Chapter Two
Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Humility
2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Still on the subject of living for Christ, Paul returns to the theme of unity among believers. He selects four aspects of interpersonal relationships beginning with, “if there is any encouragement in Christ.” The word encouragement is translated from the Greek paraklēsis, to cause someone to be encouraged or consoled, and is often translated as comfort or exhortation, from the root meaning “to come alongside someone to give assistance.” This reflects what Paul wrote earlier in Philippians 1:27, to live a life worthy of the gospel.
The second aspect is comfort from love, God’s love for us is unconditional, and through Him we can love others unconditionally as well, which is not normal for humans (see Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 2 Corinthians 5:13-14).
The third aspect is participation of the Spirit. The Greek word translated here as ‘participation’ is koinōnia, which is most often translated as ‘fellowship’. Having fellowship with the Holy Spirit can be intimate as He dwells inside each and every believer (we are God’s temple, see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19), which in turn gives us a connection to every believer. In his epistle to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27, ESV)
The fourth aspect is two-fold, affection (Greek splanchna, to experience great affection and compassion for someone) and sympathy (Greek oiktirmoi, to show mercy and concern with implication of compassion and concern). Both of which characterize the love of Jesus, who gave us His all for us. We need to, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another...” (Colossians 3:12-13a)
Paul desires for them to complete his joy by all believers being of the same mind and the same love, to think and work together in unity (this was also Jesus’ desire, see John 17:20-26). These four aspects also apply to believers in fellowship with other believers.
2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
To serve God is just that, to serve others, therefore while serving God, a believer should not be motivated by their own ambition (no rivalry, as this is not a competition) or conceit (Greek kata kenodxian, from a state of unfounded pride), but in humility. To serve others requires one to consider them more important than ourselves (a higher priority). Paul offers insight on how to do that, don’t just pursue your own interests, but to consider the interests of others.
2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Paul tells us that we should have the same attitude as Jesus, as He, even though He is God, knew that people could not comprehend Him as being God, so emptied Himself of anything that could be seen as ‘God like’, and came to earth as a man, a servant to all people. He humbled Himself by being obedient to His Father (see Matthew 26:39, 42; John 5:30; 6:38) to the point of death on a humiliating cross! We can easily get lost in Paul’s analogy, but if Jesus can set aside His ’superior existence’ (that’s an understatement) for us, we can certainly set aside our own interests to serve others!
2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
As a result of being victorious on the cross, God the Father exalted Jesus by bestowing on Him the name that is above every name. So that just as God told Isaiah, as recorded in Isaiah 45:23 (see also Romans 14:11), that every knee will bow before Jesus in heaven, on earth, and under the earth (those saved in heaven, those alive on earth, and those that died awaiting judgment) everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Shine as Lights in the World
2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
In light of what Paul just presented regarding living for Christ and emulating Him as best we can by serving others, he notes that the believers in Philippi have always obeyed not only when he was there, but also when he was not present, he now tells them to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. This statement has fueled many hot debates within Christianity. The two most prominent arguments are in regard to the phrase “work out your own salvation.” The first being that it implies that in order to be saved there is something (and that something varies for every group, some are rituals and protocols, while others can be more general, like living decently) that needs to be done in order to be saved (implying that Jesus did not do all the work for our salvation, that more is required). The second is less legalistic, but nonetheless questions God’s role in our salvation. It is in regard to the relationship between the power of God versus the responsibility, or need, of believers to live according to Jesus’ commandments and imperatives.
Let’s first look at the phrase itself, “work out,” it is one big Greek word, katergazesthe, to cause to be, to bring about, or to carry out a task and bring it to completion, the root of the word is elsewhere translated as produces, carry, actions, accomplished, etc. The next word is heautōn, translated here as “your own,” a reflexive second person pronoun, referring to the reader. The last word “salvation” is the Greek word sōtērian, meaning deliverance, preservation from destruction, and salvation. So the words alone do not give us any reason to not interpret anything other than a straightforward interpretation. But what about context and expositional constancy?
Like all of the epistles in the Bible, this epistle was written to believers, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.” (Philippians 1:1, ESV, emphasis added) Which means that verse twelve does not address a way to obtain salvation, as they are already saved. Besides, reading that effort is needed for our salvation would be contrary to all of Paul’s teaching, that it is a free gift from God (see Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5, see also Romans 3:20, 28; 4:16; 1 Corinthians 1:29). That leaves us with the responsibility or need to live according to Jesus’ commandments and imperatives.
In his first epistle to the church in Corinth, Paul wrote about divisions within the church. In that presentation he notes that the main reason there was conflict was that many of them were still spiritually immature and as a result they were not living as Jesus taught. Paul used the illustration of erecting a building: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15, ESV) Paul is telling us that one can either choose to be a disciple of Jesus, or not, but yet still be saved.
Perhaps the best way to interpret verse twelve, is that the “working out” is the process of removing impurities in our lives, like someone smelting the impurities in gold or silver (see Proverbs 25:4) or pounding out iron to strengthen and purify. As disciples, we desire to follow Jesus, we read and understand the Bible so that we can know what pleases Him, so that we can enjoy a close fellowship with Him here now on earth. This aligns well with the New Living Translation rendering of verse twelve, “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.” (Philippians 2:12, NLT) The change in our lives should be visible to others.
