Reflections on Philippians 2 and the Christian Life
Introduction
The
focus of this discourse is the practical application of a hymn presented by
Paul in the book of Philippians. Paul inserted an old church hymn (or
liturgical device) into his letter to the Philippian church. The goal is to
seek guidance that is applicable in modern days. It is clear from the context
that Paul is highlighting Christ as the centerpiece. Christ is the example each
Christian should follow (v. 5). However, what is the example Christians are to
follow? What is the attitude that we are to adopt? These are the questions that
will be answered below. The intention is to bring to the surface what
Christlikeness is and what Christians should expect from their personal walk
with the Lord. Hopefully what follows is something that is Christ-centered and
reflective of the character of our Lord.
What
is the Mind of Christ?
Before
diving into the meat of this discourse, some basic ground rules must be
established. First, the goal is to provide some practical insights into this
early church hymn/ creed (argued for elsewhere). Secondly, it is understood
that the information contained within this hymn is not an exhaustive reflection
of Christ’s mind or attitude. With that said, the content herein is simply
being extracted from the Philippians passage and is not in anyway a reflection
of the exhaustive content in the mind of Christ. Lastly, due to the nature of
this writing there will be little apologetic content since the information that
would require defense is simply assumed for simplicities sake.
What
can be learned about the mind of Christ as it is presented in this hymn,
inserted by Paul, in Philippians? Why is it important for Christ followers to
implement it? Is there a way to make it a more prominent feature in one’s life?
These are all question that will hopefully be answered by the time the end is
reached.
Paul
is writing a letter to a church, and he is providing instructions to them via
an example. The example is that of the church’s savior, Jesus Christ. This is
fitting since Christ is the one whom the believer is called to follow. The hymn
starts out with a check on the status of Christ. There is a direct connection
to God the Father (i.e., Yahweh). There are heavy Christological implications
found within this section. What is fascinating about this fact is that even
though there are high Christological implications the attitude is not changed.
The reflection of character by the God-man is one that, from a human
perspective, does not make much sense.
The
hymn begins with noting that Christ who is in the form of God and did not
consider being equal with God (Yahweh) something to be exploited. This is a
profound insight into the nature of Christ and the attitude that he had. The
early church (and it continues today) taught that Christ is equal to God but
yet did not see this as something to be used in some nefarious manner. Dr.
Gutierrez notes that Christ was always God while he was present on earth and
that “Jesus did not have to ask the Father to have deity applied to his life
nor did Jesus have to go out and attempt to ‘steal’ deity from the Father in
order to be called ‘God.’”[1]
Understanding this point is, at bottom, foundational to the practical
application. Christ is the greatest human being that lived and yet he was equal
with God and this in no way affected his ability to do what must be done.
Christ
is said to have emptied himself. This is a point of contention between
theologians of different strips. The point here is not to present the different
standpoints that are argued for but what does this say about the mind of
Christ. As stated above, Christ is equal with God (and is God) and verse seven
tells us that he emptied himself. Whatever this word may mean, it is clear that
Christ willingly chose to do it. There was intention behind this choice and
absolute humility in laying down his life (both literally and figuratively) for
the will of the Father. It seems clear that the mind of Christ was concerned
with the will of the Father and directing attention to this will and purpose. If
Christ emptied and poured himself out for the will of the Father, this seems
like it would have some serious ramifications. But there is a point here that
is both theological and practical. When thinking about how Christ became a
servant / slave (i.e., doulos) this “emphasizes that Christ entered the
stream of human life as a slave, a person without advantage, with no rights or
privileges of his own, for the express purpose of placing Himself completely at
the service of all humankind.”[2]
Humility, service, and obedience are staple points in the mind of Christ. These
features do not need to be stated explicitly because they are implicit in his
actions by serving mankind, submitting to the will of Yahweh, and by giving up
his position in heaven to complete his salvific mission. These are sign posts
for the average Christian to make note of because these are the things
believers are supposed to imitate.
Obedience
is a function of the attitude of humility. When a person comes to realize they
must have a humble attitude in the midst of their creator then obedience is the
action that typically follows. This is seen in the life of Christ, as the hymn
states, he was obedient to the point of dying on the cross. It was for this
humility and obedience that the Father exalted Christ (pointer to the
transfiguration/ resurrection?). The Father has presented the world to Christ
in such a way as the world will recognize his name and it will cause knees to
bow and tongues to confess. Exaltation may seem like a goal for the Christian
to attain but this is not a function of Christ and what he did but rather a
function and choice of the Father. The mind of Christ was not set on an end
reward but rather the completion of the “mission.” The hymn ends by saying
approximately the above. Christ is Lord and it is to the glory of God the
Father.
