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“search the scriptures” John 5:39
‘Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind’, Phil. 2. 2.
The battle for the mind has to be fought on many fronts. Our first study explored this very personally, by looking at the pressures that many face with fear, anxiety, depression and the like. Then, we saw the extent to which the devil uses the temptations of the world to occupy our minds with all manner of things, other than ‘things above’, Col. 3. 2. To be clear again, whilst the ‘mind’ is defined by W. E. Vine as ‘the seat of reflective consciousness, comprising the faculties of perception and understanding’,1 we saw in this passage last time that this is phroneo, the exercised or set mind.2 The focus of this study is now less on individuals and the things of the world. Rather, it is on the importance of the collective mind of the body of believers known as an assembly or local church. Here the battle for the mind is just as real, recognizing that the whole is made up of many parts.
It is never envisaged that believers should live some kind of isolated life, devoid of company and fellowship with other believers. However, a collection of so many minds is never going to be without its difficulties, and if an assembly is to thrive, there is a battle to be of one mind. If companies of the Lord’s people are to survive, this will only be possible where there is unity - ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ Ps. 133. 1.
Furthermore, if these same companies are to know blessing, then by their actions and outreach they should be drawing others towards the Saviour through the gospel. How can that be achieved if their testimony is that they are not at one with each other? Such a lack of unity might even lead to the same solemn condemnation that was levelled at the Pharisees, ‘ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men’, Matt. 23. 13. It is evident that there is a battle for the mind in the collective endeavour to, ‘be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous’, 1 Pet. 3. 8, 9.
To adopt such a mind is counter to the culture of our day. Whilst some organizations now lay more store by the importance of a corporate culture and collective identity, underneath the surface are often individuals filled with ambition, jostling for position. The attitude is, ‘What can I achieve and how far can I get?’ There is no place for such a mind between believers - and it only takes one to affect the whole.
The passage that our header text is taken from is key, and a prevailing theme of Philippians. It is unclear what the precise circumstances were, but it is evident that all was not well. Paul is keen to emphasize throughout his letter, and particularly in chapter 2, that to live for Christ means to live in unity with others. On account of all that we have in Christ, Phil. 2. 1, we need to ‘be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind’, v. 2 - we need to have the same motivation and commitment. There is no room for ‘strife or vainglory’, v. 3, for self or ambition (the idea of politics is involved in these words), or conceit (empty pride). Instead, there should be lowliness (a sense of smallness), thinking of others more highly than self and giving serious consideration to the interests of others, vv. 3, 4.
Later, Paul gives a clearer indication of what might have been going on, v. 21.
The mind of the believer needs to be disciplined to the extent that it behaves differently to the natural instinct, concurrent with the on-going battle with the sinful nature. The mind of the believer needs to be different from that of the world around us. Unity is not about everyone doing what I want, or agreeing with everything I say. It is about me putting others’ interests ahead of my own - that is never easy. The unity of the assembly will never rise above my ability to do such, nor anyone else’s achievement of the same. It is hard to attain, but we are not without example.
Philippians chapter 2 verses 5 to 11 is the perfect place to start. Often considered in isolation, the context can be lost. They present the supreme example of the mind that we are to have, ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus’, v. 5. The mind of Christ is where we need to start.
Despite His utter supremacy, in that He was equal with God, He made Himself of no reputation - if anyone had reason to exalt self, it was Christ, but this was never the mind that He demonstrated. He became a bondservant, ‘one who gives himself up to another’s will … devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests’.3
He humbled Himself; made Himself low. The following verses elaborate as to precisely what that entailed. He became obedient ‘to the point of death, even the death of the cross’, v. 8 NKJV. This was the attitude that pleased God and led to His exaltation, v. 9. This mind led to exaltation beyond measure, a name above every name, to the glory of God.
