Philippians 2: Embracing Humility, Radiating Light
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Philippians 2 is a powerful chapter that delves into the heart of Christian living. Building upon the theme of perspective introduced in Philippians 1, this chapter provides practical instruction and inspiring examples of how to live a life that glorifies God, even amidst suffering. It emphasizes humility, unity, and shining as lights in a dark world, all while highlighting the supreme example of Jesus Christ. This chapter provides a roadmap for believers to embody Christ-like character and experience the joy of serving God and others.
The Foundation of Unity: Christ-like Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)
Paul begins by appealing to the Philippians based on the encouragement they have in Christ, the comfort of His love, their fellowship with the Spirit, and their heartfelt compassion and sympathy (Philippians 2:1). He urges them to make his joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind (Philippians 2:2). This unity isn't uniformity, where everyone is the same, but rather harmony, where each person plays their part to achieve a common goal, much like a football team striving to reach the end zone.
The key to this unity lies in humility. Paul exhorts them to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Instead, in humility, value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3). This is a radical call to prioritize the needs and interests of others, putting the mission of Christ and the good of others before personal desires. A servant's heart seeks to build up, not tear down, always considering whether words and actions will improve the situation.
This doesn’t mean compromising truth for the sake of harmony. Rather, truth should be expressed in love, with the ultimate goal of unity. Just as everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Christian service creates a win-win situation for everyone.
To truly understand humility, Paul points them to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11).
The Example of Christ: From Glory to Sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-11)
Paul urges believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Though he was in the form of God, he 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 (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus, being fully God, willingly took on human flesh and became a servant. He didn’t empty Himself of His deity, but rather poured the entirety of His deity into the container of His humanity, resulting in Him being fully God and fully man. This is known as the hypostatic union - two natures in one person, unmixed forever.
This self-emptying (kenosis) is not about Christ giving up His divine attributes but about Him setting aside the use of His divine prerogatives and privileges to fully identify with humanity and fulfill the Father's will. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8). This ultimate sacrifice, dying the death we deserved, is the ultimate act of service.
Because of His obedience, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus willingly served humanity because he knew that one day every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. All of life is to be the supreme recognition of the comprehensive kingdom rule of Jesus Christ. This can now be done voluntarily, but one day all will do it mandatorily.
Jesus could serve because He knew He was God. Service was never a threat to Him because He never lost sight of who He was. Similarly, when you know who you are—a saint and a son or daughter of God—rendering service won’t be a problem.
Shining as Lights: Living Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12-18)
Having established the foundation of humility and the example of Christ, Paul shifts to the practical application of these truths in the lives of the Philippians (and by extension, all believers). He urges them to continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). This is not about earning salvation, which is a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Instead, it is about living out the reality of the salvation that has already been deposited within them.
To fear God is to take God seriously. We’re to honor God in our decisions, regardless of the cost, so that He might be glorified. God brings circumstances into our lives that will require us to “work out” our salvation, to gain an increasingly high reverence for God and to choose His will over our own.
Paul reminds them that it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). God gives us the desire and ability to obey. Obedience is not based on our willpower, but on God’s power working in us.
Practically speaking, this means doing everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14). Grumbling refers to any negative emotional response to something you don’t like. We all know what arguing is. Both hinder obedience. If we want to see God at work, we shouldn’t waste our time grumbling and arguing about His will.
The result of this obedient living is that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15). God takes us through a developmental process so that even though things are dark around us, we are light. We’re to be unhindered light, shining forth. Because when we are, it becomes clear that we’re different than the world surrounding us. This shining comes from holding firmly to the word of life (Philippians 2:16). We reflect God’s perspective to a watching world when we hold tight to His Word through trust and obedience.
Paul expresses his joy in their faithfulness, even to the point of being poured out like a drink offering (Philippians 2:17). He encourages them to share in his joy, recognizing that their struggles are not in vain but are contributing to God's glory.
Examples of Christ-like Servanthood: Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30)
Paul concludes the chapter by highlighting two individuals who embody the spirit of Christ-like servanthood: Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Timothy, Paul’s protégé and “son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), was an example of humble servanthood. Paul hopes to send Timothy to Philippi because, he says, I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests (Philippians 2:19-20, 23). Timothy shared the same love for the Lord and love for the church that Paul did. Paul reminds the Philippians of Timothy’s proven character as demonstrated by his service with Paul in the gospel ministry (Philippians 2:22). Timothy was an example worth emulating.
Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs (Philippians 2:25), had risked his life for the work of Christ, nearly dying in his service. Paul wants the church to recognize and appreciate the great sacrifices Epaphroditus made—for Paul, for them, and for the gospel. He had become sick and almost died while serving the Lord and Paul on behalf of the Philippian church (Philippians 2:26-27).
But Paul says, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow (Philippians 2:27). His great service is an example of the kind of commitment believers are to have to Christ and also to each other. The church ought to hold people like him in honor (Philippians 2:29).
These examples serve as a powerful reminder that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service and selfless devotion to Christ and others.
