Philippians 2  Implications of the Incarnation BC 6/96

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. -John 1:14

The Purpose of the Incarnation: To flesh out the desire of God so others can see His glory

5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

The Incarnation begins with a mindset...of consciously and actively modeling Jesus

6  Who, being in the form of God, thought/considered equality with God not something to be held on to

The Incarnation mindset consists of values...

...deciding that rights, privileges, preferences,  power, pleasure, possessions and position are not worth our lives

7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

The Incarnation mindset shapes our person (attitudes, personality, character)...

                ...empties oneself of temporal self-interest/ego (because your needs are met by God)

        ...becoming all things to all men to serve their needs

        ...stresses the commonality to build the relationship

8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

The Incarnation mindset expresses itself in action...

...humility

                ...obedience

                                ...death

9  Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name

The Incarnation mindset results in reward...that makes it all worth it.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why aren’t more believers imitating the incarnation in such a way that God is glorified?

2. How does one get a mindset?  What mindset do most believers have? What makes a mindset “Christian”?

3. Why don’t our actions always match our values? Can you have right action without right thinking? Converse?

4. Where do we get hung up/off track in imitating the incarnation? What are some possible solutions/correctives?

5. In what arenas can you flesh out the desire of God this Christmas season? How will you do it?