Today we continue our series, “As Jesus Is”, under the banner of the overall series for the year, “Supernatural Manifestation.” We have been looking at 1 John 4:16,17 for a couple of months now. I have been adding other passages to it. Right now we are looking at 1 John 4:16,17 and Philippians 2. Let’s get to it.
The Apostle John said:
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
(1 John 4:16, 17 KJV)
The Apostle Paul said:
“Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.
In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form.
During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.”
(Philippians 2:1-9 ERV)
Today I will focus in on this statement, “In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- The Bible teaches us to have the mind of Christ. Our goal should be to think the way He thought. Once we have a Godly mindset, we will see God, ourselves and others in the proper light. Our perspective will then influence our actions. If you want to properly relate to God, others and even yourself, it all starts in your mind.
- To properly think like Jesus, we must first understand how He thought. Jesus saw Himself as equal with God. Jesus also did not see His equal standing with God as something that He would use for his own benefit. He did not go around making people praise Him. No, He used his connection to God as a benefit to others. He went around making other people better. He did not come, as a human with God on the inside of Him, to BE served. He saw it as His duty, as a human with God on the inside of Him, TO SERVE! This is the same mindset we must develop. Because, like Jesus, we are humans with God on the inside of us!
- When you come to the realization that God Himself is living on the inside of you, and that He made plans for you before the world began, the human/selfish tendency is to think: “How can this benefit me? How is this going to help me live the life of my dreams? How is the going to help me make more money, buy a bigger house, drive a nicer car, and prosper in life?” While God is not against any of those things, the Bible teaches us that Jesus did not use the reality of His connection to God for His own benefit. Developing the mind of Christ means that instead of focusing on selfish desires, you instead focus on ways you can BE A BLESSING to others in this world. Take it from me, if you live your life focused on BEING A BLESSING to others, you will be blessed in the process. You won’t ever have to worry about yourself, if you live your life for others.
- My last point for this week will come in the form of a testimony that crystallizes the essence of this series. A friend of mine is flying to Puerto Rico today, to connect with this family members, to help people while he is there, and to then bring his family members back to the United States. As I prayed with him about the trip, here is a recap of what I told him. “Jesus is not here, but you are! Jesus cannot visit Puerto Rico, in human form, but you can. Jesus is IN you! The Father sent Jesus into the world. He now sends you! You go to Puerto Rico knowing that you are anointed for such a time as this. This is your season. This is your time. You have the answers. You are the solution. Not really because of you. But because God LIVES IN YOU!” This is the mindset Jesus had and it is the mindset He wants us to live with. We must see ourselves as carriers of God and it should not be for our benefit. We will be taken care of, when we focus on taking care of others!
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. I am IN You and You are IN me. I don’t see my connection to you as something I simply use for my benefit. I see it as a benefit to this world. You are not here, in human form, but I am. You sent Jesus into the world. You now send me into the world. I have the answers! I am the solution! Not because of me, but because You LIVE IN ME! Therefore, I boldly declare: As Jesus is, so am I, in this world! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
