Philippians 2

If there is, therefore, any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affections and mercies, 2 then make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish motives or self-esteem, but in humbleness of mind let everyone consider others better than themselves. 4 No one should look only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Jesus Christ the great example of renunciation

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,

His deity

6 who, being in the form of God,

did not think it robbery to be equal with God,

His renunciation, humility, obedience

7 but made himself of no reputation

and took the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself and

became obedient to death,

even the death of the cross.

His exaltation

9 Therefore God has also highly exalted him

and given him a name

which is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus

every knee would bow,

of those in heaven,

and those in earth,

and those under the earth,

11 and that every tongue should

confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

2:5-11 Paul puts before them the greatest possible example of the humility and love for others. Is it possible for believers to have the same attitude as Christ, to think as He does? Certainly it is possible or Paul would not have written v 5. See 1 Cor 2:16; Rom 8:5. Christ is in believers, and when He is the master in their hearts (Eph 3:17) He can fill their minds with the thoughts and attitudes they should have. When this happens strife and selfishness and conceit and arrogance among them will end. In these verses Paul gives a brief summary of truth which the New Testament teaches in other places. Remember that Paul’s aim here is practical. He is teaching truth he wants believers to apply to their lives. Jesus left the full glory and riches of heaven behind for His time on earth and lived a life of humble service. All believers must learn to renounce the false and contemptible glory and riches of this world and spend their lives here humbly serving God and others.⚜

Working out salvation

12 Therefore, my dearly loved ones, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who is working in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do everything without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and sincere, the sons of God, without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding forth the word of life. Thus I will be able to rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, or laboured in vain.

2:14-16 Here are two very serious sins – complaining against God and the leaders He has appointed (Ex 16:2-8; Num 11:1), and disputing with each other (Rom 14:1-4; 1 Cor 3:3-4). Instead of behaving like that, believers must become like Christ. Only then can we be “blameless” (1 Thess 2:10; 5:23; Matt 10:16; 2 Cor 11:2), and “without fault” (Matt 5:48).⚜

17 Yes, and even if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service that come from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 For the same reason you also must be glad, and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be encouraged, when I know your state. 20 For I have no one else of the same mind, who will sincerely care about you. 21 For everyone seeks his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

2:21 This is the state of things in the world and all too often among Christians as well.⚜

22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father, he has served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him presently, as soon as I see how things will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself will come shortly.

25 But I have considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and companion in the work, and fellow soldier, who is your messenger, and the one who ministered to my needs. 26 For he has longed for all of you, and has had a heavy heart, because you heard that he had been sick. 27 And indeed he was sick almost to death. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I have sent him the more eagerly, so that when you see him again, you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold such men in esteem.

2:1-2 Paul was concerned about the lack of harmony in the church there – Phil 1:27; 4:2. He appeals to them on the basis of what they have as believers in Christ.⚜

30 Because it was for the work of Christ that he was near death, not regarding his life, to make up any deficiency in your service toward me.

2:28-30 The church had sent Epaphroditus to be a help to Paul while he was in prison. But Epaphroditus fell ill because of the work of Christ and longed to return to the church in Philippi. Would the church there think he had failed in his mission and was deserting Paul in his time of need? Paul is careful to assure them that this was not the case. ⚜