Philippians 2:1-11
:: Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV) ::
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.
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.
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.
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.
To help remember Philippians 2:1-11, you can use the acronym "HUMBLE":
H - Have the same mindset as Christ (v. 5)
U - Unity in spirit and purpose (v. 2)
M - Make my joy complete by being like-minded (v. 2)
B - Be selfless, valuing others above yourself (v. 3)
L - Look to the interests of others (v. 4)
E - Exalted name of Jesus (v. 9-11)
This mnemonic captures the key themes and teachings of the passage.
The closest biblical parallel to Philippians 2:1-11
is found in Isaiah 53:3-5
Both passages address the theme of service and sacrifice. Here's a commentary on these common themes:
A close biblical parallel to Philippians 2:1-11 is found in Isaiah 53:3-5, which describes the suffering servant who embodies humility and selflessness. This Old Testament passage highlights the depths of Christ's sacrifice and His willingness to bear our burdens. Just as Paul calls believers to emulate Christ’s humility in Philippians, Isaiah paints a picture of the Messiah who is "despised and rejected by men" but willingly takes on our griefs and transgressions.
A close biblical parallel to Philippians 2:1-11 is found in Isaiah 53:3-5, which describes the suffering servant who embodies humility and selflessness. This Old Testament passage highlights the depths of Christ's sacrifice and His willingness to bear our burdens. Just as Paul calls believers to emulate Christ’s humility in Philippians, Isaiah paints a picture of the Messiah who is "despised and rejected by men" but willingly takes on our griefs and transgressions.
“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.”
more significant than yourselves.”
:: General Commentary ::
Philippians 2:1-11 emphasizes unity and humility among believers, urging them to emulate Christ's selflessness. The passage presents a profound theological reflection on Jesus' nature, highlighting his incarnation and obedience. Paul encourages the church in Philippi to embody these virtues, fostering a community characterized by love and mutual respect. The “Christ hymn” embedded within these verses showcases Jesus' humility, which ultimately leads to his exaltation, serving as a model for Christians to follow.
:: Spiritual Significance ::
The spiritual significance of Philippians 2:1-11 lies in its call to imitate Christ's humility and selflessness. This passage challenges believers to transcend personal ambitions and adopt a collective mindset focused on serving others. By embracing humility, Christians not only strengthen their community but also align themselves with the nature of Christ, fostering spiritual growth and deeper relationships within the body of Christ. The promise of exaltation for those who follow Christ’s example serves as a powerful motivation for believers.
:: Historical Significance ::
Historically, Philippians was written during Paul’s imprisonment, offering insight into early Christian community dynamics amidst persecution. The call for unity reflects the challenges faced by the Philippian church, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith. This passage also addresses the broader cultural context of Roman society, where humility was often undervalued. By promoting a countercultural attitude of humility and service, Paul reinforced the revolutionary nature of the Christian faith during a time of social and political tension.
:: Literary Significance ::
Philippians 2:1-11 features a unique literary structure, incorporating a hymn that emphasizes Christ’s dual nature as fully God and fully human. The use of parallelism and contrast highlights the themes of humility versus pride and obedience versus rebellion. This passage serves as a pivotal moment in Paul’s letter, seamlessly transitioning from exhortation to deep theological reflection. The literary artistry invites readers to meditate on the implications of Christ’s example for their own lives, enhancing the overall message of unity and love.
:: Parallel Chart ::
:: Prayer ::
Heavenly Father, help us to embody the spirit of unity and humility as modeled by Christ. May we seek the interests of others before our own, fostering a community of love and support. Empower us to follow Christ's example of servanthood and obedience, and grant us the grace to glorify You in all our actions. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember
“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.
Never forget
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others significant than yourselves.”
Amen
Ask Philippians 2:1-11 Questions of Your Own
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“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
Try searching for a Philippians 2:1-11 word, phrase or question of your own
Q&A about Philippians 2:1-11
What does Paul mean by "having the same mind"?
- Paul encourages unity among believers, promoting a shared attitude of humility (Philippians 2:2).
Why does Paul emphasize humility in this passage?
- Humility is essential for unity and reflects Christ's character, as shown in His own life (Philippians 2:3-5).
How does Philippians 2:5-11 describe Jesus?
- It portrays Jesus as one who humbled Himself, taking on human form and obedience, even to death (Philippians 2:6-8).
What is the significance of Christ's exaltation?
- His exaltation underscores the truth that God honors humility and obedience, as every knee shall bow to Him (Philippians 2:9-11).
How can we apply these verses in our daily lives?
- By striving to put others first and serving selflessly, reflecting Christ’s love in our relationships (Philippians 2:4).
What does it mean to look out for others' interests?
- It involves actively seeking to support and uplift others in their needs and struggles (Philippians 2:4).
What role does the Holy Spirit play in this passage?
- The Holy Spirit enables believers to live in unity and humility, fostering a Christ-like mindset (Philippians 2:1).
How does this passage relate to Christian community?
- It emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual support, which are foundational for a healthy Christian community (Philippians 2:2).
What can we learn from Jesus' obedience?
- Jesus' obedience teaches us the value of submitting to God’s will, even in difficult circumstances (Philippians 2:8).
Why is this passage considered a hymn?
- The poetic structure and theological depth reflect early Christian worship and belief in the divinity of Christ (Philippians 2:6-11).
How does humility impact our witness as Christians?
- Humility demonstrates the love of Christ to the world, making our witness more compelling and credible (Philippians 2:3).
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