Wednesday: The Mind of Christ
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 21st of January 2026
Muhammad Ali once said, “I am the greatest.” In August 1963, six months before winning the world heavyweight boxing championship, he even released a record album titled “I Am the Greatest.” Ali, no doubt, was a great athlete, but he was not an example to follow if one wants the mind of Christ.
In contrast, Jesus was perfectly sinless. Though He was tempted “in all points . . . as we are” (Hebrews 4:15), He never sinned, not even by a thought. Nevertheless, Hebrews 5:8 indicates, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (NKJV). Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will was always perfect. There was never a moment He refused to submit, though no doubt many times it was not easy.
Read Philippians 2:5-8, which some consider the most powerful and beautiful texts in Scripture. What is Paul saying to us here? What are the implications of these words? Most important, how do we apply to our own lives the principle expressed here?
Image © Amit John at Goodsalt.com
Jesus, who is equal with God, who is God, not only took upon Himself human flesh but became a “bondservant” (doulou, a servant, a slave) and then offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins! In another place, Paul says that He became “a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). God, our Creator, died on the cross in order to be our Redeemer as well, and that required Him to become a curse for us.
How do we begin to wrap our minds around what this is saying? Even more so, how do we do what the texts tell us to do, and that is to have the same kind of willingness to humble oneself and to sacrifice oneself for the good of others?
In another place, Jesus said: “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12, NKJV). This, in many ways, reflects what Paul was telling us, in Philippians 2:5-8, to do as well.
In more powerfully graphic terms, Paul was saying here what he said earlier about not doing anything “through selfish ambition or conceit” (Philippians 2:3, NKJV).
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How should we respond to what Christ has done for us, as depicted in Philippines 2:5–8? What response could possibly be “adequate” or worthy of what Christ has done for us, perhaps other than to fall on our knees and worship? Why is it so wrong to think that our works can add to what Christ has already done for us? |
I wish the author had not chopped the study up in day size pieces. Our study on Monday links directly to our study today and we really need to read it as a whole to see the big picture. Here it is from the Message paraphrase:
Paul tells his readers what to do and then he hits them with the example Jesus set for us. Humility in action.
I always think of the Last Supper when I read this. The Disciples were having serious stoush with one another about positions in the new kingdom. Some of them even brought Mum into the picture to try and persuade Jesus that her sons were the best. I am sure there were groanings and raised eyebrows among the other disciples. Then Jesus, the leader, takes a towel and starts acting like a servant, washing their feet. The wrangling and disunity that had characterised their gathering up to this point were shamed by this simple act of humility.
Preaching the Gospel to all the world has to demonstrate that sort of humility because it lies at the very heart of Christianity.
Mr. Ashton,
The paraphrase that you posted simplifies the object lesson perfectly.
Amen.
It is worthwhile to note how many times Paul uses the word “mind” (thinking, mental, mindset) in the letter to the Philippians. Why was Paul so concerned about the “mind”, and what does this mean for us today?
1) “Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart…”- Philippians 1:7
2) “Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” – Philippians 2:2
3) “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” – Philippians 2:5
4) “Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” – Philippians 3:15
5) “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:19
6) “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord” – Philippians 4:2
7) “Now I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your thinking for me has revived, in which also you were thinking, but you lacked opportunity.” – Philippians 4:10, BLB
Why was Paul so concerned about the “mind”? He knew that the mind controls the life of a person, and human actions flow from it. The direction we take in life depends on our perspectives. Therefore, Paul was strongly urging the Philippians to be of the right mind to be sound spiritually. Paul also knew that church unity depended on a shared mindset, that is, the mind of Christ. Humility is an outcome of a mindset which has sacrificed self.
What are the key lessons for us today?
1. Christianity is not just a belief, but also our mindset. What do we understand about what we believe in?
2. Unity in the church must start from our minds. Do we really understand that unity is critically important for the church’s mission, survival and integrity of our witness? “Be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2)
3. If we can control our minds, we can live a disciplined Christian life. Lose mind is easily taken away by the devil. A Christ-centered life begins with a Christ-controlled mind.
