Philippians 2
BSB1 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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10 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. 12 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. 13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 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 16 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. 17 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. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. 19 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. 20 I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. 21 For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel. 23 So I hope to send him as soon as I see what happens with me. 24 And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25 But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs. 26 For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
Study Notes — Philippians 2
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Philippians 2
- Themes from Philippians 2
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Philippians 2
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Philippians 2 begins with an exhortation to unity and love, urging believers to have the same mindset as Christ (Philippians 2:1-5). The chapter then presents Christ as the ultimate example of humility, who emptied Himself and became obedient to death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8). As a result of His humility, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above all names (Philippians 2:9-11). The chapter concludes with a call to believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is at work in them to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:12-18).
Context for the Chapter
Philippians 2 is part of a larger letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. The letter is a response to the church's gift to Paul, which he received while in prison, and is intended to encourage the church to stand firm in the face of persecution and to maintain their unity and love for one another. The chapter is situated in the midst of a larger discussion on the importance of humility, unity, and selflessness in the body of Christ.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to death on the cross. By embracing humility and obedience, we can maintain unity and love among ourselves and spread the gospel to all nations. May we be willing to renounce our pride and selfishness, and instead submit to God's will and obey His commands.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about having the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to death on the cross. By embracing humility and obedience, we can maintain unity and love among ourselves and spread the gospel to all nations. As it says in Philippians 2:5, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus". By following Christ's example, we can experience the power of the gospel in our lives and bring glory to God.
Voices from the Church
“The truest humility is the humility of the cross, where Christ emptied Himself and became obedient to death.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The humility of Christ is the pattern for all true humility, and it is by following this pattern that we can experience the power of the gospel in our lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Importance of Unity and Love (Philippians 2:1-4) — The chapter begins with an exhortation to unity and love, urging believers to have the same mindset as Christ.
- The Example of Christ's Humility (Philippians 2:5-8) — The chapter then presents Christ as the ultimate example of humility, who emptied Himself and became obedient to death on the cross.
- The Exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:9-11) — As a result of His humility, God exalted Christ and gave Him the name above all names.
- The Call to Obedience and Humility (Philippians 2:12-18) — The chapter concludes with a call to believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is at work in them to will and to act according to His good purpose.
- The Importance of Maintaining Unity and Love (Philippians 2:19-30) — The chapter ends with a discussion on the importance of maintaining unity and love among believers, and the role of leaders in promoting this unity.
Core Doctrines
- The Humility of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Christ's humility is the ultimate example for all believers, and that by following His example, we can experience the power of the gospel in our lives.
- The Importance of Unity and Love
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers, and encourages them to maintain this unity by having the same mindset as Christ.
- The Role of Obedience in the Christian Life
- The chapter presents obedience as a key aspect of humility, and encourages believers to submit to God's will and obey His commands.
- The Exaltation of Christ
- The chapter teaches that Christ's exaltation is a result of His humility and obedience, and that He is now the name above all names.
Lessons from Philippians 2
- The Importance of Humility — This chapter teaches us that humility is essential for maintaining unity and love among believers, and that it is by following Christ's example that we can experience the power of the gospel in our lives.
- The Role of Obedience in the Christian Life — The chapter presents obedience as a key aspect of humility, and encourages believers to submit to God's will and obey His commands.
- The Exaltation of Christ — The chapter teaches that Christ's exaltation is a result of His humility and obedience, and that He is now the name above all names.
- The Importance of Maintaining Unity and Love — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers, and encourages them to maintain this unity by having the same mindset as Christ.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is at work in us to will and to act according to His good purpose, and that we can trust in His sovereignty and provision in our lives.
Themes from Philippians 2
- Humility and Unity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and unity among believers, and encourages them to maintain this unity by having the same mindset as Christ.
- The Example of Christ — The chapter presents Christ as the ultimate example of humility, who emptied Himself and became obedient to death on the cross.
- Obedience and Submission — The chapter presents obedience as a key aspect of humility, and encourages believers to submit to God's will and obey His commands.
- The Exaltation of Christ — The chapter teaches that Christ's exaltation is a result of His humility and obedience, and that He is now the name above all names.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is at work in us to will and to act according to His good purpose, and that we can trust in His sovereignty and provision in our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to have the same mindset as Christ, and how can we cultivate this mindset in our lives?
- How does the example of Christ's humility challenge our own pride and selfishness, and what steps can we take to renounce these qualities?
- What is the relationship between humility and obedience, and how can we submit to God's will and obey His commands?
- How can we maintain unity and love among ourselves, and what role do leaders play in promoting this unity?
