Daniel Ivey
Philippians NT 632
Dr. Miller
5/21/09
Philippians
The Mind of Christ
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul prays, “that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,” (1:9). Paul’s end goal is for the Philippians to live like Christ, who is the express image of God in bodily form, who is love. But in order for this love to not be open ended or blind, Paul couples this love with knowledge, and discernment. Throughout the whole book of Philippians, Paul shows the Philippians what this phreneo is, which was also in Christ Jesus (2:5). Paul exhorts the Philippians throughout the letter to have this phreneo (mind), and to have it collectively amongst each other, and to live out their faith and love through this schema of thinking, which has its focus set to the heavenly citizenship, where Christ is, as opposed to setting their mind on earthly things (3:19-20). Paul sets out to teach the Philippians what this mind is that was also in Christ Jesus through teaching and examples. Paul’s main example is found in Philippians 2:5-11, which speaks of Christ’s kenosis, obedience, death, and exaltation. Paul frequently refers to his own life, and even invites the Philippians to “join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (3:17) Paul specifically points to two individuals who also walk according to his example: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Finally we also see Paul lay out what this mindset is, by showing what it is not, as he brings up certain unnamed individuals and groups by way of contrast and warning. It is my goal to further express what this phroneo is that Paul calls the believer’s in Philippians to have and follow.
In Philippians 2:5 and 3:15-16, Paul calls the Philippians to have this certain phreneo. In 2:5, it is the mind that was also in Christ Jesus, and in 3:15-16, it is the mind that is exemplified by Paul, of which is the summary of what has been said thus far, which points back to the 2:5. If Paul thought it important for all of the Philippians to have this certain phreneo, then I think it is vastly important for us to clearly know what this phreneo is! Specifically tying phreneo to Philippians 2:5, the Gingrich Lexicon defines it, “3. Have thoughts or attitudes, be minded or disposed.” Lou-Nida Lexicon, in referring to the instance of the use of phroneo in 2:5 says, “to employ one’s faculty for thoughtful planning, with emphasis upon the underlying disposition or attitude – ‘to have an attitude, to think in a particular manner.’” It also renders three possible ways to understand Philippians 2:5 as “the attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had”, or “you should think the way Christ Jesus did”, or “how Jesus Christ thought about things is the way you should think about them”. So we see that this mind or phroneo that Paul is calling the believers to have, is a way of thinking, an intent of thought, or an outlook. This same word is used elsewhere with the personal pronoun autos in front of it which can mean ‘this’ but also can mean ‘same’. In the cases where it talks about being of the ‘same mind’, it is absolutely speaking of the phroneo mentioned above, but is also being used as a play on words to mean to have a collective and unified mind to ensure unity amongst each other.
I know of no greater success in the realm of Christian paraphernalia, than the W.W.J.D. bracelets of the 1990’s. The W.W.J.D. bracelet was an acronym for the phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?”. This is precisely the question that Paul was wanting the Philippians to ponder, and to have a full grasp of. If we can know the answer to the question, “What Would Jesus Do?”, then in essence we must also posses the mind that was in Christ Jesus. In stirring them up to love and good works, Paul was seeking to instill in them the way of thinking that Jesus had, of which Paul followed. Paul was after a complete shift in the Philippians world view from that of their own to that of Christ’s. This completely echoes Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” That is to step out of the ways as in action of the world which is shaped by their thinking and worldview, and to enter into the worldview and thinking of God, having their minds renewed, so “that you may approve the things that are excellent” (Philippians 1:10a). Romans 12:2 is practically the prayer that Paul prays in Philippians 1:9-10.
In modern day Psychology, it is believed that our mindset and beliefs is what leads to our actions. Our ‘schemas’ (generalized knowledge about the physical and social world and how to behave in particular situation and with different kinds of people) shape how we will act. In the issue of a person’s behavior, reality is not necessarily what shapes and catalyzes one’s behavior, but it is one’s perception of the situation or relationship with a people or peoples that causes a certain behavior. It is a person’s construal of a situation that causes them to act out in certain ways. And ‘acting out’ is exactly what Paul has in mind for the Philippians when he exhorts them to take on the mind that was in Christ Jesus. Paul also must have known back then that our actions are based upon the way we view reality, and the personal responsibilities we feel we actually have. For instance, there is a phenomenon in Psychology referred to as the ‘By-stander Effect’. As an example, there could be a crowd of people all witnessing someone who fell from a building who is now lying on the sidewalk with broken bones. They all know and believe that someone should call for emergency paramedics, 911. Someone in the crowd may have even yelled out, “Someone call 911!” in the hearing of every person standing there. But the ‘By-stander Effect’ steps in to the situation, and nobody calls 911, because everybody assumes that someone else has already done it, when in fact, no one has yet done it because no one has yet taken the personal responsibility to do it! Paul solves this simple problem when he infuses into the Philippians the mind of Christ when he says in 2:4, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” This need for the mind of Christ is just as real today as it was when the Philippians read Paul’s letter.
