Skip to main content

Philippians 2:5

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5, ESV)
The word that is translated as "mind" comes form the word for the diaphragm or the midriff. If you think about this from the perspective of this time period and from a consideration of your own body, then you will understand this word. You might say, "Have your center be this way..."

Thayer's Greek dictionary defines this word this way, "...to have understanding, be wise ...to feel, to think ...to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for."  It is easy to understand that the translators chose to use the word "mind," while other translators have used the word "attitude."  Thayer's goes on to add this to its definition, "...to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious."

The point here is that a church ought to be, each looking out for each other. Bearing one another's burdens, loving one another, caring for one another, forgiving one another, and comforting one another. The key to having this mind or attitude is that it is our in Christ Jesus. We will look to Him and see this demonstrated to perfection.

In D.A. Carson's commentary on Philippians, he uses the following quote to exemplify the difficulty of putting others before oneself:

"It takes more grace than I can tell, to play the second fiddle well."



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Please add some additional commentary to this verse. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Popular posts from this blog

Jonah 2:10

And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (NIV) Don't you just love fresh starts. They're not always fresh, but they are a start. The God that we serve is a God of fresh starts. My mind goes to the many times that Christ reached out his hand, pulling a lame man to his feet, and saying, "...now go and sin no more." Or the woman caught in adultery, "...neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." Only a God of grace will allow a swallowed man to repent. Praise Him.
4 comments
Continue Reading »

Hebrews 11:24-25

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. (NIV) Moses had the chance to align himself with the rich and the famous. He had the opportunity to really make it in this world. To be the son of Pharaoh's daughter, the possibilities could have seemed endless. The world wants to paint that picture for us. A place that is endless in possibility. But Moses knew that the pleasures of sin only last a season. He knew that to truly have endless possibility, it would require the alignment with the people of God, so that is exactly what he did. How did he know to do this? How did he know that he couldn't continue on with pharoah? The answer to that is Faith . It was faith that brought sight to this man. It is faith that will allow you to see clearly in your decision making process. Some other thoughts about this pas...
Post a Comment
Continue Reading »

Psalm 84:3

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young -- a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. (NIV) Every time I read this verse, I get this picture in my mind of the author, looking with longing at the temple, praying for the day that he can be there, and while he is praying, he sees these birds, building their nests near the temple grounds. He looks with jealousy, wishing that he could have that same freedom. The ability to be close to the temple, to the dwelling of God. But for now, he will be content to dwell with God from a distance.
Post a Comment
Continue Reading »