Lesson 9: Joy’s model is Jesus
Philippians 2:1-30 – www.bible.com/bible/59/php.2
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…
Our Scripture for today may be just one short verse, but in it we find a mission for our entire lifetime here on earth. Great sermons and many books have been preached and written on these few words, and our entire life can be centered around them. We will find, even if we should live these words for 100 years, that we have not dug deeply into them even in this long a time.
What made Jesus different from any other person who ever lived? Of course, the fact that He is God is part of the answer. But the truth in Scripture says Jesus came to show us how life could be lived His way even in this world which is tarnished and torn by sin.
Jesus lived His perfect life here on earth not in His own strength and power, but by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit within Him. He followed the leading of the Spirit to tell Him where to go and what to do – His example to us of how we live our life as a believer as well. He never lived even a moment for Himself; He lived it all to do only one thing – to do all God asked of Him while He was here on earth.
Jesus had been part of the planning process for His coming to earth from the first moment the plan began. He knew from the very beginning what would be asked of Him, and what His death would mean. Even though His human body quaked at the idea of becoming sin for us so His Father would have to turn His back on Him, there was never a question about His decision – He would do everything He needed to do so we could become like Him if we simply chose to follow Him.
Just as Jesus’ life here on earth was a life of sacrifice, so our life – when we accept His mind, His way for us – will be a life of sacrifice. This world is broken by evil and the evil one who rules here for now will never allow us to live like Jesus without attacking us. This life will be one of pain and tears for us just as it was for Him. We should never be surprised by this (1 Peter 4:12) as if we expected this life to be filled with happiness and joy. Joy waits for us in God’s presence, and He gives us tastes of His joy as a blessing for following Him here.
*How does knowing you have the mind of Christ encourage you as you trust Him to change you to be conformed to His image? (1 Corinthians 2:16b, Romans 8:29)