It is certainly a clear principle in our Bibles that the only way to true exaltation is true humiliation. If our Old Testament establishes the principle of ‘them that honour me I will honour’, 1 Sam. 2. 30, then the Lord Jesus certainly takes that further when He says, ‘But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted’, Matt. 23. 11, 12.
Having looked at the example of Christ, Paul shows his hearers that whilst Christ sets the highest of standards, it is possible to ‘work out your own salvation’, Phil. 2. 12. There are undoubtedly greater depths to this expression but perhaps in the simplest terms he is saying that it is possible for them to begin to live this out in their lives. It is possible to ‘work out’ these things, when believers allow God to ‘work in’, v. 13 - giving Him control in order to accomplish His will. It is possible to gain victory in this battle for the mind.
To summarize Paul’s guidance to being of one mind in verses 14 to 17, he says, ‘Don’t complain or question; be blameless; stand apart from the world; cling to the word; hold nothing back’ - the words are ‘poured out’ and ‘sacrifice’. The advice might often be given, ‘No-one said it would be easy!’ The way of sacrifice never is, but, like the drink offering upon the ancient altars, Paul is willing to give of himself, to pour himself out completely, in pursuit of such a mind that will allow him to move in unity with his brethren.
In our first study, the words to Timothy about being of sound mind were prominent. Perhaps these believers knew something of Timothy’s own personal battle for the mind. It is interesting, then, that Paul does not hesitate to use him as an example of someone who has overcome in this battle.
Timothy has clearly followed the examples of Christ and Paul - he is like-minded (literally, equal in soul).4Philippians 2 verses 20 to 23 clearly show how he is living this out. He demonstrates sincere and genuine care towards his fellow saints. He recognizes their needs - they are living for self, yet he is determined to show them another way. He has walked the way of servitude and has proven himself a faithful and willing servant. He has not lowered himself to their level but sought to be a living example of Christ before them.
Finally, Paul presents Epaphroditus. This man is less prominent, less well known, perhaps one of their own. They likely knew him well and would attest to the things that Paul said of him in verses 25 to 27.
He is beautifully described as a brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger and minister. He has a sincere yearning for the people of God, despite his own afflictions. He has passed this way himself and experienced the mercy of God - this influences his relationships with others. It is certainly true that when we pass through difficulties, we can become more focused on self than ever, but here was one whose empathy fostered greater unity with his brethren. What a uniting mind this is.
It would be remiss to complete this study without reference to the issue that Paul addresses in verses 2 and 3 of chapter 4. Here is an example not to follow. Two women have worked hard in the gospel. They have been useful, and their names are in the book of life. They have worked as one with others - their companions. Nevertheless, something is threatening their unity of mind -they are losing the battle.
It is interesting to note that there is no indication as to the cause of the discord. Whether it is personality, envy, doctrine, family, it does not matter. The key to overcoming all such battles is a heart-call to discover unity of mind again -that they lay aside their evident differences. It is interesting to note that he states clearly that others need to help them achieve this, rather than stoking the fire.
Wherever there are people, there are differences - such are impossible to avoid. However, where differences turn to disagreements, unity is threatened. Where there is lack of unity, where believers will not follow the example of Christ and others in this letter, the testimony suffers as the world looks on and blessing is lost.
What follows in chapter 4 are features in the life of a believer, and an assembly, that will lead to singleness of mind. How evident are these where you are? Remember, it starts with me. Joy, v. 4 - where believers rejoice in the Lord, it is harder to argue. Grace, v. 5 - gentleness, moderation, graciousness, forbearance, how believers respond when they feel aggrieved. Prayer and thanksgiving, v. 6. Peace, v. 7 - no anxiety but prayer, praise and peace. Virtue, v. 8 - thinking on the right things. Generosity - they have cared, v. 10, shared, v. 14, given, v. 15, sent, v. 16, and sacrificed, v. 18.
In this battle for the mind, may God grant each of us, by humility and lowliness, to let this mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus. Then, may we know the blessing of moving in unity with likeminded believers, that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ might go forth to His glory and to the salvation of souls.
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