*Philippians 2:1-18
Paul encourages humility by urging believers to consider Christ’s humbling example of service and exaltation.
- Encouragement in Unity:
- Paul encourages believers to find comfort in Christ, love, and shared Spirit.
- He urges them to have the same mindset and maintain unity to bring joy to him.
- Humility and Selflessness:
- He instructs them to act with humility, valuing others above themselves.
- Believers should look out not only for their own interests but also for the interests of others.
- Christ’s Example of Humility:
- Paul calls believers to adopt the mindset of Christ Jesus.
- He describes Christ’s humility: though He was divine, He did not cling to His privileges but emptied Himself, taking on human form and experiencing death on a cross.
- Because of His humility and obedience, God exalted Christ to the highest place and gave Him a name above all names, declaring that every knee should bow to Him.
- Working Out Salvation:
- Paul encourages believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
- He clarifies that it is God who works in them both to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
- Living as Shining Examples:
- Believers are advised to do everything without grumbling or arguing.
- By doing so, they will become blameless and pure, shining like stars in the world.
- They are to hold firmly to the word of life, providing Paul with a reason to boast on the day of Christ that his work was not in vain.
- Paul’s Joy in Sacrifice:
- Paul reflects on his potential sacrifice (possibly his life) as an offering for the progress and joy in their faith.
- He encourages the Philippians to rejoice and share in his joy.