Christ, Our Supreme Example Philippians 2:1-30 Part I
In Chapter 1 of this grand epistle, we noted how Paul selflessly thought about the welfare of others before his own welfare (Philippians 1:23-24). Paul was more concerned about the Philippian saints than his own concern even though he was undergoing a difficult ordeal. He was in confinement and facing trial; however, the welfare of the saints was paramount in his mind. Although Paul exhibited selflessness in his concern for the needs of the Philippian saints, Paul, however, will point us to the supreme example of service depicted by Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ lived completely and perfectly for others (Mark 10:45).
Philippians 2:1-30 may be outlined as follows: I. A Call for Unity – Philippians 2:1-4; II. The Exemplary Example of Christ – Philippians 2:5-11; III. An Application of the Call – Philippians 2:12-18; IV. The Note-Worthy Examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus – Philippians 2:19-30.
- A Call for Unity – Philippians 2:1-4
In the pursuance of unity, Paul uses four “ifs” in verse 1 that carries the force of “since.” In the use of the “ifs” in verse 1, Paul was not expressing uncertainty about these four qualities he mentioned; rather, he affirmed them to be real and certain in promoting unity! The first “if” (since) mentioned in verse 1 speaks of the “consolation in Christ.” Consolation in Christ refers to the encouragement or exhortation we receive from His presence. Secondly, “comfort of love” speaks of solace afforded or granted by God’s love. Thirdly, “fellowship of the Spirit” speaks of the fellowship produced by the Holy Spirit. Fourthly, “bowels and mercies” speaks of tender compassion.
As these four qualities were transparent abundantly in these believers’ lives, then Paul’s life would be filled with joy.
In verse 2, what Paul was pleading for was a unanimity of heart. As the Apostle Paul, there is always a need for our churches to be exhorted to express unity in thought and purpose. No matter what level of unity we may have reached, there is room for greater heights.
Among believers in verse 2-4, there is no place for “strife or vain-glory,” that is quarrelsome self-promotion and its root cause, empty conceit. As a cure to these vain and evil tendencies, Paul urged the cultivation of humility, or “lowliness of mind.” Humility is not an esteemed virtue among many free moral agents! Humility begins with our fellowship with God and extends to our fellowship with others. Paul went on to instruct these believers to “esteem others better than themselves” (v. 3). Paul means that consideration for others must precede concern for ourselves.
I am told that the word “joy” or its derivative is used some eighteen times in this grand epistle. The acronym for the word “joy” is – Jesus first, others, next, yourself last. In verse 4, Paul exhorted the believers to look out for, or consider, not merely “his own things” but also “the things of others.” Again, Paul is exhorting these believers to be concerned with the personal interests of others before the interest of yourself. Selfless concern for others must be practiced in our lives as we minister among one another. As an example of supreme selfless service, Paul will now point to the life of Christ in Philippians 2:5-11.
May God Bless!
