Meaning of Philippians 2:5

This verse from Philippians 2:5 is a pivotal exhortation from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to adopt the very disposition and attitude that characterized Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry, particularly in his interactions with others. It's not merely a suggestion for polite behavior, but a call to a radical reorientation of one's inner life, reflecting the self-emptying love and humble obedience that defined Jesus' relationship with God the Father and with humanity. This mindset is to be the guiding principle in all interpersonal dealings within the Christian community, transforming potential sources of division into opportunities for unity and mutual edification.

Context and Background

Philippians 2:1-11 is a rich passage where Paul addresses the issue of disunity and pride within the Philippian church. He contrasts the self-serving ambition that can fracture a community with the selfless humility exemplified by Christ. The preceding verses (2:1-4) implore believers to be of one mind, to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to count others more significant than themselves, looking not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. Verse 5, therefore, serves as the foundational principle and the ultimate model for achieving this unity: the mind of Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

The central message of Philippians 2:5 is Christological humility. It calls for a profound identification with Christ's inner disposition, which was marked by:

• Self-emptying (kenosis): Though Christ was in the form of God, he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself (Philippians 2:6-7). This refers to his voluntary renunciation of the outward expressions of divine privilege and glory for the sake of humanity.
• Servanthood: He took the form of a servant, becoming human. This signifies a willingness to serve and to place the needs of others above his own.
• Obedience: He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). This highlights his perfect submission to the Father's will, even unto the ultimate sacrifice.
• Love: Underlying all these actions is divine love, a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of others.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of this verse lies in its direct challenge to ego-driven behavior and its call to cultivate Christlikeness. To have the "mind of Christ" means to:

• Prioritize others' well-being: Actively seek the welfare and spiritual growth of fellow believers, even at personal cost.
• Embrace humility: Resist pride and arrogance, recognizing one's dependence on God and valuing others' contributions.
• Practice selfless service: Engage in acts of kindness and support, mirroring Christ's example of service.
• Cultivate unity: Let Christ's unifying love break down barriers of division, prejudice, and self-interest within the community.

Application involves consciously reflecting on one's motivations in relationships, asking: "Would Christ think or act this way in this situation?" It requires daily surrender of personal desires to align with Christ's selfless example.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Philippians 2:5 is deeply embedded within the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan.

• Incarnation: It points directly to the Incarnation, the central event of Christian faith, where God became man in Jesus Christ.
• Atonement: The humility and obedience described are the very foundation of Christ's atoning sacrifice for sin.
• Salvation: Believers are called to emulate Christ because they are united with him through faith, and his character is to be transformative in their lives, leading to spiritual maturity and glorifying God.
• The Kingdom of God: This mindset is essential for building and experiencing the Kingdom of God on earth, characterized by love, justice, and peace.

Analogies

• A Mirror: The mind of Christ is like a mirror reflecting God's perfect love and character. We are called to gaze into this mirror and adjust our own reflections accordingly.
• A Compass: Christ's mindset acts as a compass, guiding our actions and attitudes in the often-turbulent seas of human relationships, always pointing us towards true north—God's will and love.
• A Seed: The seed of Christ's humility, when planted in our hearts, has the potential to grow into a mighty tree of selfless love and service that blesses the entire community.

Relation to Other Verses

This exhortation resonates with numerous other biblical passages:

• Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit includes "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control," all of which are expressions of the mind of Christ.
• 1 Peter 4:8: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." This deep love is rooted in Christ's sacrificial love.
• Romans 12:10: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." This echoes the call to count others more significant.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: The description of love as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, etc., is a detailed unpacking of the characteristics inherent in the mind of Christ.
• John 13:34-35: Jesus himself commands, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This directive is the ultimate source and model for the mindset Paul urges in Philippians 2:5.