Serving with the humanity of Jesus

Philippians 2:5-8, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (verse 5).

What was the mind set of Jesus? Humility comes to mind each time we consider this scripture. Why did he need to be humble in the first place? The answer is in the first half of that scripture. He knew he was equal with God (verse 6). He knew his position as God. He was keenly aware of who he was. If you don’t know who you are, you will not know what you can do or what you have.

He was God in the flesh. The Son of the Most High God and the third person of the trinity was walking on earth in the flesh. He was not some weakling who cowers in fear at the slightest hint of danger. He knew the power of omnipotence was available to him through his union with the Father. He made statements like, “I and the Father are one.” “I’m in the Father and the Father is in Me.” He had a keen sense of that unity and union. He was in the world but not of the world. The world had no power over him. He knew his superiority over everything worldly. He knew he had dominion over everything except the Father. The elements were under his control. Angels were under his control. Demons were under his control. Diseases were under his control. He submitted to the Father but not to the world.

He knew he had all the powers through the Spirit of God that was dwelling in him.

He was sure and confident. He saw things clearly. He operated in visions. He saw what the Father was doing so that he could do likewise. He did not operate as one who was left to the dictates of situations and circumstances. He knew that dominion and authority were with him. He had a COVENANT mindset and a KINGDOM mindset.

With this kind of realization, one has to be humble. He deferred to the Father in order to carry out heaven’s agenda.

Without this superiority mindset, humility will become subservience. He submitted to God and the world, nay the universe submitted to him. We are not to submit to the world or the things in the world but we are to submit ONLY to him and exercise dominion over the earth. We are to rule and reign on earth. It does not make God happy to say that God reigns on earth. He is happy to see us reigning on earth through his Spirit and power. It makes him happy to see that we know where we belong and acting like it. His intention has never been to rule the earth directly but through his sons in Christ.

The question is not whether or not God is reigning; the question is, are you reigning?

We should operate with the audacity of Jesus while submitting to Him. He has given us all the powers we need. He even delegated his name to us to use. We have no excuse. We should stop acting like cowards and step up and forward in faith. He did not humble himself before demons, diseases and lack. He took authority over them. He reigned over them. He had all-things-are-possible mind-set. He had dominion mind-set. He had kingdom wealth and prosperity mind-set. He was not a shy and timid wimp. He was a courageous and audacious person who displayed love and power. It all came from knowing who He was. He humbled himself to save the lost souls. He gave up his rights of equality with God but not his right of dominion over other things.

If you are not reigning in life, it is time to look at your mind-set and see if it’s the same Christ had. If not, let this mind be in you from today which was also in Christ Jesus.

BUT let us not lose sight of the context of this passage. What is being discussed here is service. Jesus had a mind-set of service.

• He humbled himself to serve God by serving humanity.
• He did not feel too big to take on the role of a man in order to redeem mankind.
• He did not feel too important to serve God
• He did not feel too busy to serve God. He made service to God a priority.
• He did not consider it a loss to serve God. He did not feel He was robbed of His position, status, time, resources etc. So many people think they are losing when they serve God.

How did God reward him?

Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Let me break it down for you:

1. Honour. God honours those who serve Him. John 12:26, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. MY FATHER WILL HONOR THE ONE WHO SERVES ME.”

Honour does not come from what you acquire; it comes from service. For many, honour is elusive because they serve self. But if you truly want to be honoured, you must serve God and others.

Recently, a minister friend of mine who I have not seen for a very long time, visited us and saw what the Lord was doing in our lives and said, “God has honoured you in this town.” It may not be obvious immediately, but it shows after some time.

2. Promotion. Service is the pre-qualification for promotion. Sacrificial service is the qualification for high reward. Honour is the reward for diligent service. Don’t wait to be served; be the one serving others. Mark 10:44. Jesus was very clear and emphatic. He said, “My father will honour the one who serves me.” John 12:26.
3. Influence and dominion. He submitted to God and the whole universe submitted to him. Principalities and powers submitted to him. 2Corinthians 10:6
4. Prosperity. God takes delight in the prosperity of those who serve Him (Psalm 37:25). The blessing is yours as a believer but it takes service to access it in addition to covenant practice.

If you are struggling in life, check your service!

In what way are you serving God now? Find out what you are gifted with and begin to use it to serve God. You serve God by serving others. Those in position of authority should use their position to make life better for others and not for themselves.

Bishop Dr. Charles Olowojoba is the General Overseer of Dayspring Bible Church Worldwide with HQ in Abuja, Nigeria & President, Dayspring Christian Ministries Int’l.

Website: www.dayspringcmi.org

e-mail: [email protected]

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