PHILIPPIANS -- CHAPTER 2
OUTLINE:
III. CHRIST'S EXAMPLE FOR THE CHURCH --- 2:1-18
1. Through humiliation to exaltation -- 2:1-11
2. The church encouraged to walk in obedience to Christ, to
a glorious end -- 2:12-18.
(vs 1) Paul list five motives for being of one accord:
(1) Exhortation (and consolation) of being in Christ.
(2) Persuasive power of love.
(3) Fellowship (or participation) we have in the Holy
Spirit.
(4) Tender mercies and compassions, both those which we
feel within ourselves, and those we receive from
others.
(5) A personal appeal from Paul: "Make full MY joy."
"exhortation in Christ: -- an urging of these brethren: to be
stirred in their relationships.
"consolation of love" -- persuasive speaking -- 2 Cor. 1:1-7.
"fellowship of the Spirit" -- partakers in common of the same
mind of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.
2 Pet. 1:21 -- spake from God, moved by Holy Spirit.
"mercies and compassions" -- an appeal to their hearts. He
sought their sympathy in his condition and in his aims.
THE NEED FOR UNITY IN THE CONGREGATION:
1 Cor. 1:10
John 17:21
With this kind of unity nothing can destroy.
(vs 2) Conclusion to verse one; a natural result: THREEFOLD RESULTS:
(1) Oneness; (2) lowliness; (3) helpfulness.
(1) ONENESS -- "The same love" -- "same mind"
Oneness in disposition, love and aim.
(vs 3) (2) LOWLINESS -- Oneness cannot be achieved without humility.
Unity can never be brought about if everyone is constantly
thinking about himself.
Christians cannot be motivated by unholy rivalry, by
selfish motives, craving honor and prestige for
themselves. Cf. certain teachers in Rome -- (1:17).
Selfish ambition and empty conceit go together, for "the
emptier the head the louder the boast."
"lowliness" -- original word was by non-Christians used in
an evil sense, "cowardliness."
Paul associates this virtue with those of tenderness,
kindness, forbearance, longsuffering, meekness.
NOTE: The happy condition which arises when a church
is filled with those who counts the other to be
better than himself; Members filled with tender
affection one for another.
(Does not mean the lazy, indifferent,
slothful, member should be regarded as being
better than the industrious member; BUT, it
involves attitudes and motives --- We must look
within ourselves, in a self appraisal, to be sure
that we have not elevated ourselves over others.)
(vs 4) (3) HELPFULNESS -- looking to the things of others.
If we regard our brother properly, we will wish the very
best for them.
The more we realize Christ's love for us, the more we will
wish to advance that brother's interest also.
THE CLOSE CONCERN FOR BRETHREN, ONE FOR THE OTHER.
(vs 5) THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST JESUS:
"Have this mind in you" --- We must develop a like mind (of
Christ).
The appeal of the first four verses characterizes an attitude
that was present in Christ.
Granted, we cannot follow Christ in the area of redemption;
for we cannot suffer and die for the sins of others;
BUT, we can copy the spirit that was basic to these acts.
Oneness, lowliness, helpfulness, were shown by our Lord.
Christ is our example: Mt. 11:29; Jn. 13:34; 1 Cor. 11:l; 1
Thess. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 Jn. 2:6.
It is because He is our Lord that He can be our example.
IF HE IS NOT OUR EXAMPLE, THEN OUR FAITH IS DEAD.
(vs 6) "existing" -- Present participle stands in sharp contrast with
all the aorists (past tense) which follow it, and
therefore, points in the direction of continuance of
being. Christ Jesus was and eternally exists "in the form
of God."
"form" (morphe) -- that which is intrinsic and essential about
anything. Refers to the inner, essential, and abiding
nature of a person.
Christ had "form" or true nature of God, unchangeable.
Christ was "fashioned" (vs 8), changed from the glory in
heaven.
Paul is stating that Christ has always been God (deity) by
nature, the express image of deity; but He took the nature
of the flesh, human in every respect.
Heb. 1:1-3 -- "express image of his substance...."
Col. 1:15 --- "the image of the invisible God..."
John 1:1-3, 14.
2 Cor. 8:9 -- "though He was rich...."
"equality with God..." -- Did Jesus cease to be God when He
became flesh? Oh, no!! But, in a sense He "emptied
himself."
(vs 7) "Emptied himself" -- In what way (ways) did Christ empty
Himself of His existence in a manner equal to God???
(1) He gave up His favorable relation to the divine law.
In Heaven, no burden of guilt rested on Him.
2 Cor. 5:21 -- "Was made sin in our behalf...."
(2) He gave up His riches.
2 Cor. 8:9 ---
Birth in a manger, borrowed tomb, etc.
(3) He gave up His heavenly glory.
Jn. 17:4 -- "glory which I had with thee before the
world....."
Isa. 53:3 -- "despised and rejected of men...."
(4) He gave up His independent exercise of authority.
Heb. 5:8, 9 -- "even though a son, yet learned He
obedience....."
Jn. 5:30; 5:19; 14:24.
"How could He still be God?"
He was, and ever remains the Son of God, yet He laid aside
all these, not with reference to His divine nature,
but, with reference to His human nature, which he
voluntarily took upon Himself and suffered the cross.
"Taking the form of a servant" -- Note word again. He took the
nature of a servant, nor merely play-acting.
John 13:12-15 -- washed the disciples feet....
We, too, are to be servants.
"Likeness of man" -- Jn. 1:14; Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 3:16;
Heb. 2:17; 4:15; Rom. 8:3.
NOTE: Jesus was "fashioned" as a man:
(1) All men come by natural birth. So did He.
(2) Had they been wrapped in "swaddling clothes"? So
had He.
