resulted in all of his descendants being born in sin and depravity, and they were by nature "the children of disobedience." (Eph.2:2)

Jesus, being born of God, "made of a woman, made under the law," (Gal.4:4) partook of the nature that Adam had before his deliberate disobedience and consequential fall. In doing so, he was the "second man and last Adam."(see 1 Cor.15:45-47) This means that God began another creation with him. Just as the first man had been brought forth by the overshadowing of God, so the second man was brought forth by the overshadowing of the Spirit.

The nature that Jesus had while on his earthy mission was temptable, but not sinful. However, sin could have entered into Jesus, the last Adam, in the same way that it did into the first Adam - through disobedience. Had that happened, mankind would have been forever sealed in degradation and death, and the redemptive plan of the ages would have been bankrupt. But thanks be to God, Jesus "humbled himself and became obedient unto death." (Phil.2:8)

By keeping his obedience complete, Jesus kept an open and unhindered relationship with his Father, and in that, was "equal with God." This enabled him to be a faithful high priest in things pertaining to God. And because of the absence of sin in him, he could perfectly represent a sinless God to a sinful world.

Also, because he was fully man and able to be touched with the infirmities common to man, he could represent sinful man to a sinless God! Thus, Jesus was uniquely qualified to represent both God and man: He is, therefore, the only mediator between the two. (1 Tim.2:5)

Under Old Testament law, when someone brought a sin offering to God, he would place his hands upon the offering and confess his sins over it. This act would identify the person with his offering and transfer the condemnation and judgment for his sin to the substitute, which would then die in his place. Through this identification, the offering was made sin for the one presenting it.

God initiated the principle of substitution as early as the third chapter of Genesis. The requirement was that the offering would have to meet God's standard of acceptance and that it would give up its life for another. The natural life of the substitute represented the life of the one for which the atonement was being made. It was a life for a life.

Jesus, the substitute offering, satisfied all the requirements of God, on the behalf of man. He was so completely identified with sinful man, that he was even baptized with the baptism of repentance. It was not that he needed to repent of committed sin, but to publicly turn his back on all sin, and give himself to fulfill his Father's will, as the Son of Man. This he did, perfectly and willingly.

This is why scripture states, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Heb.5:8-9)

Although Jesus knew he was a Son, and thus was "equal with God," he chose to submit himself completely to the will of his Father. He never moved on his own initiation, but only spoke and did what he saw the Father speaking and doing. (Jn.5:19,30, etc) In other words, "he humbled himself and became obedient unto death," that is, he died to anything that was not specifically directed by his Father.

Don't think Jesus only experienced death on the cross, because he tasted death daily through every act of obedience. Even when tempted to act independently, he stayed fully surrendered to the Father's revealed will.

What are some examples of Jesus dying daily? Two examples readily come to mind. After healing an infirm man at the pool of Bethesda, Jesus turned away from the clamouring multitude that also wanted his healing touch. With the pleas of those needy people ringing in his ears, he walked away in what could have been misunderstood as callous disregard. Why? Because his Father had just sent him to heal one man. He "died" to any compassion he might have felt toward the other people and stayed submitted to what he saw his Father doing. (See Jn.5:1-9)

Another such example was in Gethsemane. As the sin of all mankind was placed upon him, Jesus in agony cried, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." (Lu.22:42) Though tempted to turn aside from the humiliation and agony before him, he humbled himself, "died", and remained obedient to his mission.

Later during that dark night of betrayal, he was taken like a common criminal to a make-shift court. Although he could have called more than twelve legions of angels to deliver him out of his captor's hand, he "died" and submitted himself as an ordinary man that the scripture might be fulfilled. (See Mt.26:53)

If Jesus was limited as a mortal man, how did he maintain his obedience and submission to his heavenly Father?

From a scriptural standpoint, obedience is never forced upon anyone. It is a deliberate choice on the part of the one being obedient. It is not a mandate. It is the willing heart response of a love relationship. It is the bond of equals.

To preserve such a bond, we must continually "esteem the other better than ourselves." We must know who we are, and that the true bond of our relationship is not by force. Sustaining that willing relationship requires diligent effort.

Because of this principle, scripture records: "In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which He not only wanted but needed], and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to Him Who was [always] able to save Him (out) from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God - His godly fear, His piety [that is, in that He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father]. Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through the things that He suffered; And [His completed experience] making Him perfect [in equipment], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give Him heed and obey Him." (Heb.5:7-9 Ampl.)

