Philippians 2:1–5, 13–15

Bible Studies for Life 

Director, Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence, Samford University

STICK WITH HUMILITY

Philippians 2:1–5, 13–15

C.S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” The clever play on words communicates an important truth. This Sunday’s lesson invites us to consider the importance of humility in our relationships with others.

Humbly look out for the needs and interests of others. (1–4)

If Paul had favorites among the churches he helped plant, the church at Philippi likely held the top spot. This was the first church begun by Paul in Gentile Europe (Acts 16) and over the years the community of believers grew in both number and maturity of faith. 

Paul and Timothy moved on to other regions in their missionary travels but the Philippian church didn’t forget them. They kept them in their prayers. They took initiative to collect money to support Paul and his associates. They sent it to him by way of Epaphroditus, a member of the Philippian church and friend of Paul. The gift was a spirit-lifting surprise for Paul, who was under house arrest in Rome at the time. No wonder he could “thank God in all my remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3). So we should not be surprised by Paul’s positive reinforcement of the Philippians’ faith found in the opening verses of chapter 2.

He used four “if-then” descriptions to encourage them. The “if” is a rhetorical device; Paul already knew the answer to each. We might read verse 1 in this manner: “If there is any encouragement in Christ — and there is, if there is any comfort from Christ’s love — and there is, if there is any fellowship with the Spirit — and there is, if there is any kindness and compassion — and there is.” 

The Philippian believers had already experienced these and Paul affirmed them with his words. They understood the blessings of being in a Christian community of fellowship, encouragement and mutual support. 

He followed these affirming words with a new call, in effect saying, “then make my joy overflow by working to keep a unity of spirit that holds you together, being loyal to each other even in times of tension.” This is wise counsel in Paul’s time and ours about what makes relationships grow deeper.

Jesus is our example of humility and submission. (5)

To reinforce his teaching Paul incorporated what is thought to have been a hymn of the early church, perhaps even familiar words to the Philippian believers. The overriding theme of the verses is the remarkable humility of Jesus. 

In our relationships with one another, whether brothers or sisters in Christ or not, we are to have the same mindset. Jesus did not regard “emptying Himself” (v. 7) to take on the form of a human as a step down in the heavenly hierarchy. There was no place too low and undesirable that Jesus was unwilling to go as God’s representative of healing, saving grace. This kind of humble, servant-oriented attitude changed Paul’s world. It continues to change the world even now when we live like Christians are supposed to live.

Submit without grumbling, complaining or arguing. (13–15)

We may be tempted to use the excuse that we aren’t Jesus. We do not have the heavenly resources He had when He walked the earth. How can we hope to have the kind of servant attitude He had? 

In reality we have no excuse sufficient to release us from the call of servanthood. We have no excuse not to be loyal and compassionate toward one another, even when others are difficult and relationships are strained to the point of exasperation. 

Jesus emptied Himself of heavenly resources and lived as a human like us. With the power of His spirit within us we have the capacity to live according to His purpose for us.