“Let this mind be in you…” (Philippians 2:5) Paul is speaking to believers. He is awaiting trial and the Philippians have sent him money to help with his expenses while he is in Rome. Philippi is the first church (Acts 16:11-40) Paul planted on European soil. He sends this letter some ten years later.

    It’s apparent at the end of chapter 1 of Philippians that the believers there are suffering for Christ the same way that Paul had suffered. Paul points out to them that he is still suffering but that the suffering furthers the gospel. Then he goes on to explain how his boldness has caused others to be even more bold and speak the word fearlessly. 

    The very first part of chapter 2 Paul is both encouraging and consoling them. Pleading the cause of Christ was difficult during those times. It could be disheartening. These current times aren’t as bad as back then in this country. Other countries; though, particularly those in the Middle East, are persecuting and killing Christians without prosecution. As time continues it’s getting harder to spread the gospel even on American soil. Paul’s letter becomes even more important for this day and age. 

    Think of the ones who have ‘soldiered on’ and carried the message of Christ even in the worst of circumstances. Then think of Paul. He says to be like-minded; that is, to have the attitude of Christ. Christ, who had all the power of God, humbled himself and became obedient to the plan. The plan was of salvation and redemption. He came to save the world and died to redeem the sinner. He arose so that all that believe will be partakers of the inheritance (Colossians 1:12). As joint-heirs (Romans 8:17) Jesus, while on this earth, prayed that believers be with him (John 17:24-26). It’s a beautiful prayer which begins at verse 1.

    “Let this mind be in you…”--have the attitude of Christ. Encourage each other, be humble, and think of others. Most of all, be obedient.

    There are folks out there that will object to the idea of sin. Why wouldn’t they? They’re not bad people, in fact, they’re good. But, these same people will go home, sit down in front of the TV and watch programs that everyone will say are definitely not in the category of ‘G’ or ‘wholesome.’  The question is, “How is it possible to watch this stuff and not be influenced by it?”

    Those who are honest with themselves will admit that sin finds its way into our lives. It’s like the worm in Job 24:20 that feeds ‘sweetly on him.’ Sin is a result of wrong-headed thinking. The first example in the Bible is in Genesis 3 when Eve believed Satan and ate the fruit. Something happened to Eve in verse 6. She looked at the tree through new eyes but it was the eyes of lust. Sinning starts in the mind and then moves like a worm to the heart. What are some of the other things that trigger wrong-headed thinking? Pride, envy, anger, laziness, greed, gluttony, and lust are called the seven deadly sins.

    People go in all sorts of directions to rid themselves of bad (sinful) behavior. The world is full of writings on the subject. God’s plan is this: Jesus died for all. (II Corinthians 5:15) All means everyone, no one is left out. He died and arose the third day and was seen by many. (I Corinthians 5:4-8) Believing God is foremost. (John 3:18, Acts 16:30-31) Those who believe will have everlasting life. (I Timothy 1:13-16)

Paul the Apostle tells how he was the worst of the worst sinners. But that it was because of unbelief. The grace of God saved him from who he was. His story begins on the road to Damascus. He was chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles. And beginning with the road to Damascus until he was beheaded by order of Nero, he was tireless in his efforts to spread the gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to all. Thank God that Paul fought the good fight. (II Timothy 4:7)

    The king’s son was to be married. The king planned a feast to honor the event and invited many guests. When the day arrived the guests didn’t come. He sent for them again and they still didn’t come. In fact, they went so far as to abuse the servants that were sent. The king, being mighty, struck back and dealt with the abuse. Then, he extended his invitation to both good and bad. The story is in Matthew 22.

    The Pharisees which were the big churchmen of the Jews caught on to the parable that Jesus had told them and they were not pleased. Jesus was saying that they were the ones who were rejecting the invitation. Because of their rejection, the invitation was extended to the publicans and sinners. This is why they wanted to come up with a way to rid themselves of Jesus. He was really messing up their religiousness.

    What follows next is an interesting exchange. The Pharisees sought to trap Jesus with a question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” The Pharisees were expecting a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer and either one would have landed Jesus in hot water. ‘No’ would have caused a problem with the Roman government; and, ‘Yes’ would have alienated a number of the folks who followed Jesus around.

    But, it’s impossible to outsmart God. Although, there are probably people to this day that try to slide by God in the hope that he won’t take notice. Anyway, Jesus called for a Roman coin and asked who was on it. Of course, it was Caesar. His response was to give to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar AND give to God that which belongs to God.

    So whose likeness does man bear? Genesis 1:26 and 27 is clear about whose image it is. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” The meaning is clear. Other OT verses are Genesis 5:3 and 9:6. New Testament verses are I Corinthians 11:7, Colossians 3:10, and James 3:9. Just like the coin bears an image, man bears the image of his maker. The answer that Jesus gave knocked it out of the ballpark.