“This Mind” – Philippians 2:5-9
Our minds are actually battlefields where the most intense battles of life are fought. You cannot live a positive life with negative thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
John 8:44b When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
In the construction project of our lives, victory is found in Christ.
I. To It, You Have to It
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
So often in the Christian life, we learn of things God wants to add to our lives, but before that can happen, we have to remove what is to be replaced.
Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
II. To It, You Have to It.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
You have to choose God’s Words over your own.
Judges 6:15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
Joel 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords, And your pruninghooks into spears: Let the weak say, I am strong.
Choose by faith to see yourself as God does and to realize that our weaknesses are turned into strengths when we choose His perspective over our own.
2 Corinthians 12:10b For when I am weak, then am I strong.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
III. To It, You Have to It.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:7-8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross
Humiliation is what happens to you. Humility is what happens in you. Humiliation is the result of an action. Humility is the result of a decision. Humiliation shows up when you did not ask for it, but humility comes when you seek it.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
The beauty of the Christian life is when we surrender our minds to God and learn to live through His, we give God our lives to do with what He pleases.
Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.