The Example of Christ: Embracing Humility in Our Daily Lives

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:5, NKJV)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. The object of this reference to the example of the Saviour is particularly to enforce the duty of humility. This was the highest example which could be furnished, and it would illustrate and confirm all the apostle had said of this virtue. The principle in the case is, that we are to make the Lord Jesus our model, and are in all respects to frame our lives, as far as possible, in accordance with this great example. The point here is, that he left a state of inexpressible glory, and took upon him the most humble form of humanity, and performed the most lowly offices, that he might benefit us.

Barnes, A. (1884–1885). Notes on the New Testament: Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians (R. Frew, Ed.; pp. 168–169). Blackie & Son. (Public Domain)

5426. φρονέω phronéō; contracted phronṓ, fut. phronḗsō, from phrḗn (5424), mind. To think, have a mindset, be minded. The activity represented by this word involves the will, affections, and conscience.

Zodhiates, S. (2000). In The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). AMG Publishers.

One of the strongest characteristics of our fallen nature is selfishness. The one desire of an unregenerate man is to gratify self. Even those actions in which he seems to have most respect to God or to his fellow-creatures, will, if carefully examined, and weighed in the balance of the sanctuary, be found to have self for their principle, and self for their end. This disposition being so deeply rooted in the heart, we cannot but expect that it should operate to a certain degree, even after the evil of it is discerned, and after its allowed dominion has ceased. Doubtless there were many pious Christians in the Roman Church, as well as Timothy: yet St. Paul complained that all of them, excepting him, were in some degree under the influence of a selfish spirit, and “sought their own things rather than the things of Jesus Christ.” Against this thing therefore he cautioned the Philippians in a most affectionate manner; beseeching them, with all earnestness, to “fulfil his joy,” in “being all of one accord and of one mind;” exhorting them to “esteem others better than themselves;” and “not to look every man on his own things, but also on the things of others.” To give the greater weight and efficacy to his exhortations, he then reminded them of the conduct of Christ towards them, and recommended it as the best pattern for their conduct towards each other: “Let the same mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

The words of the Apostle lead us to consider the humiliation of Christ in a twofold view—As a fact to be believed, and as a pattern to be imitated.

Simeon, C. (1833). Horae Homileticae: Philippians to 1 Timothy (Vol. 18, pp. 50–51). Holdsworth and Ball. (Public Domain)

With the fifth verse begins that portion of the chapter which reveals Christ as our pattern. Christ in His humiliation and His exaltation; Christ who did not please Himself, who was obedient unto death, the death of the cross; Christ, who is now exalted and has a name which is above every other name, is blessedly before us in these verses. There are seven steps which lead down deeper and deeper, even to the death of the cross. And there are seven steps which lead up higher and higher,

His Humiliation.

1. He thought it not robbery to be equal with God.

2. He humbled Himself.

3. He became a servant.

4. He was made in the likeness of man.

5. He was found in fashion as a man.

6. He became obedient.

7. Obedient to the death of the Cross.

His Exaltation.

1. God highly exalted Him.

2. Gave Him the Name above every name.

3. Every knee is to bow at His name.

4. Things in heaven must acknowledge Him.

5. Things on earth.

6. Things under the earth.

7. Every tongue must confess Him as Lord.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” The Spirit of Christ is in the believer for this very purpose, not that we should be imitators of Christ, but that His own life may be reproduced in us. We have this mind of Christ in the divine nature. What wonderful grace that we are called with such a calling, to be in His fellowship and follow His own path! Having delivered us from guilt and condemnation we are called to walk even as He walked down here, the author and finisher of the faith.

Gaebelein, A. C. (2009). The Annotated Bible: Philippians to Hebrews (Vol. 8, pp. 14–15). Logos Bible Software. (Public Domain)