top of page

Philippians 2

Philippians 2 emphasizes humility and unity among believers, drawing on the example of Jesus Christ’s own humility. This chapter is a call to have the same selfless mindset as Christ, serving as a guide for relationships within the Christian community. The apostle Paul uses Christ’s life and obedience to inspire believers to live harmoniously and to look out for one another's interests in addition to their own.

Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

This passage calls believers to live in unity, humility, and selflessness, reflecting the character of Christ. Paul appeals to the encouragement found in Christ, the comfort of His love, fellowship in the Spirit, and compassion as motivations for believers to be "like-minded," having the same love and purpose. The passage warns against selfish ambition and conceit, encouraging a mindset that esteems others as more significant than oneself. Instead of focusing solely on personal interests, believers are urged to look out for the needs of others, fostering a spirit of harmony and service. This reflects Christ's self-sacrificing love, calling the church to embody His humility and compassion in their relationships.

Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

This passage presents the profound humility, love, and self-sacrifice of Christ as the ultimate example for believers to follow. Paul urges believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ, who, though "being in the form of God," did not cling to His divine privileges or use His equality with God for personal gain. The phrase "form of God" signifies that Christ was fully divine, possessing the same attributes as His Father—omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence—because He inherited them as the only begotten Son, coming from the very essence of the Father.

Yet, despite His divine status, Christ "made Himself of no reputation" by voluntarily setting aside the independent use of His divine power. This act of "emptying" (kenosis) did not mean He ceased to be divine but that He chose to live within the limitations of humanity. He took on "the likeness of men," meaning He became fully human in body, experiencing human frailty, hunger, weariness, and sorrow. While He remained divine in His identity, He embraced human limitations, living as a man who fully depended on His Father. On earth, Christ did not exercise His omniscience, as seen when He stated He did not know the day or hour of His return (Mark 13:32). He was not omnipresent, moving physically from place to place, and He performed miracles by the power of the Father working through Him (John 5:19). This reveals His complete dependence on God, showing the depth of His humility and submission.

The passage continues, saying that Christ "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." This obedience was not a passive acceptance but an active, willing surrender to the Father’s will. The cross represented the most shameful and excruciating form of death—a punishment reserved for criminals—yet Christ embraced it for our sake. But His suffering went beyond physical pain. On the cross, He bore the full weight of humanity’s sin and felt the separation from His Father that sin causes. His cry, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46), revealed the unimaginable anguish of being cut off from the Father’s presence.

Ellen White explains in The Desire of Ages that at that moment, Christ could not see beyond the grave—He felt as though He would never see His Father again. He experienced the full penalty of sin, which is eternal death, and was willing to endure eternal separation from the Father if that was the cost of humanity’s redemption. He didn’t cling to His divine assurance or hold back from suffering out of fear—He offered Himself completely, motivated by a love so deep that He would rather be separated from the Father forever than see humanity perish.

This makes Christ’s sacrifice not only a demonstration of humility and service but the greatest revelation of God’s selfless love. His willingness to endure eternal loss shows that true divinity is marked by self-sacrificial love. For believers, this passage calls us to adopt the same attitude—to live lives of humility, self-denial, and complete trust in God’s will, placing the needs of others above our own and being willing to serve, no matter the cost.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV)
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage hows the result of Christ’s humility and sacrifice. Because Jesus willingly humbled Himself and became obedient to death on the cross, God the Father highly exalted Him. This exaltation is not about Jesus being placed above the Father but about affirming His rightful role as Savior and Lord over all creation, as part of the Father’s plan. The "name which is above every name" signifies the honor and authority given to Him as Redeemer. His name, "Jesus" (meaning "Savior"), now commands universal respect as the One through whom salvation is accomplished.

The phrase "every knee should bow" reflects the universal recognition of His lordship—by all beings in heaven (angels and heavenly beings), on earth (humanity), and under the earth (the fallen and the dead who will be resurrected to judgment). This act of bowing signifies submission and acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord, but it ultimately glorifies the Father, who gave Him this authority. As 1 Corinthians 15:28 states, even in His exaltation, Christ remains subject to the Father.

Verse 11 adds that "every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This means that all creation will one day verbally acknowledge Jesus as Lord. For some, this confession will be a joyful declaration of faith and love, while for others, it will be an unavoidable recognition of His authority. Importantly, this universal acknowledgment of Christ brings glory to the Father, as Jesus' exaltation fulfills the Father’s redemptive plan.

For believers, this passage calls us to willingly bow before Christ now, not only in reverence but in joyful recognition of His victory and love, knowing that all creation will one day acknowledge Him as Lord to the glory of the Father.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Paul reminds the Philippians to continue living out their salvation with reverence and seriousness, emphasizing that their spiritual effort aligns with God’s active work in them. The phrase "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" calls believers to approach their spiritual growth with humility, reverence, and diligence, acknowledging the seriousness of their walk with God. However, verse 13 provides the assurance that it is not by human strength alone but through God's active presence within the believer. God not only gives the desire to do His will but also provides the power to accomplish it. This passage highlights the cooperation between human effort and divine grace—believers must make choices in harmony with God's leading, but it is ultimately God who empowers them to live in obedience and reflect His character.

Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,
15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Paul instructs believers to conduct themselves without grumbling or arguing, to be distinctively pure and moral in a corrupt society. This behavior enhances their witness as lights in the world, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. Holding to the gospel truth ensures that Paul’s efforts were not in vain, contributing to the believers’ readiness at Christ’s return.

Philippians 2:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

This section reflects Paul’s joy and selfless dedication to the spiritual well-being of the believers. In verse 17, Paul uses the metaphor of being "poured out as a drink offering" to describe his willingness to sacrifice his life in service to Christ and His church. This imagery points to the Old Testament practice where wine was poured out as part of sacrificial offerings, symbolizing complete surrender to God. Despite the potential cost, Paul expresses joy because his sacrifices contribute to their faith. In verse 18, he encourages the believers to share in his joy, showing that true Christian service involves mutual rejoicing, even in trials, as both their efforts and his reflect the greater purpose of glorifying God.

Philippians 2:19-24 (NKJV)
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Paul expresses his intention to send Timothy to Philippi, highlighting Timothy’s genuine concern and proven character. Unlike others who are self-serving, Timothy embodies the Christlike attributes of selflessness and service. This passage not only affirms Timothy’s credentials but also Paul’s pastoral care, as he plans visits that strengthen the community and ensure continuity in faith practices.

Philippians 2:25-30 (NKJV)
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my needs.
26 For he longed for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I am more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Epaphroditus, another exemplary figure, is sent back to Philippi after recovering from a severe illness. His dedication to Paul’s ministry almost cost him his life, illustrating the risks and sacrifices inherent in serving Christ. Paul’s commendation of Epaphroditus not only highlights his commitment but also serves as an exhortation for the Philippians to value such devotion. This reinforces the theme of selfless service and mutual support within the Christian community.

bottom of page