Paul is addressing the barriers to unity in a church. We explored the causes and remedies that he describes in verses 1 - 4 in Post 2 of this lesson. Now Paul lays down the quintessential remedy ... the premier antidote to disunity.
Verse 5 - Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Well ... that can't happen! But wait ... can it? Let me remind you of some things ...
Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1 Corinthians 2:16 - ... we have the mind of Christ.
Romans 8: 9 - You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit ...
We could go on ... but you get the picture! Paul tells us to adopt the attitude of Christ. Scripture tells us that Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. So, perhaps it is not so impossible!
And what was Christ's attitude? It is beautifully described in Philippians 2: 6 - 8. Christ made the choice to humble himself. He chose to be a servant. He modeled it for us. No selfish ambition - no vain conceit. Can we do it? Not perfectly ... but we can do it better than we currently are. We can practice more. And that is our challenge of the day! Today ... practice better. Today ... choose to set yourself aside in some way so that another can be blessed. Today ... ask God to show you where you are being self-absorbed. And when He shows you, don't deny it, don't justify it ... deal with it. Confess it. And lay it on the cross allowing Jesus to carry it. That's what He did. He carried our junk so that we don't have to.
Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that ...
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen ...
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