Philippians 2 | Unity in Mindset

After Paul has laid his framework for his letter, he jumps straight to the point and states his request, “make my joy complete! Bring your thinking into line with one another” (2v1) Paul was after one thing: unity – a bond that would put others first and refuse internal division. “Hold on to the same love; bring your innermost lives into harmony; fix your minds of the same object. Never act out of selfish ambition or vanity; instead, regard everybody else as your superior. Look after each other’s best interests, not your own” (v2-4) If you’ve ever witnessed a professional level sport – or even a kid’s soccer team – it is evident to see when the team moves in unity – and when there is a clear all-star. There is a beauty to be found in a team of 5 people running up and down a basketball court, knowing the next move and knowing what calls to make. As a part of the team, there is also a safety in being fully known and being able to trust those running alongside of you. This is what Paul is after within the church. Like any team, any church, or group of people is made up of just that – people. Beautiful, individual, unique, and diverse people. However, there is one commonality found through it all – the good news of the Gospel and its impact in one’s life. Paul advises, “fix your minds on the same subject” and gives the ultimate example of the mind of little Christs – through the Messiah himself. Read verses 6-9. As a group, consider this mindset. Paul’s direction contrasted so starkly to the other religious practices of their time. Consider famous leaders in history, Alexander the Great, Napoléon the Conqueror, etc. Christ was the opposite of these great leaders, He was humble, he did not draw attention to himself Christianity was not only revolutionary, but completely counter cultural to what the popular voices were echoing. Throughout this letter, Paul contradicts the status quo of society and encourages the Philippians to be known for their character. Our world is much the same. We live in broken society, oftentimes walking side by side with broken people. Yet, we are called to be “pure and spotless children of God in the middle of a twisted and depraved generation. You are to shine among them like lights in the world” (v. 15). As a community of God lovers and followers, we are not just meant to lighten the darkness, but to stand as “a sign of God’s new life in a world that only knows the way to death” (NT Wright). How we do this? Having the same mind, loving our neighbor, and trusting in the salvation work of Christ. Q: Looking at verses 6-9, how does the mind of Christ differ from our natural thought pattern? Q: In your life, how does the mind of Christ contradict your natural first response? Q: Practically speaking, how do we have the mind of Christ; in our workplaces, with our families, in our friendships?