2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Paul returns to the theme of Philippians 1:6, that the process of sanctification is God working in us. While the process of removing any impurities (dross) may not always be pleasant or inviting, we know that to be a disciple will bring us closer to Jesus. Before we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we pursued pleasure for ourselves, life was about us, but now life is about Him, and to serve Him we seek to do things, like serving others, to His good pleasure.
2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Both the desire to grumble and the motivation to dispute come from living for ourselves and the seeking of our own pleasure. Instead of looking to God, these two shortcomings do nothing but focus our eyes and thoughts inwardly. Does that mean we should always agree with each other? No, but everyone should be willing to listen to each other, pray for understanding and guidance, and seek a solution with God’s help. Paul is urging obedience instead of stubborn pride or being set in our ways. Just as complaining didn’t serve the Israelites favorably as they were led out of Egypt, we should first talk to God before opening our mouths. Paul points out that as the result of one having the reputation of regularly grumbling and disputing, that others may avoid any unnecessary contact, which would directly affect their ability to witness. Paul here notes if believers go through life without much grumbling or disputing, that they may be seen as children of God, that y being true followers of Jesus, their nature would be blameless and innocent. Even in the midst of a crooked (Greek skolias, being unscrupulous and dishonest) and twisted (Greek diestrammenēs, to cause someone to depart from correct behavior) people, their light will shine in the world and will be seen by others.
2:16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
While shining light in the world, Paul strongly encourages them to hold fast to the word of life. Since God is the Author of life (see Acts 3:15), and not only as He is the Creator of all things, His Word, the Bible, offers eternal life, therefore the “word of life” is the Bible. With them “holding fast” (being obedient to God’s Word) to the “day of Christ,” referring to a time of hope when our struggles are over (this should not be considered the same as “the Day of our Lord,” click here to read more), at that time Paul claims he will be proud (Greek kauchēma, to express a high degree of confidence) that he did not labor in vain, that with them in heaven will be reward enough to make up for the persecution he faced.
2:17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Paul notes that even if he is poured out as a drink offering, (one of the Old Testament offerings, see Exodus 29:40-41; Leviticus 23:13; Numbers 15:7, click here for more details), here Paul is referring to being spent, completely exhausted, drained of energy at the end of his life, that he is glad and rejoices with them for their faithful service to God. And that he desires for them to share in that joy.
Considerations
Shine As Lights in the World
The Bible opens with the introduction of light, “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light” (Genesis 1:3, ESV) and it ends with light returning “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5, ESV). As we read the Bible in between those passages, we become aware of the darkness that came between the fall of man, and the new earth and heaven. That darkness was brought about through sin which instead of life leads to death. Then Jesus came as the light and through His victory on the cross offers the light of life to all believers, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV). It is the duty of all believers to be lights in a dark world and unashamedly shine so others can find their way to Jesus.
What does Paul mean for believers to shine as lights in the world? Light dispels darkness, it allows one to see where they are going so that they can live. No one can live long in total darkness, just ask the Egyptians that experienced total darkness during the ninth plague, “So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days...” (Exodus 10:22-23a, ESV) Using the metaphor of physical light and the absence of light being darkness, Paul is referring to spiritual light and darkness. Mankind lost fellowship with God and all of creation has been cursed due to Adam and Eve’s sin and that darkness leads to an eternity away from God. Without Jesus in this life, means total darkness in the next. Believers are to shine with the truth so that unbelievers can see where they are headed. How do believers shine? By living according to the teachings of Jesus, by being His ambassadors, by helping others, by sharing the gospel message, by being truthful, by standing up for the truth, by being kind, by being generous with time and money, and the list goes on. All while not being arrogant, prideful, hypocritical, nasty, short-tempered, self-centered, quick to renounce, etc.
Being a light for Christ does not mean being the source of light yourself, it refers to being a reflector of His light. We can’t be lights in the world using our own ability or energy, it would be nothing more than a dim light as if coming from a flashlight with near-dead batteries. If we reflect Jesus, that light will be brighter than any other light! We can pray just as the popular song “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” written by Graham Kendrick proclaims:
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me[1]
Regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus
2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
Paul’s protégé Timothy was invaluable to him, especially when he was not able to visit somewhere personally, either by sickness or incarceration, Timothy was sent by Paul as his understudy (see 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). Here Paul is sending him to Philippi where he can genuinely help them as he cares about their welfare. Paul notes that he is not like some others who only do what benefits them. They would have been familiar with Timothy as he was with Paul and Silas on Paul’s second missionary journey (see Acts 16:1-15). Paul says he will send him to them after he he knows his own status (believed to be currently in prison based on Philippians 1:7, 13). He then adds that he trusts that he too will be able to come soon.
2:25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
We don’t know much about Epaphroditus except what we are told here (he is only mentioned in this epistle). He apparently was a believer (even though his name means “belonging to Aphrodite,” the Greek goddess of love and beauty), who worked with Paul to spread the gospel, he even called him a “fellow soldier.” Epaphroditus was sent by the believers in Philippi to bring to Paul a gift from them (see Philippians 4:18) but then became ill and was close to dying. Paul notes that God had mercy on him and recovered from his illness and is now able to return. Paul asks that they receive him with all joy, as he risked his life for the gospel, doing what they couldn’t do for him being so far away.
⇐Previous (Introduction) Next⇒
[1] Graham Kendrick, Copyright © 1987 Make Way Music, www.grahamkendrick.co.uk