Question 1

What does "let this mind be in you" mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

"Let this mind be in you" is a call to think and act like Jesus did. Paul is not just talking about having the right ideas, but about a way of life shaped by humility. Jesus did not cling to his rights, even though he was equal with God. Instead, he chose to serve and to put others first, all the way to the cross. Paul is saying, “Let that same attitude guide you too.” It means giving up pride, laying aside selfish ambition, and being ready to serve others in love.

Question 2

What does it mean that Jesus was in the "form of God" and "equal with God"?

Accepted Answer

When it says Jesus was in the "form of God," it means he truly shared God’s nature and glory. He was not just similar to God or an angelic being; he really is God. Being "equal with God" shows that he has the same rank, honor, and divine perfections as the Father. The passage explains that, even though he had every right to remain in that visible majesty, he chose to humble himself and take on a servant’s role for our sake, without ever ceasing to be fully God.

Question 3

How did Jesus "make himself of no reputation" and take the "form of a servant"?

Accepted Answer

Jesus "made himself of no reputation" by willingly laying aside the visible display of his divine glory. He did not stop being God, but he chose a lowly, hidden path. He took the "form of a servant" by becoming truly human and living as one who serves rather than being served. He shared our weaknesses, needs, and sorrows, though without sin. Instead of demanding honor, he accepted a humble life, obeying the Father, caring for others, and finally suffering the shameful death of the cross.

Question 4

Why does the passage stress Jesus’ obedience "unto death, even the death of the cross"?

Accepted Answer

The passage highlights "unto death, even the death of the cross" to show how far Jesus’ obedience and humility went. He did not stop at small acts of service; he followed the Father’s will to the end. Death on a cross was painful, shameful, and usually reserved for slaves and criminals. By going that low, Jesus showed perfect submission and love. This deep obedience is at the heart of God’s saving plan and is held up as the pattern for believers: real humility does not stop when it becomes costly.

Question 5

What does it mean that God "highly exalted" Jesus and gave him a "name above every name"?

Accepted Answer

God "highly exalted" Jesus by raising him from the dead, lifting him to highest honor, and publicly showing him as Lord over all. The "name above every name" speaks of the unique dignity and authority given to him. It means there is no one higher or equal in rank. Every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will ultimately bow to him and confess that he is Lord. This open honor from the Father follows his deep humility and shows that God lifts up those who humble themselves.

Question 6

Why will every knee bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord?

Accepted Answer

Every knee will bow and every tongue confess because God has placed Jesus in the position of universal Lordship. His path of humility and the cross did not end in defeat, but in his being set as King over all creation. "Every knee" and "every tongue" include all spiritual beings, all people alive, and all who have died. Some will confess in joyful faith, others in forced recognition, but all will admit his Lordship. This open confession brings glory to God the Father, because the Son’s honor is the Father’s honor.

Question 7

How does this passage help me understand humility in my own life?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that humility is not weakness but a choice to serve, following Jesus’ pattern. He had every right to stay in glory, yet he came down, took the lowest place, and put others first. For you, that means letting go of pride, not insisting on your own way, and counting others as more important than yourself. It invites you to quiet acts of service, patience with others, and willingness to lose status or comfort for their good, trusting that God sees and will honor what is done in that spirit.

Question 8

Why is this passage often called a hymn or song about Christ?

Accepted Answer

Many readers notice that the words flow in a very poetic and balanced way, moving from Christ’s height in divine glory, down through his deep humility, and then up again to his exaltation. Because of this shape and the rich, careful wording, some think it may have been used as a confession of faith or a song in early Christian worship. Whether or not it was originally sung, the passage clearly lifts up Jesus, tells who he is, and leads the reader toward worship and praise.

Question 9

What does this passage show about the relationship between Jesus and God the Father?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that Jesus shares the same divine nature as the Father and yet humbly submits to the Father’s will. He is equal with God, but he does not cling to his rights. Instead, he obeys the Father, even to death on the cross. In response, the Father exalts him and gives him the name above every name. The honor given to Jesus does not compete with the Father’s glory; it increases it. When every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, it is "to the glory of God the Father."

Question 10

How should believers respond to Jesus’ humility and exaltation today?

Accepted Answer

Believers are called to let the story of Jesus shape their own hearts and relationships. His humility shows that greatness in God’s eyes is found in serving, not in pushing ourselves ahead. So our response should be to bow to him as Lord, trust his saving work at the cross, and copy his attitude in daily life. That means seeking unity, refusing selfish pride, honoring others, and being ready to suffer loss rather than sin. As we do this, we reflect his character and bring glory to God.

Philippians 2:5

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

The Mind of Christ

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Philippians 2:5

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

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The Mind of Christ

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