Understanding The Mind Of Christ - Lesson #3 The Attitude of Humility; By: RC Blakes, Jr. - 4/30/15

                 

       UNDERSTANDING THE MIND OF CHRIST     

    Lesson # 3 The Attitude Of Humility

In Philippians 2:2 we discovered the first attitude of Christ which is UNITY. It also outlined certain actions that would demonstrate the attitude which are: unity of love, unity of spirit and unity of purpose.
In this lesson we discover yet another attitude and coinciding actions.

Philippians 2:3; Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

IMPACT POINT! The Theme Of Philippians 2:3 Is Humility.

The mark of Christlikeness is humility. It is impossible to manifest an attitude of Christ with an arrogant conceited heart. High mindedness is a total contradiction to Christ-likeness.

Philippians 2:5-8; 5. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:3 instructs us in the wisdom of humility.

This particular attitude requires that we be careful NOT TO MANIFEST CERTAIN SINFUL CHARACTERISTICS.

 1. Do Not Be A Self Promoter.  “Selfishness"

The actual word Paul used to capture this sense of self promotion was a word used for politicians who would do whatever to win the votes of people.

When you are a self promoter you not only become an anti-Christ in attitude, you garner the resistance of God. When we self promote we resemble Lucifer who sought to build himself a throne. God does not share his glory.

Isaiah 42:8; I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

IMPACT POINT! JESUS' Entire Agenda Was For Others And To The Glory Of God.

John 4:34; Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

There's only one way to maintain a selfless attitude and that is to truly see yourself as a servant of God. A servant understands that it's always about those we serve and never ourselves.

2. BE MINDFUL NOT TO HAVE AN INFLATED EGO "Empty Conceit"

The term conceit is a synonym for egotism. It's the idea of seeing yourself as more important and better than others.

Galatians 6:3; For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

IMPACT POINT! The Ego Comes Naturally; Humility Must Be Put On Like A Garment.

1 Peter 5:5; Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

This text describes the benefits of humility and the consequences of not modeling this attitude. He says pride, which is the opposite attitude of humility, will cause God to resist us. He then says that the humble receive grace or favor from God.

IMPACT POINT! To Maintain The Mind Of Humility Requires Intentional Thinking.

Intentional thinking is conscious thought. It is the process of determining when thoughts are generated from the carnal mind - satanic influences or the regenerated spirit.

2 Corinthians 10:5; [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), AMPLIFIED

 3. THE SAFE GUARD AGAINST SELFISHNESS AND CONCEIT IS TO Treat Others Better Than Yourself "Regard One Another As More Important"

This is not to suggest that we consider ourselves as less than. Rather, it is about demonstrating honor for others. This speaks of intentionally preferring others ahead of yourself.

Romans 12:10; Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.

The term precedence literally means to take the lead in respecting and honoring one the other. Don't wait for the other to submit to you, take the lead in honoring them.

IMPACT POINT! The Way We Treat Others Is An Indication Of Our True Walk With God.

Ephesians 5:21; Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).