Now that we have a working knowledge and an operational definition of what this phroneo is, we now need to know what ‘this’ phreneo is! What exactly was and is the phroneo that Paul calls the believers in Philippi to have? What is this mind which was in Christ Jesus? What is this mind of which Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus exhibit? I will start by expounding upon the example of Jesus found in 2:5-11.
CHRIST JESUS
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Christ Jesus, eternally one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, left His place of majesty and splendor, and emptied Himself of His special power and nature, and came in the form of a mere man. Dr. Robert G. Tuttle has often reminded me that the suffering of Christ didn’t start with the betrayal, but that it started in the Manger! “It hurt for God to be squeezed into a navel!”, Dr. Tuttle would say. But we begin to see the mind of Christ, when we know why He did this. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,” as it says in John 3:16. Jesus emptied Himself of His Godness, and took the form of a man, out of His love and concern for others, chiefly the whole world. And by the fact that He came and limited Himself to the form of a man, He too had to be fully reliant on God. It says He came taking the form of a bondservant! The Almighty One, now the all subjected one. The first thing that it says that He did, was humble himself. Paul exhorts, “in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (2:3) God Almighty, the One to be praised and feared, humbled himself, for His ultimate concern, care, and love for us. Next, Christ became obedient. It says that He even “became obedient, to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (2:8) Jesus was fully and completely obedient. So Paul exhorts, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (2:12-13) As we know, Jesus died upon the cross for the sake of the whole world. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Christ Jesus had a mind to show his love to us no matter what the cost, not even His very life! Christ Jesus had a mind to be obedient to God no matter what the cost, from which Paul, imitating Christ was able to say, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21) Christ Jesus had the mind of a bondservant, not only to God but also to all humankind, as he exemplified in the giving us his life, or as in the washing of His disciples feet in John 13. Christ Jesus had a mind to not exploit His rightful power over others for selfish gain, for He who was very God of very God, made Himself of no reputation, not seeking to grasp on to His Godness. “For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) Christ Jesus had a mind that was fully for God, and fully for others, leaving no room for Him to be concerned only for Himself. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,”. (2:9) In essence, God gave His greatest stamp of approval of the mind and behavior of His very Son Jesus, of whom He was well pleased. In giving Him the name above every name, God in essence said that this is the highest and greatest portrayal of love and the mind of God. The mind of Christ results in the approval of God. The mind of Christ results in oneness with God. The mind of Christ results in fellowship with one another. The mind of Christ results in reconciling man to God, and hence to each other. Full of love, humble, concerned about others, serving others, worshiping and praising God, and complete and utter obedience to God: This is the mind of Christ. Christ Jesus has given us the perfect example of how to think, and therefore how to act.
PAUL
Paul lived out the mind of Christ in such a way that he was able to say, “Brethren, join in following my example,” and “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (3:17 & 4:9). So now I will go through the example of that Paul was shown to have lived through the book of Philippians. First off, we see Paul praying for others, and specifically for the church in Philippi. (1:2-11) Just as Jesus was full of love for the people of the world, Paul says that he has them in his heart. (1:7) As we know from the Gospels that Jesus withdrew often to pray, we see that Paul prays and thanks God at every remembrance of them, and in every one of his prayers. (1:3-4) And in accordance with the mind of Christ, Paul states that “it is right for me to think this of you all”. (1:7) From the beginning of the this letter, we see that Paul has the “affection of Jesus Christ” for the church in Philippi. (1:8) And just as Jesus did all that He did “to the glory of God the Father” (2:11), Paul also has all his aspirations and prayers for the Philippians to the same effect (1:11). So we see that Paul has these inward feelings and thoughts toward the Philippians, but now I will show how Paul lived these thoughts and feelings out in his life.
