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You Philippians continue to have this mind1 that was also in Christ Jesus.
| 1 | Continue to have this mind: Or, same attitude, same disposition, same spirit. Compare notes on the “mind of Christ” at 1 Corinthians 2:16. What characterized Christ’s basic thinking and attitude is shown below. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Philippians 2:5 as the theme verse of the second chapter – “Humble Obedience.” Paul begins a loving appeal to be of “one mind.” [1-4] Love and compassion should motivate them to “do nothing out of contentiousness.” As those mention in chapter one Christians with pure motives should be characterized by humility, being considerate of others and not self-centered.
Paul will now point to four examples of such a right attitude. The first is Christ and Paul urges Christians to have “this mind”, that is Christ’s attitude or mental inclination. [5-11] Christ was not self-centered but selflessly “emptied” himself of his former celestial glory. He became an obedient and humble slave in human form. Because of his obedience unto death his God exalted him and gave him something he did not have before – a name to be honored by all in heaven, on earth, as well as those to be resurrected.
Using himself as the second example of the right self-sacrificing attitude Paul urges the congregation with its overseers and deacons to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.” [12-18] They should be faultless and pure and not be those kind of Christians marked by “whisperings and criticisms.” They must “get a firm grasp on Life’s Word.” Then as third example of someone with the right attitude Paul mentions that he has no one like Timothy. [19-24] Unlike those Christians who “constantly seek their own interests” Timothy will “genuinely care for your interests.” He plans to send Timothy to them.
Finally, Paul mentions another example of the right attitude – Epaphroditus. [25-30] Despite depression and illness he was an apostle and fellow worker with Paul. He encourages the congregation to “honor such persons” who were willing to sacrifice themselves in death for the Gospel.
Abba our Father bless those with the right attitude.
[8 July 2002]
He points to Christ as the example of humility and consecration to the good of others.
