Today we start a new series through Philippians. Preaching through Philippians over the summer seemed timely considering the present circumstances and the perceived growing tension and weariness in the general populace, though perhaps it’s merely the projection of my own tension and weariness. Sometimes the desire to reduce tension and escape weariness leads to apathy and disengagement. I’ve watched the theme of memes change from lightheartedness, to frustration, to plain weariness over the state of the world.
But we also know that the end draws near, and that God desires faithfulness in his servants, and so now more than ever, we need to continue our perseverance in the Gospel. And Philippians just so happens to address such a need.
The theme of Philippians is “joyful encouragement in the Gospel.” Paul, in the joy of the gospel, encourages the Philippians to…
Philippians 1:27a Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…
And this with all joy. Paul exhorts them, upon noting the names of the saints are written in book of life, to…
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Such a life comes when God’s people live their lives with the very mind of Jesus, his attitude, outlook, framework.
Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…
Of course, these individual verses mean something more nuanced in their context. However, I think they point to the overall gist of Paul’s letter. And so I’ve titled this series “Living with the Mind of Christ.”
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