Jesus knew his limitations better than we do ours. He was fully aware that God had not provided a mediator for him and that just one act of self-will would forever demolish God's plan for man's redemption. Not only that, it would have separated him eternally from his heavenly Father. Because of this, he gave great diligence to keep his relationship with his Father intact.

Just as the first Adam forfeited his relationship with God because of an act of wilful disobedience, so the last Adam would have jeopardized his by a similar act. He would then have followed in the old creation instead of establishing the standard for the new creation.

Both Adam and Jesus were the beginning of a new creation of God. After Adam's transgression, the first creation was set aside as "old" to distinguish it from that which would come in Jesus, the last Adam. As the "new" creation, Jesus came, not only to recover the dominion and status that Adam lost, but to perfect them. He then opened the way for all who would follow in his footsteps to also enter in.

Both Adam and Jesus were unique sons of God (Lu.3:22,38) and directly responsible to God for their actions. There was no one for them to appeal to as a mediator for their standing with their Creator. Being "made under the law," (Gal.4:4) Jesus was also subject to the temporary Levitical law, which could never "take away sins." (Heb.10:4,11) He, as the Lamb of God, needed not only to fulfil the intent of the law, but he had no means of pardon for himself other than his own righteous blood. (Heb.9:12)

Jesus maintained his obedience to the Father, the same way that we do ours: By diligently yielding himself to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. He never worried that something he was to fulfil would be left undone. Every day he offered himself without spot to God "through the eternal Spirit," and in perfect submission and obedience, allowed himself to be led through every situation he encountered. The same Spirit that led him is eager to also lead us into equally perfect obedience. (See Heb.9:14; Rom.8:14)

Recording only thirty-some days of the earthly life of Jesus, the Gospels leave a lot of time for "strong crying and tears" to the Father! Is it any wonder that John wrote: "And there are also many other things that Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." (Jn.21:25; 20:31)

Could it be that we have not seen the importance of obedience clearly enough to bring us to tears in order to maintain it? Surely, we "have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." (Heb.12:4) Have we seen that every act of disobedience is an act of usurping the authority of God? It is an exaltation above God and his plan for us. In effect, disobediance says our own ways are better than the plan that God has for our lives.

The Spirit is saying, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."

When God sent Jesus to earth, he prepared a body for him, "made of a woman." (See Heb.10:5-9; Gal.4:4) With that body, God revealed his ultimate intention for redeemed man before he provided the supreme sacrifice and offering for sin. Jesus, as the first born of the new creation, demonstrated by example how redeemed mankind was to live.

David prophesied of this example in Psalms 40. Speaking of the true David, Jesus, he said, "I waited patiently for the LORD: And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust the LORD." (vs.1, 3)

As we look carefully at these verses, something unusual is written. They tell us that many shall see a new song! All of us heard a new song, but this is a song that will be seen! What can this mean?

A song is really a message. So a new song is a new message. It's a message that is unfamiliar to those to whom it has come.

What new song did the Messiah sing?

The song he sang was a new song of obedience! It was new because no one had ever heard it! The only song mankind had ever heard before he came was the song of disobedience and sin. There were many lyrics and melodies to the song, but regardless of culture, the message was always the same: Do your own thing. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die. However, these verses tell us that people in darkness and despair will see the new song and many will put their trust in the Lord as the result.

"Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." (Psa.40:4)

The Psalmist then explained the messenger who would sing this new song: "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

"Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

"I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation." (Psa.40:6-10)

These verses obviously describe the ministry of Jesus and how he would "sing the new song" in the great congregation, that is, before all of mankind. He would be the tangible expression of all God had in mind for the new creation.

When we compare the first of these verses with the text in Hebrews 10:5-7, we might think there is a misprint some place: "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, 'Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.' Then said I, 'Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.'"

But there is no misprint. The verses in Hebrews are what Jesus said or applied to the verses in Psalm 40. Jesus was not quoting these verses, but fulfilling them. He changed the wording from "mine ears hast thou opened" to "a body thou hast prepared me," because it was in a body that the new song of obedience would be demonstrated.