Omwnga – I want to invite you to consider the points you highlighted in the context of the absence of the ‘fear of dying’. If the believer is still afraid of dying, would engaging in them not become the ‘works’ of the flesh? I hold that our heart and mind – our perception and conduct – when freed from the fear of dying, would more eagerly engage in that which is ‘righteous’.
From face value, it is often difficult to identify a clear difference between Christians and non-Christians.Christians typically attend church, donate to the church, engage in charitable work, study the Bible, and pray before meals. On the other hand, many non-Christians are also kind, compassionate, and generous; they help the poor, value family, and behave reasonably in almost every aspect of life. While these outward similarities exist, this view falls short of explaining what it truly means to have the mind of Christ. Scripture reminds us that the distinction is not merely external: “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Having the mind of Christ is far more than occasionally reflecting on what Jesus might do in a given situation. Simply thinking about Christ is not the same as possessing His mind. It goes beyond knowing historical facts about Jesus or memorizing Bible verses or conveniently citing and making reference to them. Having the mind of Christ means thinking as Christ thinks, desiring what He desires, feeling as He feels, and responding as He would respond moment by moment, every day, without losing focus on Him. This transformation is described in Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), and again, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
The mind of the world tells us to look out for ourselves rather than trust God to provide. It claims our intrinsic value is based on productivity, physical attractiveness, fame, or social influence measured by likes, followers, and efficiency. God, however, declares that our value is not based on us, but on Him. Jesus taught us to trust the Father completely: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The world seeks power through control and exploitation, whether of friends or enemies, but the mind of Christ is rooted in servant leadership. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14–15), gave up His life unconditionally (Philippians 2:7–8), and taught that “the greatest among you shall be your servant” (Luke 22:26). It is this very mind—marked by humility, sacrifice, and love—that made Him the most influential person who ever lived.
I wonder if it is possible that some non-Christians may have more of “the mind of Christ” than some professing Seventh-day Adventists?
It is. Unfortunately, if we do not fully understand the mind of Christ, we’ll try our best to “dress” like Him, but we won’t feel like Him. Having the appearance of Christ may be important, but truly “wearing His shoes” is much more. The empathy for Jesus’ humility in doing His Father’s will must be the focus of all our efforts to be like Him.
I’ve seen, time and again, non-believers extend greater grace than believers—Adventists in particular—which invites deeper questions about the soil in which the heart is rooted.
Amen brother.
Inge, you wrote a challenging question which reminds me of Romans 2,14-15
„For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.“
I have known many non-Christians who are by nature friendly, kind and helpful, having cheerful characters. This always made me wonder how this works out for them in comparison to us Adventists , who are making efforts in attaining such a spiritual standard.
As Montanya Dan described it, there is more to it than just the external attributes or „being a nice person“, namely an uninterrupted relationship with Jesus which in fact is what shapes our minds.
Most people seek truth to use against their critics. Does the truth require believers to defend it ? Defend it against who or what ? Against error , when has truth ever come under a threat of being silenced by error ? Jesus is the truth and the light , does He require us to help him defeat errors of Satan. I thought Jesus said Satan is already judged , just waiting to be sentenced , and we all know the sentence.
Men should not dwel so much on seeking the truth for winning arguments , there is no need to argue with an opponent who knows very well that he has lost the battle already.When Jesus stood before Pilate, He did not argue His case. He spoke only what was necessary and then remained silent. Truth stood quietly in chains, yet error trembled on the throne. That scene alone tells us that truth does not need noise to prevail.
You bring up some interesting and valid points Hillary. However, the Scriptures contain numerous admonitions to preach the gospel, which to me means there is some noise God endorses.
Christ says all our righteousness are as filthy rags! All our works in total as humans collectively “cannot” fulfill what Christ has done for us at THE CROSS! As far as our righteousness alone, Christ also says except our righteousness exceeds that of the pharisees, and they did not live up to the example of Christ in his day, we certainly do not have a chance unless we fall upon our knees and realize our brokenness and behave in humility towards our fellow man treating others as Christ has given in his example when he lived in the flesh amongst us as humans! Love is the greatest gift of all, Christ showed this Example before and after HE died!
