From Bill Dayton... Thinking Like Jesus (Phil.2:1-11)

“More About Jesus”

Thinking Like Jesus (2:1-11)

7/7/13 AM

INTRODUCTION

A. “Our thoughts are the beginning process of all we do and how we live.” Betty Bender

B. In 2:1-4 Paul called upon the Philippians to:

C. In verse 5, Paul continues to exhort them to have "this mind" the attitudes listed (1-4)

D. In the following verses (6-11), Paul explains the "mind of Christ" (Think Like Jesus)

I. LACKED SELFISH AMBITION OR CONCEIT (6)

A. Before Christ became flesh… "in the form of God, equal with God.” “He existed as one with God.” (Jn.1:1-3)

B. Yet Christ did not consider being equal as robbery "a thing to be grasped"; something to cling on to, jealously

C. Do we “Think Like Jesus? Do we consider ourselves more important than others, and preserved at all costs?

II. LOOKED OUT FOR THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS (7-8)

A. When Jesus became flesh…He "made Himself of no reputation" "emptied Himself" (Jn.17:5) Glory

1. He took upon Himself "the form of a servant"

2. He came "in the likeness of men" He was tempted and suffered – Heb. 2:14,17-18; 4:15; 5:7

3. He "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death,even the death of the cross" Heb.5:8

B. Do we think like Jesus? Looking out for the interests of others; 1Jn.3:16

III. HIGHLY EXALTED BY GOD (9-11)

A. "He that humbles himself shall be exalted" (Lk.14:11)

B. God has highly exalted Jesus by giving Him "the name which is above every name" Acts 4:12…(salvation)

that at His name "every knee should bow... that every tongue should confess" He is Lord!

CONCLUSION

A. To “Think Like Jesus involves: Humility; Obedience; Sacrifice; Great Reward

B. As Christians, let's be diligent to “Think Like Jesus” in our relationship to God and to each other

C. If you are not a Christian, why not “Think Like Jesus” by following His example of humble obedience to God’s Will?