I wonder what this early Christ-follower community in Philippi was actually like? We know they were being persecuted by the Roman empire for following Christ Jesus and making him their priority over the Roman Caesar. We know that there was some dissention in the community – we’ll see that in a couple of weeks. We know that Paul deeply loved this community and wanted them to continue in faith and joy even if he is never able to visit them again – remember he is in prison when he writes this.
Paul writes beautifully on what their relationship 
should be like with each other and with Christ. This section that Janet so beautifully told is known as the Christ Hymn, which comes from or serves the purpose of an early confession in these new Christ-follower communities. It is an amazing hymn that Daniel Milgore in his commentary on Philippians describes as a “…powerful summary of the central gospel narrative of God’s presence and work in the lowly servant Jesus.”[1]
The hymn reminds its readers/hearers that since the Philippian community already believes (this “if” clause) there is encouragement in Christ, comfort in love and sympathy, and sharing in the Spirit, then should this community not stand united finding joy in their trust in God’s steadfast love for them? Should they not know that this God is the one who will enable them to live this way – united in love and care for God, one another and neighbor? After all, this is the God who will always instruct them, making Godself’s paths known and leading them in truth.
Look at who Jesus was the hymn demands! This is Christ Jesus who did not exploit his relationship with God to injure others, but instead became like us – human, he humbled himself on our behalf, obedient even to death and God honored him. The same God who honored Christ Jesus is the God who enables us to live as if we do have the same mind as Christ Jesus.
So let the same mind in Christ be in you! Wake up every morning staying your mind on Jesus as the Spiritual proclaims! Focus your attention on Christ Jesus – his humility, the grace he shows to all, the inclusive love he holds for all. Don’t get tired of having the same mind – even in the midst of suffering and persecution, anxiety and worry, keep living as if you have the same mind as Christ Jesus. Milgore writes that Paul seems to be saying this: “Live as the new community you are by the grace of God in Christ! In your relationships with one another, put into practice your new and true identity in your one Lord!”[2]
Now – this all sounds so beautiful doesn’t it? Some idyllic way of living that is beyond the reach of human possibility. How can we possibly keep our minds staying on Jesus every single moment of every single day? How can we have the same mind that is in Christ Jesus? How can we have such unity that we find ourselves caring more for others than ourselves? Caring more for what we can do and be for others than wht we can do and be for ourselves?
Live as the new community you are by the grace of God in Christ, Paul seems to be saying. By the grace of God in Christ. Grace – not earned, freely given by God to us. Grace is what ties us to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and grace is what ties us to each other.
Paul also seems to be saying to practice humility, the same humility Jesus practiced and made cool again. Remember dying on a cross was not considered a hero’s death. Humility is often seen as a weakness when in fact it is a great strength and one Jesus exhibited all the time. Milgore writes: “[3]By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, let your life together be a reflection of, a correspondence to, God’s astonishing humility, freely accepted servanthood, and self-giving love in Jesus Christ.”
Humility and grace and love and encouragement and compassion and mercy tie us to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, one another and our community beyond these walls. These ties are strong and will keep us together in all that is to come – moving, nesting with another congregation but still having the energy to live out our Mission Study. Our ties of grace and humility will take us even deeper into building relationships, making us even more mission-active and finding ways to be more integrated into our community, not for our own sake, but for the sake of others who need a place to belong and a place that cares for them.
Staying our minds on Jesus is what teaches us that we can do all of this and when one of us gets tired, another will come alongside. Kind of like how geese fly in formation, with one at the front but taking turns as to who is in the front. Staying our minds on Jesus roots us even more deeply in grace and humility. Staying our minds on Jesus ties us together.
Let us end with our breath prayer for this week: Unite us through grace; to love like Jesus.
[1] Migliore, Daniel. Philippians and Philemon. Westminster John Knox Press, 2014, page 80 (e-book)
[2] Ibid, page 77
[3] Ibid, page 86