What is the meaning of Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”?

Answer

In Philippians 2:5, Paul presents Jesus as the example of the attitude we should have: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (NKJV). Alternatively, the NIV states, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians to inspire them to rejoice even in challenging circumstances. Despite being in prison, Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice because God was still at work (Philippians 1). The church at Philippi was commendable for various reasons; however, they were also facing some disunity “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”, (Philippians 4:2). Paul asks them to complete his joy—bringing him joy even in his difficulties—by “being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”, (Philippians 2:2). The Philippians could support Paul during his tough times by demonstrating the maturity they should naturally possess. Paul explains how they can achieve this. They should not act out of selfishness or pride, but with humility in their thoughts, considering others as more important than themselves “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”, (Philippians 2:3). They should not only focus on their own interests but also on the interests of others “not looking everBy man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4. After these exhortations, Paul gives them a supreme example to consider: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5.

The idea of “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5 is to have the same mindset or thinking that Christ had. Specifically, Paul is talking about how Jesus as God was willing to give up His glory who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Philippians 2:6 and to humble Himself to become a man and to die on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus gave Himself up as an expression of love and was willing to lower Himself to express that love. He is the supreme example of love and humility—as Jesus Himself put it, no one has greater love than to give his life for another Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13). Paul is challenging his readers to think like that—to be willing to lower themselves for the benefit of the other. That is how they could be of the same mind, maintaining the same love, and intent on one purpose fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians

(Philippians 2:2)—by being willing to prioritize the interests and purposes of others for their benefit.

Humility is a fundamental and essential aspect of the Christian life, and we have a perfect example of humility in Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” «Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: », (Philippians 2:5). Furthermore, as James stated, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” «But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. », (James 4:6, ESV). God recognizes humility in our responses to Him and others, and He shows grace. Peter also advises us to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, and in due time, He will exalt us «Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: », (1 Peter 5:6). Any concerns we have about the implications of humility can be cast upon Him because He cares for us «casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. », (1 Peter 5:7). This is one aspect of God’s grace for the humble.

Paul urged Euodia and Syntyche to live in harmony «I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. », (Philippians 4:2), and that same challenge applies to us today. We should “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” and treat one another with humility and honor, valuing each other as God values us and as He intends for us to.

Value each other.