Paul was in prison and chains when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. The fact that he was concerned for their welfare over and beyond his own exhibits the mind of Christ. He even cares to suffice their worries and concerns for him, so that they would not suffer. (1:12-26) In another place in regards to the sending of Epaphroditus, one of his reasons for sending him was for them to be able to rejoice and be less sorrowful, to again suffice their concerns and worries. (2:28) But not only was Paul concerned for the emotional health of the Philippians, he also was concerned for the emotional well being of Epaphroditus (2:26). Paul also refers to taking care of their emotional well being as he exhorts them to rejoice and to not be anxious. He even tells them how to deal with their anxieties, by making their requests known to God with thanksgiving so that the peace of God which surpasses all understanding would guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (4:4-7)
It is believed that this letter was written in Paul’s old age, probably in the year 62 AD. Paul has lived a long and hard life of travel which held many perils for him, including ship wreck, stoning, whipping, and several imprisonments. Now he is faced with possibly not being let out of prison or facing execution. But yet we see where his mind is again, in Christ. Paul longs and yearns for his full salvation, and to go on and be with the Lord, “which is far better”, but he says, “Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” (1:22-26) There is no selfish desire of retirement in Paul, whether through a life sentence or through death. He is still just as concerned about the others, as he ever was, yet maybe even more so now in his old age, having had more years of “reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (3:13). As Paul prayed that their “love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment”, I’m sure that Paul was praying this out of a life filled with the same prayer. (1:9) And not only do we see that Paul is concerned with the church in Philippi, of which he hopes “that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”, we also see that he is even concerned in the midst of his chains with individual and personal relationships amongst those in Philippi, chiefly Euodia and Syntyche. (4:2-3) Most people who find themselves in prison are only able to think about themselves and how everyone outside of prison can help them get out of prison, but not so with Paul, he is more concerned with the welfare of others. (2:4) I find it so impressive and encouraging that an old man in prison, sometimes suffering the lack of the necessities of life, would have the where with all to be concerned with others, but yet we know that Paul is a man who lives a life of continual rejoicing in the Lord and of prayer, being strengthened by the Lord, through whom he “can do all things”. (4:13) Not only is Paul concerned for their well being back in Philippi, but even in regards to the provision of his own necessities through them, is more concerned for “the fruit that abounds to your account” rather than the provision they bring that he needs! (4:17) It is quite remarkable for a man who has no other means to receive daily provision, to have the mind to not seek the gift, but rather be concerned that the givers of the gift receive the fruit of their labors. On top of this, Paul was willing to send back to the Philippians the very one who was able to bring him his provision, Epaphroditus, because he wanted them to benefit from him. He also sent his other ‘right hand man’ Timothy to benefit them. It is not clear from the text how much distance there was between Paul and the Philippians, but still to send away the very ones who were able to meet his needs is great sacrifice and service, and quite possibly even “to the point of death”, just like the mind of Christ. (2:8) For Paul was able to say in 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul exhibits the mind of Christ in the same way Jesus did in 2:8, when he expresses his ultimate desire in 1:20 that whether he live or die, Christ be magnified in his body, just as Jesus was obedient even to the point of death “to the glory of God the Father”. (2:11) And finally, we see the mind of Christ exhibited in Paul, as Paul shares his mind on what is most important in life, and what is not. (3:3-14) Paul states his great pedigrees as one full of honor who can rightfully boast in his fleshly accomplishments. He builds his pedigrees to a climax in 3:6 when he says that “concerning the righteousness which is in the law (he was) blameless.” “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” (3:7-8) This statement coupled with 1:21, shows a man fully devoted to having the mind of Christ. Yet he concedes that he had not fully attained or apprehended this excellent experiential knowledge of Him. But this is what his mind sets out to do about it, “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (3:13b-14) To this very mindset, he calls all who are mature to have. He claims that this is the mind to have, and that “if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.” (3:15)
TIMOTHY
Paul also points to Timothy as one whom they should note, who walk in the pattern of Christ. (3:17) Paul says that he will send Timothy to them, because Timothy is like-minded with Paul, who is like-minded to Jesus. Timothy will sincerely care about their state. Paul trusts that Timothy will minister to them effectively, as he recalls even to the Philippians “his proven character” who “as a son with his father…served me in the gospel.” (2:22) He also says about Timothy by default, that Timothy is not concerned about himself, but for others, and especially the things which are of Christ Jesus. (2:20-21) We do not know from the letter to the Philippians, how long Timothy served alongside Paul in the gospel as a son with a father, but we do know the words Paul says about him which comprise the phroneo that Paul desires for the Philippians to have: 1) Not seeking their own. 2) Sincerely caring for others. 3) Concerned with the things which are of Christ Jesus.
