SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 2
BIBLE VERSES:
“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.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
“Therefore 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)
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Ephesians 2:14-15)
IMITATING CHRIST’S HUMILITY (vs. 1-11)
Christ is our model for Christian life. How does he show his servant attitude?
- He is God but did not consider himself equal to God (v. 6)
- He made himself nothing by being made in human likeness (v. 7)
- He humbled himself and became obedient to death on the cross (v. 8)
How to be united with Christ and in fellowship with the Spirit?
- We must have love with no selfish ambition or conceit.
- We must be humble and consider others better than ourselves.
- We must also look not to our own interest but also to the interest of others.
- We should imitate the servant attitude of Christ.
SHINNING AS STARS (VS. 12-18)
Paul encouraged the Philippian believers to continue working out their salvation with fear and trembling. Avoid complaining or arguing. Be blameless and pure as children of God in the crooked and depraved world. But shine like star in the universe by lighting the dark world through the living Word of God.
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS (vs. 19-30)
Paul hoped to send Timothy to them as he had served with him in the work of gospel. He called Epaphroditus his brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier as he was also a messenger who took care of Paul’s needs. Epaphroditus was sick and almost died but God showed mercy by healing him and sparing the believers from anxiety and sorrow.
THOUGHTS:
4 EXAMPLES WE NEED TO FOLLOW:
- CHRIST (vs. 1-11) – He did not hold on His privilege as God but willingly laid aside His glory and “put on” the form of servant. He humbled himself to become flesh and went to the cross to die for ur sins. Through His submission, God had exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name of Jesus, that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- PAUL (vs. 12-18) – He described himself as a drink-offering being poured out on the altar. His submission and humility entailed sacrifice and service. He used the Word, the Spirit and prayer in his ministry to shine as stars in a dark world.
- TIMOTHY (vs. 19-24) – Paul committed him to Christ and called him “son in the faith”. Timothy served Christ faithfully and was Paul’s helper and representative.
- EPAPHRODITUS (vs. 25-30) – He assumed many roles in the furtherance of the Gospel – as brother in fellowship, as member in ministry and as soldier in the battle of faith. Although sick, he still had burdened for Paul and the Philippian church. That was why Paul told the church to show proper honor to him.
MAJOR LESSONS FROM THIS CHAPTER:
- Spiritual unity requires loving one another in one spirit and purpose.
- Demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first.
- Be humble and lay aside selfishness by treating others with respect.
- Guard against prejudice or jealousy that my lead to dissensions.
- Look for opportunities to serve others with Christ’s attitude of servanthood.
- Submit to God’s control and do his will.
- Stop arguing or complaining about people or the conditions within the church.
- Shine out for God with a transformed life of purity, patience and peacefulness as His witness,
- Be willing to sacrifice in seeing God and building up the faith of others.
- Honor those who gave their lives as missionaries for the sake of Christ.