To Live Is Christ
A Formation Commentary on Philippians
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
Philippians 1–4 · 1–14
The journey of this volume
What might change when Christ’s way of seeing others shapes your own? Philippians follows gospel partnership through uncertainty, humble service, mature perseverance, prayer, and contentment. Begin with chapter 2, where shared gifts of encouragement and mercy lead toward the mind of Jesus. This journey invites a life centered on Christ, with room for grateful partnership and ordinary acts that attend to another person’s good.
Where could the mind of Christ reshape how I use responsibility, attention, or influence?
What you’ll explore
- Life centered on Christ
- The Spirit’s fellowship and shared love
- Humility shaped by Jesus’ self-giving
- Faithful partnership amid uncertainty
The mind of Christ in ordinary care
Begin with Philippians 2:1–11 in your Bible. Read Philippians 2:1 through 11 within Paul’s appeal for shared life worthy of the gospel. Notice the gifts already received and the movement of Christ’s humility and lordship.
The following reading summarizes Commentary 6, “THE MIND OF CHRIST,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
Paul begins with encouragement in Christ, consolation of love, fellowship of the Spirit, and compassion already received. Will locates the community’s response in grace rather than pressure to produce togetherness.
Rivalry and conceit turn shared service into competition. Humility honors gifts and limits truthfully, attends to another person’s concerns, and uses responsibility to serve rather than establish superiority.
Christ’s self-humbling and obedient love give the church its decisive pattern. His exalted lordship keeps theology and conduct together: confession of Jesus calls for practices that reflect His mercy and care.
The mind of Christ in ordinary care
This shared concern also belongs in ordinary practices. Communities can make room for caregiving, accessibility, fair compensation, rest, transportation, food, truthful communication, and support during illness or grief. The mind of Christ becomes visible not only in dramatic sacrifice but in structures and habits that refuse to make vulnerable people carry every burden alone.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 6 on Philippians 2:1–11, in To Live Is Christ
Following Christ through this movement
The One who takes the form of a servant is the One who exists in the form of God. His willing obedience reaches the cross, and God exalts Him as the Lord whom every knee and tongue will acknowledge.
Christian humility responds to this saving reality. The Spirit’s fellowship draws believers toward shared love, and the mind of Christ reshapes attention, influence, and ordinary service.
Continue in Scripture
John 13:3–17 · 2 Corinthians 8:9 · Romans 12:3–8
Read these passages alongside the selected manuscript commentary. Keep each literary and historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
Where does comparison or the desire for recognition shape my response? What concern of another person deserves more careful attention?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
In one ordinary task, make room for another person’s insight or need. Share credit, offer practical support, or listen before deciding. Receive your own gifts and limits truthfully while letting Christ’s example guide the use of influence.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Jesus, shape our minds through Your humility and love. Help us receive the Spirit’s fellowship and attend to one another with mercy. Form grateful partners whose words, choices, and service honor You as Lord. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑The formation emphasis in this volume
Will’s commentary receives the mind of Christ as the pattern for a community already sustained by grace. Encouragement, mercy, and the Spirit’s fellowship prepare people to turn from rivalry toward shared love.
The formation emphasis gives humility an ordinary shape. Listening, shared credit, responsible use of influence, and support for varied needs make Christ’s care visible while honoring the gifts and limits of each person.
Editorial summary of Will Bourne’s manuscript.
Back to section choices ↑