Philippians 2
-“If there is any encouragement in Christ, and comfort from
love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my
joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and
of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or (vain) conceit, but in
humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look
not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-4).”
*Application* Unity under the authority of Jesus Christ is the theme here. It
goes against the tolerant age that we live in where everyone is expected to be
ok with each person going their own way and doing their own thing. This
separates and divides. There is only one truth, one way, and one life. Jesus is
that way, truth, and life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John
14:6). We need to conform to His image in all these listed areas together with
one voice of truth and conviction. Only then will our joy be complete. The
other way will lead to confusion and dysfunction with hatred eventually and
selfish motivations. In other words, this passage is a strong case against the
belief in universalism, which is sweeping our nation. Conform to Christ and live.
-The Christ we are conforming to has an attitude that the
writer of Philippians explains and extols. This is the great Kenosis (Empty, Giving it up, to humbly
void) chapter explaining how Christ, who was God, emptied Himself by becoming
flesh and taking on limitations all for the sake of love and our eternal
redemption by His shed blood. Jesus did not consider equality with God a thing
to be grasped (held on to); therefore, He let go of His majesty for a season
and came to this cursed earth by taking the form of a servant (doulos, slave), being born in the
likeness of men in human form. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient even to
the point of death even on a cursed cross all for the salvation from our sins
(Philippians 2:5-8). Because of His work, God has highly exalted Him and given
Him the Name which is above every name and will cause every knee to bow to Him
on earth and in Heaven and even under the earth (Hades). Every tongue will
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father (Philippians
2:9-11). *Application* This explains much theologically when we try to
comprehend the Trinity and understand the role of the Messiah as fully man and
fully God. He had to give up many of His rights and privileges as God to come
and be among us for our example and salvation. Some examples of His limitations
during His incarnation include His limitations in presence (He could only be at
one place at a time verses the omnipresence of God the Father and Spirit), His
tiredness and weariness, His hunger, His ability to experience physical death,
and even some limitations in His knowledge (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32). Jesus
gave up Heaven and its glory to come save us. What a concept for us to abide
by!
-Because of this we should work out our great salvation with
fear and trembling because it is God who is at work in us to work and to will
His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13). God seeks us out and does amazing
things to reconstruct us in His image even when we had fallen from His grace.
He restores and replenishes our righteousness. *Application* God seeks us out
and gives us a new heart and Spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:26). He gives us all
we need for eternal life beginning right now on earth and godliness in His
Spirit. Even though we don’t seek after God naturally, He comes to us and draws
us to Himself by giving us a heart that will respond to His love, mercy, grace,
and affection. God’s restoration is merited by that one condition of faith, but
it is ultimately God who gives us the means to meet that condition. In other
words, our approaching Him with our own resources and desires would be
ultimately futile and in vain. We approach Jesus with a heart that He has given
us, which measures up to His fullness and completion. Rejoice in the God who
gives all good things for our benefit (James 1:17).
-With this fact in mind, we should do all things without
grumbling or complaining (disputing) that we may be blameless and innocent
without blemish as children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse
(twisted) generation among whom we shine as lights in the world (Philippians
2:14-15). We are to hold fast in this faith and unity until the day of Christ
when He glorifies us and makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). Even if poured
out as a drink offering, as Paul thought he might be and eventually was, we can
be glad and rejoice together as one body in Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:17-18).
*Application* Make sure your joy in Christ Jesus is evident to all even in the
midst of trial and tribulation. We overcome and conquer by the word of our
testimony (Revelation 12:11).
-Paul gives glowing praise for Timothy and Epaphroditus in
the last section of this chapter as having the qualities of genuine concern for
the welfare of the saints, steadfast service in humility, and taking risks for
the work of Christ without selfish ambition (Philippians 2:19-30).
*Application* Good men are rare and hard to find. These two set an example for
us in our service for the Lord and those in authority over us. Submit and give
all you’ve got for the work of the Kingdom in sincerity and truth with all
perseverance!
Verses to Memorize-
Philippians 2:1-3, 5-11, 14
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