“Philippians 2”

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Unity in the Lord’s church is absolutely essential. To please God, there is no other option.

Unity begins with one’s attitude (verses 1-4). If we have the proper attitude toward other Christians, division will not be impossible, but it will be rare. The so-called “Golden Rule” is not just good advice. It is a matter of obedience or disobedience. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Treat other people, and especially fellow disciples, the way you want to be treated, with dignity and respect and honesty.

Jesus is the perfect example (of course) of the selfless attitude we must have (verses 5-11). Christ had every right to remain in heaven, but He left those glories behind to serve the needs of others, a dying mankind (us!). It required humility and selflessness. We must have the mind (attitude) we see in Jesus Christ.

In verses 12-18, Paul describes what he means by “work out your own salvation.”

“But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered” (Romans 6:17). Man (the creation) is expected to obey God (the Creator). This obedience from the heart is one of the ways we demonstrate our faith (James 2:14-26) and our love for the Lord (John 14:15). One who does not obey the gospel of Christ will be lost eternally (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Matthew 7:21).

As Christians, we are to shine as lights in a dark world of sin. The greater the wickedness (the darkness), the greater is the need for light. If Christians do not let their lights shine, how will the lost world see the Lord in us?

Earlier in this chapter, Paul uses Christ as the example of selfless humility. The Son of God became the Son of Man to serve dying humanity’s need for salvation. In all areas of life, the Lord is our perfect role model and we must seek to be like Him in this area as well.

In verses 19-30, Paul describes two other excellent examples of this type of attitude. He first mentions Timothy, his “son in the faith” who had proven his character and purity of heart by the way he served others. Paul says he has no other companion and fellow worker like Timothy.

Then he brings up Epaphroditus who had risked his own life to serve Paul’s needs. You never forget someone like that. The impact we can have on others can be powerful when we show our love for them by serving their needs, whatever they might be.

--Roger Hillis

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