The Source and the Pattern

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My son-in-law Justin with his son, Halston. The father is the source and pattern
for the son. Jesus is the Source and pattern for us. 


Scripture

Phil. 2:5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

Observation

This is a transitional verse that takes us from the introductory material where Paul pleads with the Philippians to be unified and behave in particular ways, to the crux of the matter. For the Philippians to be able to respond in such a way requires them to be “in” Christ, so that he becomes the source and the pattern for their behavior in light of Jesus’ cruciform love. This is not just about believing “about” Jesus, but believing “in” Jesus.

This is one of Paul’s most highly regarded passages, beginning with verse 5. The entire bearing of a disciple is to come from one’s life in Christ. Flemming reminds us that this “mind-set of Christ (Phil 2:5) must take precedence over all other orientations and values, cultural or otherwise.” (Flemming, NBBC) In humility we discover that the “symbols of Christian ministry are the towel and the cross, not the throne and the crown.” (Flemming, NBBC) 

Application

This connection between source and pattern is vital to our Christian walk. One without the other leads to failure, and I think that’s what Paul was seeing in the church in Philippi. Good people who are trying to be like Jesus, but in their own strength, will fail time and again. This is why an understanding of Pentecost is necessary. Without the Holy Spirit, we have no ability to be “in” Christ. It is the Holy Spirit — the Spirit of Christ — that indwells and empowers us for holy living. This is a call to a deeper walk with Jesus. 

Even today our churches are filled with good people, but not all of these good people have pressed onward to participate in Christ. The cry of Phineas Bresee, one of the founders of the Church of the Nazarene was to “Christianize Christianity.” He was concerned that far too many “Christians” only knew about Christ, but didn’t really know Christ. Isn’t that the same thing that Paul is saying here. The call is not to follow a pattern, but to participation in the Source, and that can only happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The expectation is not for an outward Christianity, but for a Christlikeness that permeates our very being. The motivations of our heart and the thoughts of our mind are to be the same as those of Jesus Christ. This is why we are to continually press on toward the goal of knowing Christ. If Jesus is infinite, then there is no end to knowing him, and we are invited into eternal growth in grace and knowledge of our Lord. When this happens, following the pattern becomes natural, because it comes from the heart and the mind. The result is a lifestyle that is dipping with humility, more concerned with service and servanthood, than power. 

Prayer

Lord, may your Spirit fill me to overflowing so that I may know you more. Amen. 

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