The right mind set, and a spiritual work out. Philippians 2

You must be out of your mind! No really, you have to be. (Philippians 2:1-11)

    I have noticed already as we have Journeyed in God's word the past month and a half it has had a lot to say about the state of our mind. It seems to me that the responsibility of the state of our mind is placed squarely on our shoulders. Be likeminded (2), operate in lowliness (humility) of mind (3), and let (allow) the mind of Christ to be in you (5).
    What is the mind of Christ?
1. One of humility (5-8). He is God, but he lowered himself by taking on the form of men and becoming a servant.
2. One of obedience (8). He simply did what had to be done. It did not matter what everyone else thought he was committed to the divine plan.
3. One that leads to ultimate victory (9-11). God has promised us the same thing if we live in the mind of Christ (Luke 14:10-11).

¹⁰ But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. ¹¹ For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

So you have got to be out of your mind. What comes to us naturally will fail us. We need what comes supernaturally through the mind of Christ.

A Spiritual work out (Philippians 2:12-16)

    Notice in verse 12 that Paul did not say work for your own salvation. He said work out your own salvation. God has and is doing the work in us (Philippians 1:6, 2:13). It is our responsibility to let it come out of us. How do we do this?
1. Stop gripping and complaining (14)
2. Work toward becoming blameless and harmless, which will cause us to stand out (15).
3. Have a firm grasp on God's word (16). This can only come through faithful study of the Word. Not what your preacher or the latest author says about the Word, but you and God alone in the Word.