EPAPHRODITUS
It should be noted about Epaphroditus and Timothy, that they were not the only people he knew who were believers, that he could send, but that they were the only ones he felt comfortable enough to send to his beloved work in the Lord, the Philippians. For we see in 1:14-17, that there were other believers where he was imprisoned, some good and some bad. Now Epaphroditus was a native of Philippi, and he was away from home, and inevitably would need to go back. But, Epaphroditus was sent back with Paul’s stamp of approval, and his instructions to the Philippians to “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.” (2:29-30) Jesus did not regard his life, but was obedient to the point of death. Paul does not regard his life, but is willing to die for Christ, for His glory, and in living, to even be “poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith”, of which he was glad and joyful to do. (2:17) But Epaphroditus is mentioned as one who exhibits and has the phroneo of Christ chiefly because he was willing even to give up his very life, for the sake of ministering to another. For, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Paul gives language in 2:25 to express how accepted and one he is with Paul and the Lord: “My brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need.”
THE MIND OF CHRIST
Finally I want to expound upon the express teachings of Paul, as to what phroneo should be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus. The mind of Christ is one that is continually occupied with prayer, thanksgiving, rejoicing, and worship. The mind of Christ is one that has no confidence in the flesh, but is fully devoted to the things of Christ. The mind of Christ is more concerned for the people of Christ than for themselves. The mind of Christ holds the people of Christ in their hearts, with the affection of Jesus Christ. The mind of Christ has their citizenship and hopes in heaven, and not here on earth. “The Philippians cannot be both friends of Caesar and friends of the cross and the crucified one. There is no notion of dual citizenship here, no possibilities for split allegiances.” (Fowl 218) (Philippians 3:18-21) The mind of Christ is able to see all situations as blessings from God, and see the good in all circumstances and rejoice. (1:12-14 & 1:29) “This is the practice of being able to narrate the story of one’s own life into the ongoing story of God’s economy of salvation….Paul’s first concern is to help the Philippians develop the perceptual skills and habits they will need to understand their circumstances, their past, and their future as episodes in that larger drama of God’s purposes for creation.” (Fowl 220) The mind of Christ is able to “approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness wich are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (1:10-11) The mind of Christ is fully reliant “on an understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.” (Fowl 215) The mind of Christ is full of “Willed self-emptying, cruciform obedience, seeking the benefit of others”. (215) The mind of Christ is fully concerned about the unity and cohesion of the body of Christ in interpersonal and community relationships, because it is concerned with the things of Christ, the very one’s He died for. “But at the same time, the closer they are to God, the closer they become to one another; and the closer they are to one another, the closer they become to God….Knowing and loving our neighbors and friends is caught up in a sacred tangle of knowing and loving God.” (214) The mind of Christ seeks to “help each other fit their lives into the ongoing drama of God’s salvation….(and seeks to ) learn and teach each other the various movements of this drama of God’s saving purposes.” (223) The mind of Christ cares about people rather than material things, and freely shares what they have to partner in the work of the Gospel. The mind of Christ is “not in any way terrified by your adversaries” but is “much more bold to speak the word without fear” but stands fast in the Lord, and “stand(s) fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel”. (1:14, 1:27-28) The mind of Christ does nothing “through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind…esteem(s) others better than himself”, not only looking out for their “own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (2:3-4) The mind of Christ is obedient, even to the point of death, always supposing and expecting that Christ will be glorified whether through life or through death. (1:20) The mind of Christ does all things without grumbling or complaining, but holds fast the word of life. (2:15-16) The mind of Christ forsakes all for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. The mind of Christ longs to experience His resurrection power and be conformed into His death, to attain the resurrection of the dead. The mind of Christ is marked by the peace of God, springing forth from a life of prayer and thanksgiving without anxiety. The mind of Christ is content in whatever state they are in, whether abundance or lack, for “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And finally, the mind of Christ meditates on “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, “ and anything that is virtuous and praiseworthy. This is the mind of Christ, the phroneo, which Paul exhorts us to have.
Bibliography
The Holy Bible: New King James Version. Thomas Nelson. 1982
Tyndale. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament. 1993
Bible Works 7: Gingrich Greek Lexicon & Louw-Nida Lexicon.
Bruce. New International Biblical Commentary: Philippians. 1989
Fowl. Philippians. 2005
Gaebelein. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Vol. 11. 1978
Hawthorne. World Biblical Commentary: Philippians. 1983
Hawthorne. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. 1993
Lightfoot. The Epistles of St. Paul: Philippians. 1898
Moule. Philippian Studies
Sumney. Philippians: A Greek Student’s Intermediate Reader. 2007
Wuest. Philippians in the Greek New Testament. 1942
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