The Book of
Philippians 2
30 verses≈ 4 min3 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
One in Christ
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
in humility consider others more important than yourselves
Philippians 2:3
The Mind of Christ
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
but emptied Himself,
taking the form of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place
and gave Him the name above all names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
0:37
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
Philippians 2:11
Down and up
Whiteboard
Paul traces Jesus all the way down, from equality with God to a servant’s death on a cross. Then God lifts Him all the way up, to the name above all names. In God’s kingdom, the way up runs through humble love.
Reflect
The lower place
Jesus “emptied Himself” and took “the form of a servant.” Think of one person you live or work with. What would it look like this week to put their interests ahead of your own?
Lights in the World
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose
Philippians 2:13
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
you shine as lights in the world
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Pray
Shine where you are
Paul says God is the One who works in you “to will and to act.” Ask Him for both: the desire and the strength to do everything “without complaining or arguing,” and to shine where He has put you.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.
Philippians 2:19–22
So I hope to send him as soon as I see what happens with me. And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him
Philippians 2:29
Stylised map · locations approximate
On the map
Epaphroditus’ round trip
The church at Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Paul, traditionally in Rome, weeks of travel along the Via Egnatia and across the Adriatic. There he fell ill and nearly died. Now Paul sends him home, probably carrying this very letter, so that when they see him again they may “rejoice.”
Question
Quick question
Epaphroditus nearly died while serving Paul in Rome.
What was Epaphroditus distressed about?
You’ve experienced
Philippians 2
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A verse to carry with you
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9–11
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