SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 2
MEMORY VERSE:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
IMITATING CHRIST’S HUMILITY (vs. 1-11)
Paul was telling the Philippian brethren that if they have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make his joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. He urged them to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than themselves. Each of them should look not only to their own interests but also to the interest of others.
THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST JESUS:
- Being in very nature God, he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. (v. 6)
- He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (v. 7)
- Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! (v. 8)
THE RESULT OF HIS HUMILITY:
- God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. (v. 9)
- That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. (v. 10)
- And every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (v. 11)
SHINING AS STARS (vs. 12-18)
Paul’s advised the Philippians to shine as stars:
- Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (vs. 12-13)
- Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. (vs. 14-15)
- Hold out the word of life in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. (vs. 16)
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS (vs. 19-30)
Timothy had served with Paul in the work of the gospel. Paul wanted to send Timothy to the Philippian church because he had a genuine interest in their welfare. Paul wanted to let them be informed on how things go with him. And he was confident that he himself will also go there soon.
Epaphroditus was Paul’s brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who was the messenger Philippian church sent to take care of Paul’s needs. He became sick, risking his life to help Paul and almost died for the work of Christ. But God had mercy on him and he was cured. Paul was sending him back and told them to welcome him in the Lord with great joy and honor him.
THOUGHTS:
Philippi was a cosmopolitan city composed of a great diversity of people with a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. With so different backgrounds among the members of the Philippian church, unity must have been difficult to maintain. Paul wanted to safeguard the unity of the church, so he encouraged them to guard against any selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step toward maintaining unity among believers.
Jesus Christ is an example of humility. He was willing to give up his rights in order to obey God, serve people and glorify God’s power. We should imitate Christ, serving out of love for God and for others. Develop His attitude of humility as we serve God and others with Christ’s attitude of servanthood.
To be like Christ, we must train ourselves to think like Christ by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in us. Avoid complaining, arguing or gossiping. Belief in Christ should unite to shine brightly as the stars to let the world see Christ.
Paul was content to know that he had helped the Philippians live for Christ. He indicated that we should honor those who give their lives for the sake of Christ by going to places we cannot go ourselves. Are you committed to serve Christ by sacrificing yourself in building the faith of others? Do you support missionaries who are doing the preaching ministries?