Believers to learn from Christ’ pattern: (chap.2)
Imitating Christ: (2:1-11):
Paul is writing the letter from prison. He sensed that they have some problems, some petty disagreements and self-seeking etc. like the churches of today. Paul points them to a better approach to interpersonal relationships and gives them three examples they can imitate.
Paul begins by reminding them of blessings they have received from Christ: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion…” then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (2:1-2).
He is not just asking them to think like any another but he wants them to be like-minded with Christ, to be encouraging, comforting, sharing, tender and compassionate, as Christ is. He wants them to have the same kind of love as Christ has, being like him in attitude and goals. That is the only sure way to be united with one another. When the Philippians put this into practice, Paul’s joy among them will be complete, for his gospel will have produced its fruit. In order to produce the fruit Paul is asking them “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” (2:3). We are to lay aside selfishness and treat others selfishness and treat others’ interests as more important than ours.
Philip was a cosmopolitan city. The composition of the church reflected great diversity. Even the converts of Paul were from different backgrounds (Acts 16:14-36). The church included Lydia, a Jewish convert from Asia and a wealthy businesswoman, the slave girl probably a native of Greek and the Jailer serving this colony of the empire, probably a Roman. With so many different backgrounds among the members, unity must have been difficult to maintain. Although there is no evidence of division or quarrel in the church, its unity had to be safeguarded. Paul encourages us to guard against any selfishness, prejudice or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step toward in maintaining unity among believers.
The greatest sacrifice and greatest honour: (2:5-11):
These verses are probably from a hymn sung by the early Christian church. The passage has many parallels to the prophecy in (Isa. 53).
The Lord’s attitude: (2:5-6): The Lord Jesus Christ did not need anything! He had all the glory and praise of heaven. With the Father and the Spirit, He reigned over the universe. But the amazing fact is that He did not consider His equality with God as “something selfishly to be held on to.” Jesus did not think of Himself. He thought of others. His outlook (or attitude) was that of unselfish concern for others. This is the mind of Christ, an attitude that says, “I cannot keep my privileges for myself, I must use them for others; and to do this, I will gladly lay them aside and pay whatever price is necessary.”
- Christ’s attitude and Lucifer’s attitude: It would be worthwhile to contrast Christ’s attitude with that of Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-15) and Adam (Gen. 3:1-7). Lucifer was the highest of the angelic beings, close to the throne of God (Ezek. 28:11-19), but he desired to be on the throne of God! Lucifer said, “I will!” but Jesus said, “Thy will.” Lucifer was not satisfied to be a creature; he wanted to be the Creator! Jesus was the Creator, yet He willingly became man. Christ’s humility is a rebuke to Satan’s pride.
- Lucifer was not satisfied to be a rebel himself; he invaded Eden and tempted man to be a rebel. Adam had all that he needed; he was actually the “king” of God’s creation (“let them have dominion,” 1:26). But Satan said, “Ye shall be as God!” Man deliberately grasped after something that was beyond his reach, and as a result plunged the whole human race into sin and death. Adam and Eve thought only of themselves; Jesus Christ thought of others.
More than twenty times in the New Testament, God instructs us how to live with “one another.” We are to prefer one another (Rom. 12:10), edify one another (1 Thess. 5:11), and bear each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). We should not judge one another (Rom. 14:13) but rather admonish one another (Rom. 15:14).
Christ’s sacrifice and service: (2:7-8):
Jesus thought of others and became a servant! Paul puts the humbleness of Christ as follows:
- He emptied Himself: (2:6): Laying aside the independent use of His own attributes as God. He did not give up his deity to become human but he set aside the right to His glory and power.
- He permanently became a human:(2:8a): in a sinless physical body. In submission to Father, He limited his power and knowledge. He was subject to place, time and many other human limitations.
- He used his physical body to be a servant: (2:7a): He laid aside His divine rights and privileges out of love for His Father. We should develop His attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. People are very conscious about their rights. They want their rights to exercise. But it is better to leave the matter to God as even Christ has not exercised His rights during his trials.