Slideshow image

Christ's Example: Lessons from Philippians

The book of Philippians offers profound insights into Christian living, particularly around the themes of unity, humility, and keeping our focus on the Day of Christ. As we journey through this letter, we discover that Paul isn't just offering nice spiritual advice—he's addressing real problems of division within the church and pointing us toward the ultimate solution: having the mind of Christ. In other words Christ-likeness.

Philippians 2: The way up is down!

Philippians 2 begins with Paul addressing a critical issue: disunity within the church. He writes, "If then, there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation of love, any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way."

Notice Paul isn't asking "if" these things exist—he's stating that since this bond exists then the following truth applies . Since we have the love of the Father, the work of Jesus, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, we should naturally have the same mind and be united in purpose.

What Destroys Church Unity?

Paul identifies two main culprits: selfish ambition and conceit. Selfish ambition isn't just wanting to succeed—it's wanting to succeed at the cost of others. Conceit isn't confidence—it's an inflated sense of self-importance over other people.

The antidote? Humility.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." This humility leads us to think of others' needs before our own.

Jesus our Example:  Perfect Humility

Paul points to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ. In what scholars call the "Hymn of Christ" (Philippians 2:5-11), we see Jesus' downward movement. Though He was God, He didn't grasp onto His divine privileges. Instead, He took the form of a servant, became human, and was obedient to death on a cross.

This was revolutionary thinking for the Greek audience. Their gods played games with humanity, always seeking more worship and power. But Jesus gave away His power to serve humanity. The way down led to the way up—God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name.

What Does "Work Out Your Salvation" Really Mean?

Paul's instruction to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" is often misunderstood. This isn't about earning salvation through good works. The phrase "fear and trembling" appears throughout Scripture when someone recognizes a task is too awesome for them, but too important to neglect.

Think about parenting—do you feel fully equipped to be the perfect parent? Probably not. But the task is too important to abandon. Similarly, Paul is addressing the church collectively, saying: "You have problems with division. Work it out together with the gravity this deserves, because God is working in you."

Philippians 3: What Should We Press Toward?

In Philippians 3, Paul shifts focus from looking down in humility to pressing forward toward our goal. He warns against putting confidence in the flesh—relying on our own achievements, background, or religious performance.

Paul had an impressive religious resume, but he counted it all as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. The Gospel doesn't improve our resume—it invalidates it. We can either have all of Jesus or none of Him.

What Does It Mean to Know Christ?

Knowing Christ involves both His resurrection power and sharing in His sufferings. We're comfortable with seeing God's power, but how do we feel about suffering? The way of Jesus includes both—powerful proclamation of the Gospel and potential hardship or persecution.

Paul encourages us to forget what lies behind and strain forward like a runner approaching the finish line. We press toward "the upward call of God"—not sitting on clouds, but participating in God's kingdom work in the age to come.

Philippans 4: Live Looking up!

Why Should We Rejoice Always?

Philippians 4's famous command to "rejoice in the Lord always" isn't random spiritual advice. Paul immediately follows with "let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is near." He's talking about Christ's return—the day of Christ that appears throughout the book.

We rejoice because Jesus is coming back. We're close to the end. This perspective should stop us from fighting with each other over minor disagreements. When we truly grasp that Christ is returning, our petty disputes fade in importance.

How Should This Change Our Thinking?

Paul concludes by telling us what to think about: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

This isn't positive thinking—it's setting our minds on heavenly realities. We're called to think about things that align with God's character and kingdom.

Life Application

The book of Philippians challenges us to examine our hearts and relationships through the lens of Christ's example. This week, identify one relationship in your life—whether in your family, church, or community—where you've allowed selfish ambition, conceit, or minor disagreements to create distance.

Choose to take the downward path of humility that Jesus modeled. Consider that person more significant than yourself. Look to their interests, not just your own. Remember that if God has called them to salvation and drawn them in, there's no room for disunity.

The goal isn't compromise on truth, but rather a singular focus on glorifying Jesus. When we keep our eyes fixed on the day of Christ—When Jesus returns in glory and when we'll be raised with new bodies and united with Him forever. Our earthly perspectives and theories on what is good, all fall under the lordship of Jesus. We refuse to let disagreements push away those whom Jesus has joined to us, because pleasing the Lord matters more than being right. Doing this well without compromise is something only the Holy Spirit can help us do. Let's pursue these things together in the Lord.

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Am I more concerned with being right or with glorifying Jesus in this relationship?
  2. How can I demonstrate the same humility that Christ showed when He gave up His divine privileges?
  3. What would change in my perspective if I truly believed Jesus is returning soon?
  4. Am I presenting my whole self as a living sacrifice, or just going through religious motions?