Receiving the mind of Christ | Week 03
RECEIVING THE MIND OF CHRIST
Week’s Passage: Philippians 2:1-11
Intro
Two Minds that think Alike
The story illustrates the deep connection between two people who think alike, as demonstrated by a husband and wife who could understand each other’s thoughts and feelings without verbal communication. This level of understanding comes from spending time together and building intimacy. The narrative then shifts to a spiritual perspective, emphasizing that when we invite God into our lives and develop a close relationship with Him, we can begin to think and act like Christ. Through prayer and seeking the mind of Christ, our thoughts align with His, enabling us to reflect His character in our actions. This week’s focus is on exploring how to attain the mind of Christ, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 2:16.
inGest
Having Christ’s mindset
Having the mind of Christ is essential for Christian living. Paul urged believers to choose humility, unity, and selflessness, reflecting Christ’s example (Phil. 2:5). Despite being in prison, Paul emphasized joy and faith, calling for believers to prioritize others’ interests over their own (Phil. 2:3-4). Christ’s ultimate humility—leaving His glory, becoming a servant, and dying on the cross—serves as the perfect model. Believers are challenged to adopt His mindset, fostering love, kindness, and unity in their relationships.
inTerpret
Next level Faith and Obedience
God desires us to have Christ’s mindset—trusting Him fully even in despair (Matt. 27:46). True faith rises above feelings, enabling obedience and love for God’s law written in our hearts (Heb. 10:16). Jesus fulfilled the law through perfect submission, and we can follow His example by His power (Rom. 1:16). Revelation assures that God’s faithful will keep His commandments and have Jesus’ faith (Rev. 14:12). Christ offers His righteousness to all, empowering us to live in faith and obedience.
inVite
Can this truly happen?
A client burdened by stress and bitterness toward her husband prayed for the mind of Christ, leading to heart transformation, reconciliation, and renewed love within two weeks. This shows Jesus can heal and transform relationships when we seek Him. While change isn’t always immediate, asking for Christ’s mindset (James 4:2) allows Him to work in extraordinary ways. In abusive situations, safety must be prioritized alongside prayer.
Insight
Purified, Elevated and Refined
Ellen G. White emphasizes that humans were created in God’s image, reflecting His character and will. Christ is the perfect example of this image (Heb. 1:3). To pray in Christ’s name means to accept His character and obey His commandments, as salvation leads us away from sin, not in it. Thoughts shape character, and we are called to train and discipline our minds toward godly purposes, rejecting evil and focusing on righteousness (Ps. 19:14). God provides grace to purify and elevate our thoughts, enabling us to reflect His holiness and manifest Christ’s character to the world. Through His provision, we become partakers of the divine nature, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, and heirs of God’s kingdom.
inQuire
•What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?
•How does having the mind of Christ impact our relationships? (Phil. 2:3–5.)
According to Philippians 2, how does having the mind of Christ change the way we see ourselves?
•What misconceptions do you think people have about what it means to have the mind of Christ?
•How does having the mind of Christ change the way we respond to abuse, manipulation, and violence? (Psalm 82:3, 4.)
