“The Same Mind” (the Church)

The Same Mind (the Church) 

Pastor Josiah Nordgren

September 7, 2025

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)

As we are with Christ we are with one another.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV)

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

John 13:12-15 (NIV)

churches are built around people. 

We are slow to be offended and quick to work out differences.   (James 1:19)

We regard no one as a burden, including ourselves.   (Ephesians 4:2)

We put time on the altar in order to know each other.   (Acts 2:46) 

Mourn with those who mourn, rejoice with those who rejoice.   (Romans 12:15)

Our service stems from loyalty to the Lord and not a leader.   (1 Corinthians 3:4-5)

We are not only consumers but we are contributors.  (1 Corinthians 12:21-27)

We realize our church exists for people who are not yet here.  (Acts 2:47)

Love is our driver, not anger.  (2 Corinthians 5:14)

Culture is not to be conquered but won to Christ.   (Matthew 5:38-48)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This week we kicked off our new series, “The Mind of Christ.” In Philippians 2:5, the Apostle Paul says:

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” 

This week we learned that we aren’t to have the “mind of Christ” as individuals but as a community.  Having His “same mind” bonds us even in the face of our differences.  It unites in heart and purpose; it causes us to serve one another and in turn the world better. 

Jesus lived a life of humble sacrificial service and it’s His heart that we do the same. 

1. Read Philippians 2:1-8.  What sticks out to you from the passage or from the message?
2. How have you seen our church embody the Mind of Christ? 
3. Out of the 9 attributes Josiah shared of “what a sacrificial church looks like”, which one comes easiest to you? Which one do you struggle with?
4. What will you do to grow in the one you struggle with?
5. Read Ephesians 4:11-16.  The purpose of the church is to build up the body, to build us up so that we may reach out.  What can this ‘Ohana Group do to either… 
   1. serve the church
   2. serve the community outside the walls

Be specific and make a plan. 

6. Pray.