By James Riley Strange, Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament, Samford University
Yield
Philippians 2:1–5, 12–15
Last week we read from the letter that contains Paul’s harshest language. Today we turn to the letter many consider his warmest. The Philippian Christians have a “partnership in the gospel” with Paul (1:5), they sent Epaphroditus to help him in prison (2:25) and they have supported him with monetary gifts (4:10–18). Nevertheless, some of these believers are divided from one another (1:27; 2:1–4; 14–15; 4:2–4).
In response, the imprisoned Paul calls for humility and unity. Hence, a willingness to yield is the fifth in our series of traits that can mend and strengthen relationships among Christians.
The passages we are studying fall on either side of verses whose imagery and rhythm are so pronounced that some scholars think Paul is quoting a hymn (2:6–11). Whether or not he composed the language, Paul uses Christ’s obedience — His willingness to empty and humble Himself (vv. 7–8) — as an example for the Philippians to follow. Later, Paul will hold himself up as an example of someone who gave up his high status “because of Christ” (3:3–17).
Humbly look out for the needs and interests of others. (1–4)
The point of verse 1 is that there is indeed “encouragement in Christ … consolation of love … fellowship with the Spirit … affection and mercy” (CSB). “Make my joy complete” is a rhetorical flourish, for the true goal is for the Philippians to “think the same way” by adopting “the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus” (v. 5). The language in these verses and in 4:2 is quite similar, which suggests Paul is addressing two believers in particular: Euodia and Syntyche.
Jesus is our example of humility and submission. (5)
We can answer the question, “What would Jesus do?” because we know what He did. Although He was “in the form of God,” He gave up “equality with God” through obedience, even to the point of dying on the cross.
Based on the first clause of verse 7, many refer to the “self-emptying” theology of verses 6–11. Christ did not exalt Himself; rather, He emptied Himself of all status. In the end, “every knee will bow … and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” because “God highly exalted him.”
Jesus said something similar in the Gospels: do not seek to outrank your brothers and sisters in order to impose your will on them. Rather, humble yourself to them now — submit yourself to God now — so God will exalt you when you see Him face to face.
Live humbly without grumbling, complaining or arguing. (12–15)
The word “therefore” at the start of verse 12 explains why Paul gives us verses 6–11. Christians tend to focus on this “hymn” because of what it teaches about Christ (doctrine), but Paul uses it to encourage people to behave rightly toward one another (exhortation). The problem becomes clear in verse 14: some Philippian Christians, maybe Euodia and Syntyche, are doing things with “grumbling and arguing.” As we learned in previous lessons in this series, God is the source of the trait we’re talking about. God makes it possible for us to yield to our brothers and sisters.
Hence, although complaining can result from the sin of arrogance, the antidote is not for us to change our behavior or our attitudes — not on our own, in any case. Rather, as with all sin, God supplies the cure. He “is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose” (v. 13; compare 1:6). God changes both our wills and our work to conform to Christ’s.
Thanks be to God that He who requires change makes change
possible.
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