By: Pastor Daniel Ethridge
As we continue our Living With Joy series, the Apostle Paul brings us face-to-face with one of the most profound passages in all of Scripture, a clear picture of who Jesus is, what He has done, and how we are called to respond.
If we truly want more of Jesus, and real, lasting revival in our lives, Paul shows us a simple but costly pathway.
1. Adopt the Mindset of Jesus
Paul begins with a direct command:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:5
In other translations, it reads: “Adopt the same attitude as Christ Jesus.”
That matters because our default mindset is almost always centered on self.
From the earliest age, we’re wired toward me, mine, and my way. And unless something changes, that mindset carries into adulthood. We begin filtering every decision through questions like:
- What’s best for me?
- What do I want?
- How does this affect my plans?
But Paul shows us that Jesus, fully God, did not cling to His rights, status, or position.
“Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.”
Philippians 2:6
Jesus did not exploit His authority. He did not seek His own glory. In contrast, Scripture shows us that pride, wanting to be God rather than trust God, has always been the enemy’s temptation. True joy begins when we stop trying to make life about ourselves and instead adopt the mind of Christ, a mindset marked by humility, trust, and obedience.
2. Imitate the Lifestyle of Jesus
Mindset always leads to action.
Paul continues:
“He emptied himself by taking the form of a servant… He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:7–8
Jesus didn’t just teach humility, He lived it. In a culture where greatness was defined by power, position, and prestige, Jesus redefined greatness altogether.
“The greatest among you shall be your servant.”
Matthew 23:11
Jesus chose the path of obedience, service, and surrender. Scripture tells us He became a servant, even a slave, laying down His rights and ultimately His life. This is where following Jesus gets uncomfortable. The Christian life is not just about believing the right things, it’s about dying daily. Dying to our pride. Dying to control. Dying to our version of success.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
The pathway to fruitfulness is not self-promotion, it’s surrender. Just as a seed must fall into the ground and die to produce fruit, the life of a believer is marked by continual dependence on God. When we let go of our will, we make room for His.
3. Surrender to the Authority of Jesus
Paul ends with one of the most beautiful declarations in all of Scripture:
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”
Philippians 2:9
Because Jesus humbled Himself, God exalted Him. Because Jesus obeyed fully, God declared His authority eternally.
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Philippians 2:10–11
Every person will acknowledge Jesus one day. The only question is when. Jesus is not just a teacher. He is not just an example. He is Lord. He lived the perfect life we could never live. He died the death we deserved. He defeated sin, death, and the grave. And salvation is found in Him alone.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9
And the promise couldn’t be clearer:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13
It’s all about Jesus.
And when our lives become all about Him, that’s where real joy begins.
If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card or visit one of our campus locations. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.