One of the things that struck me forcibly in today’s lesson is its title – The Mind of Christ – , possibly it has to do with my background in Psychology. This being that we call God – uncreated, eternal, all knowing, all powerful and I could continue on and on. This “Being” chose out of love to humble himself and become a human being with all the accumulated weaknesses of thousands of years after the Fall, live the lowly life of a Jewish carpenter and die the cruel death of a criminal on a Roman cross. Now compare this mind with that of Lucifer -a created being on whom was lavished with love so much giftedness and splendor ; from whose lips came forth these words -“I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of the assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon, I will ascend above the tops of the cloud; I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14 NIV.
Pride,and self-exultation have their places in the secular world, but at the feet of Jesus, they don’t count. Unfortunately, some of us, after our encounter with Jesus, are still holding on to the world and its allure. We need to be intentional about having the mind of Christ through daily personal devotion to God through prayer and Bible reading.
I pray that may we all have mind like Christ and make it to heaven in Jesus name
Philippians 2:3-11 lays out the mindset that a Christ follower should have. Jesus wants his followers to have his mindset and has even offered to accomplish it in and through us with our cooperation. To have the mind of Christ is the call of the Christ followers (Christians). It enables us to continue the legacy of his life until he returns.
Sadly, too many Christians don’t allow the mind of Christ to dwell in them, and the results are made manifest. This results in a spirit of legalism, and Phariseeism in the church.
Indeed, I have met non-believers that are better people than some professing Christians. I’m not pointing fingers but making an observation. Christ in us, the hope of glory, will reveal the Glory of God to a lost and dying world. They will be drawn to Christ when he is lifted up in the daily lives of Christians. We can all do better, and will do better, when we allow the mind of Christ to dwell in us.
The closest we as humans come to “Being in the form of God,” is just that “We are in the ‘Image of God.'” So, to me, the first part in Paul’s counsel here towards having, “The Mind of Jesus,” is totally, to say the least, even in “Having the mind of Jesus,” an impossibility for me. I am not in the form of God, therefore, I cannot even imagine to “Think it not robbery to be equal to God.” And Jesus was not “Just in the form of God,” He was and still is, “God in human flesh.” Jesus was God, in human form, when He took, upon Himself “Human Form” in the Old Testament, and finally, as “The Baby in Bethlehem born from a Virgin Mother.” But, Yes, via God’s Holy Spirit, we can have “The Mind of Jesus,” But only in regards to: Holiness, Righteousness, Purity, and Service, and only in our very own “Sphere of influence towards others.”
The mind of Christ is fearless!
The question has been posed: “Why is it so wrong to think that our works can add to what Christ has already done for us?”
This leads me to ask: “What has Jesus Christ done for us?”
This leads to another question: “What if we do not understand the complexity of what He has done for us?”
Would failure to fully grasp the spiritual impact of His choice to lay down His life for us impact how we live our life?
Heb.2:14-17
”Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives where held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham .. .”
For one believing this, there is nothing else left to fear in life. His death and resurrection defeats our fear of dying in all circumstances. Believing this to be Truth and living accordingly, will indeed cause us to be free – no works are required, just faith – John 8:32.
Can we understand Christ’s efforts to offer Life to His Creation by dying if we do not fully understand what His death has accomplished?
By accepting His death and resurrection as the victory provided to conquer our ‘fear of death’, the ‘sting’ which God’s adversary uses to keep us in bondage, has been removed.
Do we hold onto this world too tightly because we are still afraid of dying? I wonder if we have given sufficient thought to consider our Salvation from the perspective of needing to let go completely of the fear of death and dying?
Brigitte, yes, works don’t contribute to our salvation. They testify that faith is genuine. James discusses this in (James 2:17, 2:26) “faith without works is dead”. Our “works” testify of our salvation by faith. Our “works” are a manifestation of righteousness by faith.
I just beginning to understand what it means to let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus .Thank you!