Introduction
LO:1
Philippians Context: Paul is imprisoned and recognizes that he may not leave this time. Paul could be executed for the sake of Christ (v13). However, he is not weary or even sad. He has discovered that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the gospel through the conversion of the whole imperial guard. It is because of this that we see that Paul made Joy the theme of his letter to the Philippians. Paul expresses that joy to the Philippian church (v19). And he advises the Philippians to continue living in a manner worthy of Christ.
According to Luke in acts 28:16, “Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.” So Paul’s imprisonment was a home arrest, a practice for high-profile prisoners under Roman Law called, “Vinctus”. It is indicated by the Greek text, of verse 16 (“syn tō phylassonti auton stratiōtē“), that Paul was physically chained to a praetorian at all times. It is possible he had other physical restraints as well. Imprisonment, especially under Romans, is never pleasant. However, Paul’s situation allowed him certain freedoms such as visitors and the ability to share the gospel.
Chapter context: Chapter 2 is a call to unity by Paul to the Philippian church. After outline unity in Christ, Paul begins in verse 5 using Chris as the ultimate example of humility. Looking even further in the chapter, Paul speaks of how he intends to send Timothy and Epaphroditus (v19-25) because they would be useful in building the unity of the church.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the context in which Paul is teaching joy under persecution.
- Be able to communicate how does Paul mean when he instructs the Philippians to be “of one mind”.
- Understand the connection Paul creates between unity and humiliy.
- Understand how Christ demonstrate for us humility.
Study Content: verse-By-Verse Study
LO:2
Verse 1 – So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
Verse 2 – complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
- Paul hinges this statement as an, “If” statement. However, we can see from chapter 1 that Paul is fully aware of their faithfulness. Because our chapter and verse system is editorial, these two verses are not inherently separated from the previous paragraph. Verse 1 begins with, “So”, which can be used similarly to “therefore” in meaning. So I would back up to verse 27-29 that encourages the reinforcement of a faithful lifestyle. Logically the statement flows like this: Because A is true, so is B. The full phrase from verses 1-2 is like Paul is saying, “I know you are doing well, but if you truly find value in the love, participation, affection, and sympathy in Christ; You should continue to seek to be more unified.”
LO:3
Verse 3 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Verse 4 – Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
- Continuing the logic from the previous statement, Paul is contrasting his above statement of what they ought to do, with what they ought not to do. Paul has addressed what they are doing well and where they can grow. Now, he can address what they need to avoid. It is everybody’s natural temptation to look out for their own interest. But Paul combats that with counting others more significant. He directly connects this trait to unity.
LO:4
Verse 5 – Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
- Paul’s usage of verse 5 here is an opening to the larger conversation of following Christ’s example of humility.
- Paul is connecting his instruction to following in the model of Christ or as a way of representing him.
- Christ is the ultimate example of humility.
- An amazing theological discussion to tease out is the condensation of Christ. (How God descended to Earth as a man). The humility required to an infinite, all powerful being to become a feeble man is beyond incredible. Even more so when in light of all that Jesus suffered on our behalf. That the one who knew no sin became sin for our redemption.
- Verse 5-11 is a hymn written as a Poetic exhortation of Christ.
Verse 6 – who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Verse 7 – but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
- Jesus was in the form of God, but was humble enough to take the form of His creation.
Verse 8 – And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
- This humility was so profound, he was put to death on an instrument reserved for punishing criminals.
Verse 9 – Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
Verse 10 – so that at the name of Jesus bevery knee should bow, cin heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Verse 11 – and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- But even in Christ’s humility, there is victory in the gospel. It was this by great sacrifice that the Father exalted the Son. Now, Christ reigns over all creation as creator, redeemer, and Lord.
Key-Takeaways
- Paul expresses joy even in his chains.
- To be of one mind and love the people in your church well is a worthy cause in Christ.
- The humility that Paul instructs others on is about denying one’s own gratification for the sake of others in order to meet their needs.
- Christ, our Lord, demonstrates the ultimate act of humility on the cross when he took our sins upon His shoulders.
Conclusion
Dear friends, if there is any passage that should fill you with a sense of hope and a drive to be involved in the lives of the people in your church, this is it. Love God’s church because that is the bride of Christ. To love Christ is to unify and love the church well. Be diligent. I hope and pray that this study has blessed you.
-In Christ.
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