Note 1 at Phil. 2:5: The understood subject of this sentence is the word "you." Paul is saying, "You let this mind be in you." Through the new birth, the Lord has given us the mind of Christ (see note 6 at 1 Cor. 2:16, p. 870), but it is still our choice to let this mind function in us.

Note 2 at Phil. 2:5: The phrase "let this mind" (KJV) or "have this attitude" (NASV) is a verb that is in the present imperative which carries the idea of a commitment or a way of doing something as a lifestyle or a general habit. It primarily denotes a state of mind and an inward attitude rather than an act of thinking. Paul is speaking here about an attitude of heart expressed as a lifestyle.

Note 3 at Phil. 2:5: We are seeing an insight into the mind of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself described in verses 5-8. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh and He certainly would have been justified in being arrogant. Yet He was just the opposite. Paul is drawing on the attitude that Jesus displayed toward us to encourage us to treat others with the same selfless love. The New International Version says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."