Therefore when Jesus came he could say, "Lo I come (I am come) to do thy will." It was not a matter of just quoting what had been prophesied about him, but fulfilling it. He adapted these verses and applied them to the body in which they were being fulfilled. The body he referred to was not himself alone, but the many who would also trust the Lord and sing the new song with him.

This new song of obedience is the distinguishing mark of the new creation. It will be sung by the firstfruits company that is redeemed from the earth. As Revelation declares: "And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand having his Father's name written in their foreheads. ...And they sung as it were a new song before the throne.... These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." (Rev.14:1-4)

Obedience to God was the mark that set Jesus apart from the entire first and fallen creation. Should it not also be the mark that sets apart the redeemed who are the new creation?

"Let this mind be in you."

Every believer has been given the ability to hear the voice of the Lord. He has given us a seeing eye and a hearing ear. (Prov.20:12) The scripture further confirms God's care toward us when it states that "all thy children shall be taught of God." (see Isa.54:13; Jn. 6:45) He committed himself to give personal instruction to all of his children and will not permit our training to be done by chance or by anyone else.

Jesus said that his sheep would hear his voice and follow him. (Jn.10:27) He would not have made such a statement if we, as his sheep, were not capable of hearing his voice and obeying it. As our Good Shepherd, he was the perfect example for us to follow.

Because Jesus humbled himself and became obedient when he discovered he was in the fashion of a man, "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 Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil.2:9-11)

Just as Jesus humbled himself, so God exalted him. As he had been made subject to all things, so all things are now subject to him and declare that he truly is Lord.

This reason that all mankind will be raised from the dead in the last resurrection. All must confess that Jesus is Lord. For those who have not honored him as their Lord and Master, that declaration will be to their judgment and eternal damnation. For those who know him as Lord, it will be to their eternal justification and glory.

God delights to exalt his sons, but not until they've learned to trust him through seasons of abasement. Exalting those faithful sons who have placed their unwavering trust in him puts all adversaries to an open shame. (See Lu.14:11; Lu.18:14; 1 Pet.5:6-11)

Having given the example of obedience from the life of Jesus and the mind that was his motivation, Paul continue instructing the Philippians: "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out - cultivate, carry out to the goal and fully complete - your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling [self distrust, that is, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation; timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ].

"[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you - energizing and creating in you the power and desire - both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." (Phil.2:12-13 Ampl.)

Careful obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit is the means of working out our salvation and bringing it to effective maturity. It's not a matter of working it up, but cooperating with what God is already doing in and for us. He is continually at work energizing and creating in us the desire and ability to serve and obey him.

When we settle it our heart that God is always working to bring about our redemption it becomes easier for us to trust him to lead us. We can rest in the truth that he will reveal his will to us. He will do that, either by a direct word to our spirit, or through the circumstances we encounter.

This is the mind that was in Christ Jesus. It was the mind to obey and totally commit his way to the Father. He knew that wherever he would lead would be for his own good. Jesus so fully trusted his Father that he did not attempt to trust himself. Instead, he humbled himself and became obedient, even when it meant embracing the cross.

Now that Paul has developed a good case for submission and obedience, and that God is in control of our circumstances, he continued: "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life." (vs.14-16)

When we really believe that God is in control of our lives and that he does order our steps, there is no need to murmur and complain! There is just a deliberate resolution to walk in perfect obedience to him, regardless of what is set before us. This becomes our focus because of our love for him and our desire to please to please him. In doing that, we esteem him to be greater and more worthy than ourselves.

Let such an attitude to be our daily passion. Let us trust God to continually ignite the desire within us to walk with him in perfect obedience. He won't force us, but he will honor our trust if we so choose. The mind of obedience is the mark that distinguishes the new creation!

Having an obedient mind and heart will cause us to be without blame and rebuke. It will ultimately reveal the sons of God and cause them to shine as lights in this present world. And each one will be singing a new song as they present the word of life in word and deed.

Without the mind to obey and fully trust the leadership of the Spirit, the exact opposite will be true. We'll be filled with murmuring and disputing, full of blame, and ready to harm whoever crosses our will. We will become the sons of Belial, deserving rebuke, and our lights will go out. We'll be presenting the word of death, and once again, we'll be singing the old song of disobedience.

Brethren, let us bear the mark of the new creation and follow the Lamb to Mount Zion. Let's humble ourselves and forever sing a new song! He has chosen us. Now the choice is ours.

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