December 19, 2014

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death on the cross." Philippians 2:5-8

This is the Apostle Paul's contribution to the Christmas Story!

I like it!

Here's the truth that blesses me most from this great Scripture during this Blessed Season, JESUS HAD EVERYTHING YOU AND I LONG FOR AND HE GAVE THEM UP SO HE COULD COME TO DIE FOR US!

What was the temptation that brought down Lucifer?

Lucifer wanted to be "like God" and convinced himself that was actually possible. It didn't take him long to realize how wrong he had been! Dead wrong!

Was it not a similar temptation that led to the undoing of Adam Eve?

The serpent accused God of hiding knowledge from them because He didn't want them to be "like God" and assured them if they would eat the forbidden fruit they would "be like God".

Why the destructive obsession to "be like God"?

It is the desire to be "large and in charge" and be free from accountability or consequences of their behavior.

If you are God then you don't have to answer "to God"! If you are God you can free yourself from any consequences causes by your actions. That is a very tempting delusion! 

Lucifer couldn't resist nor could Adam or Eve.

But Paul declares that the Son of God, the Second Member of the Trinity, WAS "like God" BUT He didn't cling to that advantage. He let it go! He emptied Himself of all power, all privilege, all popularity, His exalted privilege, and the glorious presence of God.

The VERY thing Lucifer and Adam craved so much it caused them to fall, the Son HAD and GAVE it up to humble Himself unto death!

You must understand that in order to comprehend the depth of your depravity and the breadth of His redemptive grace!

Jesus went 180 from human nature in order to be able to redeem and transform the human nature!

So, what?

Paul says, "Let this mind be in you". 

You are to develop the same mind, to think as Jesus thought when He decided to give up all the advantages of being "like God" in order to come as God's servant and His sacrifice!

You are to empty yourself of all your selfish desires so He can fill your heart, soul and mind with His Spirit!

You CAN be like God, but only through the power and presence of Christ at work in you!