- What does it mean to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and how can we trust in God's sovereignty and provision in our lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Importance of Unity and Love (Philippians 2:1-4)
| Philippians 2:1 | The chapter begins with an exhortation to unity and love, urging believers to have the same mindset as Christ. |
| Philippians 2:2 | The importance of unity and love is emphasized, and believers are encouraged to complete their joy by being like-minded and having the same love. |
| Philippians 2:3 | The chapter warns against selfishness and pride, and encourages believers to count others more significant than themselves. |
| Philippians 2:4 | Believers are encouraged to look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others. |
2. The Example of Christ's Humility (Philippians 2:5-8)
| Philippians 2:5 | The chapter presents Christ as the ultimate example of humility, who emptied Himself and became obedient to death on the cross. |
| Philippians 2:6 | Christ's humility is contrasted with the selfishness and pride of humanity, and His obedience is seen as a key aspect of His humility. |
| Philippians 2:7 | Christ's humility is further emphasized, and His willingness to take on the form of a servant is highlighted. |
| Philippians 2:8 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing Christ's obedience to death on the cross, and His willingness to humble Himself to the point of death. |
3. The Exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:9-11)
| Philippians 2:9 | As a result of His humility, God exalted Christ and gave Him the name above all names. |
| Philippians 2:10 | The chapter emphasizes that every knee will bow to Christ, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. |
| Philippians 2:11 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing that Christ's exaltation is a result of His humility and obedience. |
4. The Call to Obedience and Humility (Philippians 2:12-18)
| Philippians 2:12 | The chapter concludes with a call to believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is at work in them to will and to act according to His good purpose. |
| Philippians 2:13 | The chapter emphasizes that it is God who works in believers to will and to act according to His good purpose. |
| Philippians 2:14 | Believers are encouraged to do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that they may be blameless and innocent. |
| Philippians 2:15 | The chapter warns against being stumbling blocks to others, and encourages believers to shine as lights in the world. |
| Philippians 2:16 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of holding firm to the word of life, so that Paul may boast in the day of Christ that he did not run in vain. |
| Philippians 2:17 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing that even if Paul is poured out as a drink offering, he will rejoice and share his joy with the Philippians. |
| Philippians 2:18 | The chapter concludes by encouraging the Philippians to rejoice and share their joy with Paul. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Philippians 2?
The main theme of Philippians 2 is the importance of humility and unity among believers, and the example of Christ's humility and obedience as a pattern for all believers (Philippians 2:5-8).
How does Christ's humility challenge our own pride and selfishness?
Christ's humility challenges our own pride and selfishness by presenting a radical alternative to our natural tendencies, and by encouraging us to renounce our pride and selfishness and instead submit to God's will and obey His commands (Philippians 2:3-4).
What is the relationship between humility and obedience?
The chapter presents obedience as a key aspect of humility, and encourages believers to submit to God's will and obey His commands (Philippians 2:12-13).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippians 2:5 → John 1:1 | The chapter presents Christ as the ultimate example of humility, who emptied Himself and became obedient to death on the cross, much like the Word who became flesh in John 1:1. |
| 2 | Philippians 2:6 → Hebrews 1:3 | The chapter emphasizes Christ's humility and obedience, which is also presented in Hebrews 1:3 as a key aspect of His divine nature. |
| 3 | Philippians 2:8 → Isaiah 53:12 | The chapter presents Christ's obedience to death on the cross as a key aspect of His humility, which is also prophesied in Isaiah 53:12. |
| 4 | Philippians 2:9 → Psalm 2:7 | The chapter emphasizes God's exaltation of Christ, which is also presented in Psalm 2:7 as a key aspect of God's plan to establish Christ as King over all nations. |
| 5 | Philippians 2:10 → Isaiah 45:23 | The chapter presents every knee bowing to Christ, which is also prophesied in Isaiah 45:23 as a key aspect of God's plan to establish Christ as the one true God. |
| 6 | Philippians 2:12 → Deuteronomy 29:29 | The chapter encourages believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, which is also presented in Deuteronomy 29:29 as a key aspect of the covenant between God and His people. |
| 7 | Philippians 2:13 → Ezekiel 36:27 | The chapter emphasizes that it is God who works in believers to will and to act according to His good purpose, which is also presented in Ezekiel 36:27 as a key aspect of the new covenant. |
| 8 | Philippians 2:15 → Matthew 5:14-16 | The chapter encourages believers to shine as lights in the world, which is also presented in Matthew 5:14-16 as a key aspect of the Christian life. |
| 9 | Philippians 2:16 → 2 Timothy 4:7 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of holding firm to the word of life, which is also presented in 2 Timothy 4:7 as a key aspect of the Christian life. |
| 10 | Philippians 2:18 → Romans 12:15 | The chapter concludes by encouraging the Philippians to rejoice and share their joy with Paul, which is also presented in Romans 12:15 as a key aspect of the Christian life. |
Sermons on Philippians 2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Costa Rica) Trusting God With All Your Tomorrows by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the Apostle Paul and how he was chained to circumstances he couldn't change. The preacher shares the story of a pastor whose ministry was a |
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The Great Sin (Reading) by C.S. Lewis | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord |
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(1 Peter - Part 22): Our Walk in the Presence of the Unsaved by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers. He highlights that God never gives us instructions to live without |
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A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid |
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Mental Attitude by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so the |
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Faith to Leave the Gas Station by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he came to have faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of mixing the truth of God's word with faith in order to exper |
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Let God Be in You by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has chosen individuals from seemingly ordinary and unpromising backgrounds to serve Him. He encourages the audience, whether they a |
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The Power of His Resurrection by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. He uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the p |
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(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 01 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering that the gospel of Christ is primarily addressed to individuals and its ultimate goal is the salvation of mult |
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(Blood Covenant) 2 - Our Covenant With Christ by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in covenant with God rather than merely speculating about it. He highlights that covenant is not just a concept, bu |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Philippians 2
In this chapter, we see the great example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who emptied Himself and became obedient to death on the cross. This is a pattern for all believers, and we are encouraged to have the same mindset as Christ. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers, and encourages them to maintain this unity by having the same mindset as Christ. We see the exaltation of Christ, who is given the name above all names, and every knee will bow to Him. The chapter concludes with a call to believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is at work in them to will and to act according to His good purpose. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The glory of God is the great end of all His works, and the glory of Christ is the great end of all His sufferings.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Humility
The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, presenting Christ as the ultimate example of humility and encouraging believers to have the same mindset as Him.
The Contrast between Humility and Pride
The chapter contrasts the humility of Christ with the selfishness and pride of humanity, highlighting the need for believers to renounce pride and embrace humility.
The Relationship between Humility and Obedience
The chapter presents obedience as a key aspect of humility, encouraging believers to submit to God's will and obey His commands.