Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 20:26-28
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; …

Luke 22:27
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

which was also in Christ Jesus:
The mindset that believers are to adopt is exemplified by Christ Himself. This phrase introduces the Christological hymn that follows in Philippians 2:6-11, which describes the humility and exaltation of Jesus. Historically, this passage is significant as it reflects early Christian beliefs about the nature and work of Christ. Theologically, it underscores the incarnation, where Jesus, though fully divine, took on human form and lived a life of obedience and humility. This serves as the ultimate model for believers, highlighting themes of selflessness and servanthood. The reference to Christ's mindset connects to other scriptures, such as Matthew 11:29, where Jesus describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart," and John 13:14-15, where He washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating servant leadership.

- The verse begins with an invitation that carries the weight of a command: “let.” Scripture consistently calls believers to choose obedience, such as “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7) and “Present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead” (Romans 6:13).

- God never forces Christ-likeness; He offers it and urges us to yield. Our part is humble consent, trusting that “it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

- In practical terms, “let” means opening every area of life to His influence—thoughts, motives, conversations, daily plans.

- “Mind” points to the settled attitude or way of thinking shaped by truth. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” and 1 Corinthians 2:16 reminds us, “We have the mind of Christ.”

- Key traits of this Christ-mind set:

• Humility (Matthew 11:29)

• Self-sacrifice (Mark 10:45)

• Obedient trust in the Father (John 5:19)

• Love that serves (John 13:1–17)

- By focusing on who Christ is and what He values, we trade selfish impulses for godly priorities.

- The phrase shifts from theory to personal ownership. Colossians 1:27 celebrates “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

- This inward reality is lived out as Galatians 2:20 describes: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

- Practical outworking:

• Daily Scripture intake feeds Christ-centered thinking (Psalm 119:11).

• Prayerful dependence keeps the heart pliable (Philippians 4:6–7).

• Fellowship with believers sharpens and sustains the mindset (Hebrews 10:24–25).

- These words link us to a real historical pattern, not an abstract ideal. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

- The same mindset that governed Jesus’ earthly life is the template for ours. He shows the way, walks with us, and empowers us to imitate Him (John 13:15).

- The verse ends by anchoring everything in Christ Himself. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

- Union with Christ means:

• New identity: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• Ongoing life-source: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).

• Secured victory: “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Philippians 2:5 calls believers to willingly adopt the very outlook that defined Jesus—humble, obedient, self-giving love. By yielding (“let”), focusing on Christ’s priorities (“this mind”), welcoming His life within (“be in you”), following His proven example (“which was also”), and living from our union with Him (“in Christ Jesus”), we experience genuine transformation that reflects our Savior to the world.

(1) THE VOLUNTARY HUMILIATION OF THE LORD, first in His incarnation, next in His passion (Philippians 2:5-8).

(2) THE CORRESPONDING EXALTATION OF HIS HUMANITY, to bear "the Name above every name," which all creation must adore (Philippians 2:9-11).]

(5-8) From a practical introduction, in the familiar exhortation to follow the example of our Lord, St. Paul passes on to what is, perhaps, the most complete and formal statement in all his Epistles of the doctrine of His "great humility." In this he marks out, first, the Incarnation, in which, "being in the form of God, He took on Him the form of a servant," assuming a sinless but finite humanity; and next, the Passion, which was made needful by the sins of men, and in which His human nature was humiliated to the shame and agony of the cross. Inseparable in themselves, these two great acts of His self-sacrificing love must be distinguished. Ancient speculation delighted to suggest that the first might have been, even if humanity had remained sinless, while the second was added because of the fall and its consequences. Such speculations are, indeed, thoroughly precarious and unsubstantial--for we cannot ask what might have been in a different dispensation from our own; and, moreover, we read of our Lord as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8; see also 1Peter 1:19)--but they at least point to a true distinction. As "the Word of God" manifested in the Incarnation, our Lord is the treasure of all humanity as such; as the Saviour through death, He is the especial treasure of us as sinners. . . .