Gaining the Mind of Christ

We are about to begin our teaching series based in the New Testament book of Philippians. This is, as many of you will know, in response to a prophetic word Emmanuel received back in November, when two unrelated people gave an identical challenge to us from Phil 2: 1-8.  

(To read more about this, please read this document).

Philippians is an exciting and relevant book.  It begins in Acts 16, with Paul having a dream about going to Macedonia.  His obedience led him, along with his team, to Philippi.  Here they seek out a synagogue for prayer and instead find a group of women by a river.  After sharing the gospel with them Lydia responds, accepting Jesus by faith, and her whole household with her were baptized into their new life with the Lord.  

The story continues, with miraculous deliverance, an arrest, an imprisonment, a miraculous escape from prison, the jailer coming to faith after being persuaded away from suicide, the jailer’s family following him into a relationship with Jesus….. on and on it goes.  One exciting step after another. 

To see an overview of this book, please watch this short video:

From this unlikely small group of new believers a church is started and the book of Philippians tells the early chapters of its story.  What begins supernaturally and dynamically must continue in power and commitment. The new life of following Jesus needs to be understood, worked-out, lived-out.  Centrally, Paul exhorts them to strive to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (2:5)  This mind is an attitude and lifestyle which embodies humility, considering others more significant than ourselves, looking to the interests of others – to live more like Jesus.

Please join us as we study this book together.  Please be willing to consider the passages we read, and let’s each pray for the Holy Spirit’s help as we seek to hear His voice in the text of this beautiful letter.