Good morning, everyone! It is so good to be together. How great is our God? Let’s praise Him together as we open His Word today. We’re looking at Philippians 2—and Paul has been showing us what it looks like to follow the example of Christ.
The Example: Jesus Christ
Paul says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). What follows is one of the most beautiful descriptions of Christ’s humility in all of Scripture:
Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)
Jesus had every right to hold onto His divine privileges—and yet He gave them up. He became a servant. He submitted to the Father. He died on a cross for our sins.
An Example Worth Following
After describing Christ’s humility, Paul writes: “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” (Philippians 2:12).
Working out our salvation means living in a way that reflects what Christ has done for us. It means embodying the same humility He showed. When we grumble and argue, we are not following Christ’s example. But when we serve, when we submit, when we put others first—we are walking in His footsteps.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
The Name Above Every Name
Paul writes that at the name of Jesus “every knee shall 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 2:10-11).
What a picture! There is coming a day when every person will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. That includes those who rejected Him in this life. Everyone will give an account. But for those who have trusted in Him—there is no fear in that day. There is only glory.
Three Takeaways from Philippians 2
- Humility is the mark of Christlikeness — We are called to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, who made himself nothing.
- Salvation produces fruit — We work out our salvation, not to earn it, but because it has changed us.
- There is joy in serving God — Paul says he is “glad and rejoices with them all” (Philippians 2:17). Serving God is a privilege, not a burden.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the perfect example of Christ. Thank You that He made Himself nothing, that He served us even unto death. Help us to have the same mind. Help us to walk in humility. Help us to be lights in this dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.