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Philippians 2 is a powerful chapter that delves into the heart of Christian living. Building upon the theme of perspective introduced in Philippians 1, this chapter provides practical instruction and inspiring examples of how to live a life that glorifies God, even amidst suffering. It emphasizes humility, unity, and shining as lights in a dark world, all while highlighting the supreme example of Jesus Christ. This chapter provides a roadmap for believers to embody Christ-like character and experience the joy of serving God and others.
The Foundation of Unity: Christ-like Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)
Paul begins by appealing to the Philippians based on the encouragement they have in Christ, the comfort of His love, their fellowship with the Spirit, and their heartfelt compassion and sympathy (Philippians 2:1). He urges them to make his joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind (Philippians 2:2). This unity isn't uniformity, where everyone is the same, but rather harmony, where each person plays their part to achieve a common goal, much like a football team striving to reach the end zone.
The key to this unity lies in humility. Paul exhorts them to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Instead, in humility, value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3). This is a radical call to prioritize the needs and interests of others, putting the mission of Christ and the good of others before personal desires. A servant's heart seeks to build up, not tear down, always considering whether words and actions will improve the situation.
This doesn’t mean compromising truth for the sake of harmony. Rather, truth should be expressed in love, with the ultimate goal of unity. Just as everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Christian service creates a win-win situation for everyone.
To truly understand humility, Paul points them to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11).
The Example of Christ: From Glory to Sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-11)
Paul urges believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Though he was in the form of God, he 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 (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus, being fully God, willingly took on human flesh and became a servant. He didn’t empty Himself of His deity, but rather poured the entirety of His deity into the container of His humanity, resulting in Him being fully God and fully man. This is known as the hypostatic union - two natures in one person, unmixed forever.
This self-emptying (kenosis) is not about Christ giving up His divine attributes but about Him setting aside the use of His divine prerogatives and privileges to fully identify with humanity and fulfill the Father's will. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8). This ultimate sacrifice, dying the death we deserved, is the ultimate act of service.
Because of His obedience, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus willingly served humanity because he knew that one day every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. All of life is to be the supreme recognition of the comprehensive kingdom rule of Jesus Christ. This can now be done voluntarily, but one day all will do it mandatorily.
Jesus could serve because He knew He was God. Service was never a threat to Him because He never lost sight of who He was. Similarly, when you know who you are—a saint and a son or daughter of God—rendering service won’t be a problem.
Shining as Lights: Living Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12-18)
Having established the foundation of humility and the example of Christ, Paul shifts to the practical application of these truths in the lives of the Philippians (and by extension, all believers). He urges them to continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). This is not about earning salvation, which is a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Instead, it is about living out the reality of the salvation that has already been deposited within them.
To fear God is to take God seriously. We’re to honor God in our decisions, regardless of the cost, so that He might be glorified. God brings circumstances into our lives that will require us to “work out” our salvation, to gain an increasingly high reverence for God and to choose His will over our own.
Paul reminds them that it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). God gives us the desire and ability to obey. Obedience is not based on our willpower, but on God’s power working in us.
Practically speaking, this means doing everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14). Grumbling refers to any negative emotional response to something you don’t like. We all know what arguing is. Both hinder obedience. If we want to see God at work, we shouldn’t waste our time grumbling and arguing about His will.
The result of this obedient living is that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15). God takes us through a developmental process so that even though things are dark around us, we are light. We’re to be unhindered light, shining forth. Because when we are, it becomes clear that we’re different than the world surrounding us. This shining comes from holding firmly to the word of life (Philippians 2:16). We reflect God’s perspective to a watching world when we hold tight to His Word through trust and obedience.
Paul expresses his joy in their faithfulness, even to the point of being poured out like a drink offering (Philippians 2:17). He encourages them to share in his joy, recognizing that their struggles are not in vain but are contributing to God's glory.
Examples of Christ-like Servanthood: Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30)
Paul concludes the chapter by highlighting two individuals who embody the spirit of Christ-like servanthood: Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Timothy, Paul’s protégé and “son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), was an example of humble servanthood. Paul hopes to send Timothy to Philippi because, he says, I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests (Philippians 2:19-20, 23). Timothy shared the same love for the Lord and love for the church that Paul did. Paul reminds the Philippians of Timothy’s proven character as demonstrated by his service with Paul in the gospel ministry (Philippians 2:22). Timothy was an example worth emulating.
Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs (Philippians 2:25), had risked his life for the work of Christ, nearly dying in his service. Paul wants the church to recognize and appreciate the great sacrifices Epaphroditus made—for Paul, for them, and for the gospel. He had become sick and almost died while serving the Lord and Paul on behalf of the Philippian church (Philippians 2:26-27).
But Paul says, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow (Philippians 2:27). His great service is an example of the kind of commitment believers are to have to Christ and also to each other. The church ought to hold people like him in honor (Philippians 2:29).
These examples serve as a powerful reminder that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service and selfless devotion to Christ and others.