Philippians 2

Greetings in the Lord,

The second chapter of Philippians deals with Christ's humility and example, God's help for us as we work out our salvation, and the example of two heroes of the faith.

The memory passage is;
Philippians 2:5-8, 12-13 (ESV)
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 made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, ⁸ he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
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, ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

The outline themes are Humility, Help, and Heroes in the Christian Walk.

The first few verses of Chapter Two center around the Mind of Christ. From the encouragement, comfort, love, affection, sympathy, and participation in the Spirit through Christ comes the desire to be of the same mind; the mind of Christ in one accord. Not rivalry, conceit, pride or selfishness.

What is the mind of Christ? Though He was (is) God, He humbled Himself (made Himself nothing) by becoming a man. And He humbled Himself even more by dying, as the innocent, spotless Lamb, in the worst way of the day, in order that we might share in His resurrection. The mind and heart of Christ is that of love and sacrifice for me. Through His humiliation, He has opened the door for my glorification.

The mind of Christ is not just a 'state of being', but leads to action. We are to 'work out our own salvation' with fear and trembling. This is not working 'for' salvation, but working it out in the sense of our daily life. God's investment in us is ultimately for His good pleasure and glory. Somehow there is the gift of grace that is freely (unearned) given with which we must then work out in our walk with Christ. This is to be done without grumbling or questioning so that we can be separate from the world; free of blemish and corruption in the midst of a stained and corrupt world. This fruit in the lives of those he discipled gave Paul joy and contentment in that his life and labor for the kingdom of God that were not wasted.

The last section focuses on two men that Paul holds up as examples of walking with Christ. Timothy is highly regarded as unique (no one like him) and worthy in the work of the kingdom. Paul emphasizes Timothy's genuine concern and love for the Philippian church and the benefit he will be to them. Epaphroditus is honored by Paul as a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier in the work of the kingdom. He apparently gave of himself freely to Paul and the ministry of the Word as he 'was ill, near to death' before God healed him. His service was invaluable to Paul, and will certainly be the same for the Philippians.

Notice how Paul sent his best men to the Philippians. It wasn't those he could spare, or someone extra; he sent the best. It would have been easy to justify the need to keep these pillars close by in Paul's 'greater ministry'. But he raised them up, discipled them, and sent them. For the kingdom to multiply, disciples and disciple-makers must have a mindset of multiplication from beginning to end. Only then can our discipleship truly reach to the ends of the earth.

How does this affect my worship?
Verses 9 and 10 will be the subject of praise for eternity. As we now, and in heaven, thank God the Father for His love and enduring mercy, we will not be able to separate the exaltation of Christ from that strain. It is the very reason we will be able to praise for eternity in the first place. After all Christ went through, God exalted Him and honored Him; and with this is the seal of our own glorification. We are united with Him in His death, but also in His resurrection (Rom 6:5), and we are hidden with Him so much that when He appears, we will also appear with Him (Col 3:4) and be like Him (1 Cor 15:49, 1 John 3:2).

How does this affect my discipleship?
Do I have the courage to let my 'best disciples' go and make more disciples? Those will be the men who challenge and stretch me the most, who I am the closest to in vulnerability and accountability, and who I love the most. Can I turn them loose? I must. If the Lord is gracious and shows His favor to me by letting me disciple and apprentice with men like this, it would be selfish of me to keep them to myself.

May you walk in the Mind of Christ today,

Ethan