This Mind Be in You

Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God

‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.’ Let the mind of self-emptying be in you which was in Christ (2:7). We are warned to have the same attitude as Christ if we want to be His followers (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.’ Seven steps in His humiliation: Christ was consecrated to humble Himself (2:5). Christ laid aside His divine form (2:6). Christ made Himself of no reputation (2:7). Christ took the form of a servant (2:7). Christ was made in the likeness of human beings (2:7). Christ humbled Himself (2:8). Christ became obedient unto death (2:8). These points to the humiliation of Christ’s kenosis, the emptying of Himself, so He could become the best human example for how a man should live (Heb. 4:15).

‘Being’ [Greek: huparcho] though existing; subsisting. He existed as God from all eternity (Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8-11).

‘Form’ [Greek: morphe] is the outward form that strikes the vision; the external appearance. The passage should read, “who, existing in the form of God (by which He from eternity had appeared to the inhabitants of heaven), yet not thinking that this equality with God should be clung to or retained, He emptied Himself of it, to assume the form of a servant and become like man” (2:6-7).