Christ as the Pattern Within Us

Bible Study—October 3, 2013

Philippians 2:5-8
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God a treasure to be grasped,
7 But emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming in the likeness of men;
8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, and that the death of a cross.

In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul presents Christ as our pattern. This pattern is not only objective, but also subjective. However, when I was young, I was taught only about the objective aspect of Christ as our pattern. I was told that in His life on earth Christ set up a pattern and that we should follow in His footsteps. Having established the pattern for us, Christ is now in heaven praying that we shall follow Him faithfully. I believe that many of us have heard such a teaching regarding Christ as the pattern.

Now we must go on to ask where is this Christ who is our pattern. Is He in heaven, or is He in us? Verse 9 indicates clearly that God has highly exalted Christ. Thus, there can be no doubt that as our pattern Christ is in heaven. He has been exalted to the highest peak in the universe, where God is. This is related to the objective aspect of the pattern. However, if Christ were only in the third heaven objectively, how could we take Him as our pattern today? How could we, who are on earth, follow One who has been exalted and who is now in heaven? It would be impossible. In order for us to take Christ as our pattern, this pattern must be subjective.

Download the reading: Week 4 – Christ as our Pattern

Resources
Reading: Life-study of Philippians, Message 10
Download the LSM Radio podcast

Hymn (Tune)
Category: Experience of Christ

I am crucified with Christ
And it is no longer I who liveth,
But it is Christ who lives in me;
And the life which I now live
In the flesh, I live in faith—
The faith in the Son of God
Who loved and gave Himself up for me.

1. And now I’m walking by the Spirit
Step by step, day by day,
O Lord, I love You.
You’re the precious One to me.
As I do this and that
Lord, remind me where You’re at;
You’re in my spirit,
Dispensing grace to me.

2. And now I’m walking by the Spirit,
Marching on toward the goal.
O Lord, Your purpose
Means everything to me.
All self-love I lay aside\
For the churches, for Your Bride,
For the fulfillment
Of Your economy.