Lately, I’ve enjoyed doing some study in Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. For some, chapter two has been a stumbling block, primarily verse five which states “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… (NIV)” A fascinating observation was simply how the NIV translates the Greek word phroneo in the passage as both “attitude” and “mind.”
In verse two, we are urged to have the same mind and be like-minded with other Christians. But, when we get to verse five, and the comparison shifts from other believers to Christ Himself we are encouraged to try and have the same attitude as Christ. A closer look discovers an interesting quandary; the same Greek word translated “mind” in verse 2 is translated as “attitude” in verse 5. In essence, these translators are telling us that it is possible to have a mind that is like or even the same as our Christian brothers and sisters; however, when it comes to Christ, it is an impossibility to have a mind like Christ’s. We can only hope to have an attitude that is similar to His.
Here’s the dilemma, the passage in the original language doesn’t even read that we should have a mind like Christ’s. The verse is actually exhortatory and reads (similarly to the NKJV): “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” It does not say “try” or “should,” but “let.” Nor does it say “like,” but very clearly it reads the “same mind.” In other words, there is not an admonition to just try our best, but an expectation that as we grow in grace, we too may possess the mind of Christ.
So, what is the significance of having the Mind of Christ? And how might having the mind of Christ manifest itself in the life of a believer? I look forward to your dialogue.
Jake,
This is a good question.
There was a sermon done by a pastor, Ray Stedman in 1978, which I think does a decent job of answering this question.
You can read the entire sermon here: http://www.pbc.org/dp/stedman/1corinthians/3577.html
His main point is that we are all born with a “natural” mind. This is based on 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Stedman’s message was that when we have the “mind of Christ” our wisdom comes from God. A worldly man derives wisdom from intellect.
He uses the example of the homosexuality in the church, and that if we had the mind of Christ, there would be no debate. We would have God’s wisdom in the matter. It is when we “think” for ourselves, and use our own intellect, that we get into trouble.
Stedman says…, “the Presbyterian Church in this country is debating whether they should ordain to the Presbyterian ministry a man or a woman — particularly a man — who has been and is an avowed, practicing homosexual. The only reason they are debating this thing is because they have forsaken to some considerable degree the revelation of the secret and hidden wisdom of God. Otherwise, it would not even be subject of debate, for the wisdom of God makes very clear that homosexuality is a violation of God’s intent for mankind and a destructive force let loose in our society that tears down the very fabric of society by which we exist.”
Jake, I have not pondered this conundrum before, so I have given an example of what someone else has said in regard to the subject. So far, it seems to make since, within my own intellect that is…:)
I reserve the right to change my opinion.