Monday, August 4, 2008

The Attitude Of Christ

In Philippians 2:5 we are told that we are to have the attitude of Christ; the NASB says, Have this attitude in yourselves that was also in Christ Jesus. The next several verses then go on to describe what this attitude looks like, it says (still from the NASB):
who, although He existed in the in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(verses 6-8)
So the attitude of Christ is to be a humble servant, to put the greater need of others before your own needs, and to obey God to the point of death if necessary, but how do we develop this attitude in ourselves?

The answer is given in the following verses; look specifically at verse 13, which says, "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." And back in chapter 1 we read, "... He who began a good work in you will perfect it (ESV, bring it to completion) until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6). So the way we get this attitude is through obedience submission, and surrender to God.

I encourage you to take some time today to get alone with God and spend some time in prayer asking Him to reveal any area in your life where you have not surrendered or where you are not obeying and submit to His authority. As you do He will complete the work that He has begun in you and you will find that day by day you are becoming more and more like Jesus.

And let's take this passage as our memory verses for this week:

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross
Philippians 2:5-8 (NASB)
Next week will will tackle the rest of this passage
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