Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:… I. HUMILITY. 1. This is important because it is the particular grace here inculcated, and is the root of all other graces. 2. Pride is natural to man and must be repressed in the believer by three considerations. (1) What he was — a sinner, enemy of God, heir of hell, etc. (2) What he is — a pardoned sinner, a child of God, but still imperfect, and with such weakness that he may well be humble (1 Timothy 1:15). (3) What he shall be — "like Christ;" what cause for humble gratitude. II. PIETY. 1. This was eminently seen in Christ. 2. The natural man is ungodly. 3. The spirit of piety will render those acts of religion natural and pleasant which are intolerably burdensome to the unconverted. III. SPIRITUALITY (John 3:6). 1. We derive our fleshly nature from our first parents. Natural men mind earthly things, while the things of the Spirit of God are foolishness unto them. 2. The believer, born from above, is spiritual, and minds heavenly things. 3. This constitutes the difference between the two, and determines the destiny of each (Romans 8:6). IV. CONTENTMENT (Philippians 4:11-13). This is — 1. Generated by Divine grace. 2. Sustained by the Divine promises. V. MEEKNESS (Matthew 5:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1). This meekness is not the effect of constitution or the calculation of self-interest; it is the gift of God working on the lines of Christ's example. VI. MERCY (Hebrews 5:2; Matthew 5:7; Romans 9:23; Colossians 3:12). 1. To the souls of men. 2. To their bodies. VII. SINCERITY. This is the soul of all religion (2 Corinthians 1:12; John 1:48). Conclusion: 1. See how excellent is the religion of Jesus. 2. Learn the necessity of something more than morality. 3. How vain the profession of the gospel without its temper. 4. How far we come short of this example. (G. Burder.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:WEB: Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, |
    |