What
Do We Do With It
It
is clear enough that Paul inserted the hymn so that the Philippians could gain
some sort of actionable intelligence. An informed Christian is half the battle.
If the mind can absorb the essential information, then they are one step closer
to implementation. Implementation is the focus of this section, no matter how
impossible the above example may seem. The purpose is not to present the
believer with an impossible situation but for each believer to realize that it
has less to do with them and more to with Christ and the Fathers will.
If
Christ is the example for the life Christians are supposed to live, then it is
clear knowing the mind and intentions of Christ is important. Intentional
action is what can be seen in the life of Christ and is somewhat highlighted in
the context of the Philippians hymn. Christ had the intention of obedience. So
much so that he died on the cross for the sins of the world. Every Christian
should have the express intention of firm obedience in Christ. This does not
necessitate death, but the Christian should not fear death. The Christian
should not fear obedience nor what the world may think of such fealty. Christ’s
death on the cross was (and is) efficacious for all sin. It is this example
that should motivate each believer into full submission of the Father’s will.
As
most Christians are aware or affirm, humanity is fallen and in need of grace.
It is in this state of fallenness that intentionality becomes quite important.
No Christian can live out the mind of Christ perfectly nor should anyone expect
perfection from them. However, what should be expected from fellow believers is
the firm intention to follow the example of Christ. This hymn is a reflection
of, and motivation too, adhere firmly to the obedience as exemplified by our
Lord. The apostle Paul prefaces this hymn by saying to “adopt” this same
attitude of Christ Jesus. Adoption is a fitting word use. When a person adopts
another, they are intentionally taking them into their family so that they are
considered full members. This is not a haphazard decision nor is it an
accident. Adoption is a pact or covenant with the other party. The Christian
should be entering into the same kind of agreement with Christ. There is an
eternal pact that each believer will intentionally be obedient, intentionally
seek humility, intentionally laying aside individual desires, for those of Christ,
who is in willful submission to the Father. There is a link that leads humanity
to the loving and grace filled arms of the Father, that is through intentional
obedience.
Some
Christians may think why there should be an intention in follow Christ to such
a high degree. The answer is plain, Christ is equal with God (and is God) but
decided to humble himself for the sake of humanity. Jesus Christ was not simply
a man (as the hymn indicates). Christ was the God-man who descended from heaven
and led an obedient life that resulted in his death for the world. This death
was rectified by God’s exaltation through Christ’s resurrection and ascension.
It is on these grounds where the expectation comes from. If one ponders briefly
the significance of Christ’s life and intentions, why is it so difficult to
imagine personally directing our minds towards this higher goal? It is clear
from the thoughts of the first Christians that it is through intentional action
and directing one’s life as if attempting to replicate the mind of Christ. It
is through this intentional attempt at replication that the Christian can find
peace. Anything done mindlessly is purposeless. But with intention comes
purpose and meaning. It is through the example Christ provided that each
Christian should find the motivation to live out what the church knows to be
true, it is through Christ that we are sanctified and glorified.
Conclusion
In
this discourse, the goals were to highlight the deep theological and practical
meaning found in Philippians. This was not simply an exercise in Pauline
understanding but in understanding the early hymn found within the text. This
hymn discusses what the early church believed about Christ, his character, his
mission, and his example to believers. It is clear from the context that each
Christian is to live out the mind of Christ to the best of their ability. As
noted above, this is best achieved through intentional action and intentional
thought. Every believer is tasked with adopting the mentality of Christ because
it is through his sacrifice that we all have the privilege of grace. Adoption
was also seen to carrying a high degree of meaning. When adopting someone it is
not an accident nor is it a passive activity. Adoption is the serious
implementation of adding someone to the familial unit. This is what Christians
are called to do with the mind/ attitude of Christ, adopt it! If nothing else
has been gleaned from this essay, let it be this, it is through intentionality
in Christian living, as known through Christ’s life and resurrection, that each
believer will find their obedience to the Lord.
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