Philippians - Chapter 2
Unity & Humility by the Example of Christ
1-4
Paul’s appeal for unity and humility:
While not doubting the Christian faith of those believers at the church at Philippi, Paul reminds them of what the results of their faith should be. He emphasizes that these spiritual experiences should result in unity and humility. They must show Christ’s love to other people. This can only be done if they show love toward each other.
If they are not united, their witness to the world will be weak. He is already happy about their Christian joy but his own joy will be even greater when he is able to hear that they are living in peace with each other.
Paul had already mentioned those who spoke about Christ from selfish ambition. Christians should honor God, not themselves. Some thought that to be humble was to be weak but Paul knew that to be humble was the correct attitude for a believer to display. Paul even referred to himself as “the worst sinner” (I Timothy 1:15). Christians should look toward the good qualities of other believers and appreciate their gifts.
5-11
Christ as our model:
Many teachers feel these verses were a portion of a hymn sung by early believers when they met for Holy Communion. Paul uses the poem to support his appeal to those at Philippi by structuring his words in three parts:
Christ as God
Christ as man
Christ in glory
Jesus had always been God, even before the beginning of human time.
“And He is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col 1:17)
“… before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58)
Although Jesus had the right to the same honor as the Father, he did not claim that honor while on earth. He laid aside His honor on behalf of all people. He gave up home, Heaven, and glory to come to us and take the role of a servant in humility. He was truly God as well as truly man.He gave us the example of perfect submission in obedience. His example to us should provide us the willingness to stay humble ourselves as we follow Him. His humility did not change the fact that He is Lord of all. His authority was no less because He chose to show us that those who serve will one day gain glory.
Work with God as salvation is completed.
Paul is not with these Christians personally. He is far off and can only communicate by letter or verbal message carried by others. He was in prison and his future was uncertain. This message is NOT meant to mean that salvation is partial or that any works by man make it possible. The Greek words were those meant to represent working out like miners work all the gold or silver they can find in a mine. Believers must work hard to gain all the riches possible from their walk with the Lord. With “fear and trembling” each should give honor to the Lord by the fruits they bear and they should become mature in faith and as Paul taught in Ephesians 4:13 they should become more and more like Christ.
Show Christian faith to the world:
Arguing or protesting among themselves brings no unity. Paul wanted to be proud of them on the day of judgment and did not want his hard work to be in vain. Paul hoped that in case of his own death, the blood he spilled would be like a sacrifice of faith for all of them.
Sending Timothy:
Paul was eager to hear of the news of the progress made in the church at Philippi and he intended to send Timothy, his faithful companion to bring back good news to him. Verse 21 was likely meant to describe those who were confusing the believers or perhaps just selfish believers not willing to be humble.
Timothy had been with Paul on his first visit and he was seen as the “spiritual son” of Paul. Verse 24 still shows the hope of Paul that he will soon be freed and can come to these Christians himself.
Returning Epaphroditus:
This messenger had been ill, almost unto death, and Paul felt it right to send him home and it is likely that he actually delivered this letter to the church. He had worked hard to assist Paul and he should be accorded honor upon his return.