Part V

Philippians 2:1-11

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any 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 conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflections

Imagine a community in which each member ranked the needs of others above their own needs. Before anyone bought food for themselves, they would first make sure the people around them were fed. Each conversation would be an opportunity to serve, and selfish motives would be replaced by a rich and meaningful empathy. If people argued over anything, it would be who gets to be the first to give when an opportunity to be generous presented itself.

Possible?

Paul thought so. The central theme of this section of Philippians is a godly attitude called “humility.” Paul describes it this way: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).” Humility is an attitude of the heart that genuinely considers others to be of tremendous value, and therefore places tremendous value on the needs of others. In that sense humility is not a low view of self. In fact, Paul says, “look not only to your own interests.” You’re significant. You just count others as more so. That’s humility. Paul not only thinks it’s possible to live humbly, he commands it.

Where does humility come from?

We develop true humility when we understand who we are in light of who God is and what God has done for us. As such, Jesus is our perfect example of humility. Paul says, “have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). The “mind” that we are to have is a humble one, and Jesus Himself is the author. It’s important to note that Paul uses the word “yourselves.” Remember, he’s writing to the Philippians, a community of faith. Humility breeds humility. One of the benefits of a personal pursuit of humility is that it encourages those around us to live with the same attitude.

Jesus was fully human, but he was also fully God. He could have been proud and domineering. Incredibly, He ranked Himself below others. Again, Jesus showing humility does not mean that He’s not significant. Quite the opposite. Paul says it this way, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8). The choice Jesus made to become a human was a choice to serve. He willingly chose to “empty” Himself, with the ultimate act of humility being His death on the cross. The Gospel itself was born out of humility, the perfect humble heart of Jesus Christ.

And that’s the reason why Paul urges humility in the first place, for the Gospel.

See, when we live humbly, our lives become a presentation of the Gospel. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate embodiment of humility, which means when we demonstrate humility we’re proclaiming Jesus. Paul writes it like this: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). Because Jesus humbled Himself on the cross, God has raised the name of Jesus above all other names, so that many would confess Him as Savior and God would be glorified. Our aim in living lives of humility is the same, to bring glory to God.

Jesus is that amazing. Not only is He our perfect example of humility and the source of all humility, the glory of His name is also our motivation to be humble in the first place.

To Consider

  • Are you humble? When are you most tempted to swell with pride?
  • What person (or kind of person) do you find most difficult to consider their needs more important than your own?
  • How can you and your community develop a consistent heart of humility? Consider the example of Jesus, and Paul’s specific instructions as you develop your response.

To Do

This week find a very practical way to rank the needs of others higher than your own needs. This could mean serving someone you wouldn’t normally serve, or perhaps being generous in a way you haven’t done before. Try to involve others in your efforts.