Knowing The Word in Philippians 2:1-11, Christ's Example of Humility

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [This is only possible because of our being in Christ. It is the only basis for unity.] 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [This is a restatement of second part of the Great Commandment and is what Christ himself did. It forms the basis for all Christian relationships. When it is not followed, there will be no unity within the Church.] 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus [since pride is at the heart of the Philippians discord, Paul points to Christ as the supreme example of humility, the humility of both a Lord and Savior], 6 who, though he was in the form of God [divine, existing eternally], did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped [he already had it but did not cling to his divine privileges], 7 but emptied himself [made himself nothing, relinquishing his heavenly status not his divine nature], by taking the form of a servant [slave], being born in the likeness of men [a human being whose nature was united with his divine nature]. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient [to the Father’s will] to the point of death, even death on a cross. [The emphasis here is on Christ’s willingness to suffer the most shameful and painful of deaths, rather than on the atoning significance of the event.] 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [The Father’s act is a direct response to the Son’s obedience. The Son is restored to the glorious status he had at the beginning but voluntarily relinquished. Christ is now acclaimed to be what he always was: Lord. So united are the Father and the Son, that worshipping the Son brings glory to the Father.]

Prayer

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.