(3) Had they grown up? So had He.
(4) Did they have brothers and sisters? So had He.
Mt. 13:56.
(5) Had they learned a trade? So had he. Mk. 6:3.
(6) Were they at times hungry, thirsty, weary, sleepy?
(7) Were they ever grieved or angry? Mk. 3:5.
(8) Did they ever weep? Jn. 11:35.
(9) Did they ever rejoice?
(10) Were they destined to die? So was He. Howbeit, His
death involved salvation for mankind.
(11) In His entire "fashion," therefore, He was
recognized as a human being. He had the looks and
outward signs of a man, His ways of dress,
customs, manners, etc.
(12) When they saw Him, He had every characteristic of
all other men.
(Put Him in a police lineup and ask, "Which
one is God." Would not be able to tell, because He
bore the image of fleshly man.)
(vs 8) "he humbled himself" -- how needful for all to have this
trait -- Jas. 4:10.
"became obedient" -- Submitted to Divine authority.
"unto DEATH" -- Heb. 2:14,15.
"yea, death of the cross" -- Crucified, horrible death,
excruciating pain. -- Gal. 3:13; 1 Cor. 1:23-25
NOTE: Sometimes at the death of a person, it is
said, "They went peacefully." NOT SO with Christ!!!
His death was very violent, cruel.
(vs 9) "Exalted Him" -- Christ stated this rule, "He who humbleth
himself, shall be exalted." Mt. 23:12; Lk. 14:11.
Inspired writers repeated it: Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6.
"highly...." -- King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
(vs 10) "Every knee....every tongue" -- bow, confess.
The righteous to glory----
The wicked to damnation----
"under the earth" -- of the world below, the wicked.
(vs 11) cf. Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; Rev. 17:14; 19:16.
OUTLINE:
III. CHRISTS EXAMPLE FOR THE CHURCH -- 2:1-18.
1. Through humiliation to exaltation -- 2:1-11.
2. The church encouraged to walk in obedience to Christ,
to a glorious end -- 2:12-18.
(vs 12) "Work out your own salvation" --
Close tie between vs 12 and 1:27.
Evidently the congregation had a tendency to lean too
heavily on Paul, his physical presence with them.
Their obedience must not be motivated by Paul's presence
among them.
Note: the tense of the verb. Indicates continuous, sustained
effort. Salvation is a process. Cannot remain dormant or
passive -- MUST TAKE AN ACTIVE PART.
A pursuit, a following after, a pressing on; a contest, a
fight, a race, etc. Phil. 3:12; Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 9:24-
27; 1 Tim. 6:12; etc.
"Fear and trembling" -- 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 7:15; Eph. 6:5.
NOT THE SPIRIT OF: BUT THE SPIRIT OF:
1. Half-heartedness, the 1. whole-heartedness, single-
divided mind. ness of purpose.
2. disrespect and disdain 2. reverence and awe, being
Acts 17:18. afraid to offend God
Heb. 12:28.
3. trust in self--Mt. 26:13 3. Trust in God.
4. Self-righteousness - 4. Humility -- Lk. 18:13.
Lk. 18:11.
(vs 13) The incentive for this:
GOD IS WORKING IN YOU
Cf. Toaster must be connected to wall outlet.
Light must be switched on.
Garden must have sunshine.
So, also, Jn. 15:4 -- "Except the branch abide in me, ye
cannot bear fruit."
Salvation is from God --- Jn. 1:12; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:8;
Phil. 1:6, 28, 29; 3:9; 4:13, etc.
God's workmanship --
TO WORK --- also, TO WILL -- to resolve, to desire. Man must
want to please God. Cannot be forced or coerced
into serving Jehovah.
(vs 14-16) Necessity of obedience: (Yet, there are two kinds of
obedience: (1) grudging, (2) voluntary.
Ill: Mother plopped little fellow into a chair, "On
the outside I'm sitting down, but on the inside
I'm standing up."
1 Pet. 4:9 -- "using hospitality one to another without
murmuring." Without pity for oneself.
True religion is never merely external compliance,
HENCE:
"Do....without murmurings and questionings" -- How many serve
the Lord from a murmuring heart; a complaining spirit.
"blameless and harmless" -- unmixed, unadulterated, pure.
"holding forth the word of life" -- Not only preached, but
practiced. "Life" and "light" go together. Jn. 1:1ff.
"run, labor in vain" -- 1 Cor. 3:10-15.
Paul labored for fruit in the lives of others; yet, he
could be saved, even if all others apostatized.
Individual responsibility, individual judgment.
(vs 17) Paul's great love -- a willingness to be sacrificed for them.
"offered" -- Footnote: "Poured out as a drink-offering."
Poured out beside the offering.
The JOY of seeing faithfulness on the part of brethren.
(vs 18) That they, too, may rejoice in the end results of the
sacrificial life of service unto Jesus, our Lord.
"rejoicing WITH ME." Not everyone rejoices in the success of
the gospel. Some are jealous, (1:17).
OUTLINE: IV. PAUL'S CO-LABORERS -- 2:19-30.
1. Timothy and his mission to Philippi -- 2:19-24.
2. Epaphroditus -- 2:25-30.
THE CONTEMPLATED MISSION OF TIMOTHY:
(Vs 19) They were anxious to hear about Paul and the verdict. So,
Timothy was to be sent, but NOTE: Paul's first word was to
express concern for their welfare.
Paul expected to be refreshed by news from them.
(vs 20) Timothy was qualified for the task assigned to him:
Acts 16:1-4; 1 Cor. 4:17; Rom. 16:21; 1 Thess. 3:2.
"care truly for your state" -- genuinely concerned for them.
(vs 21) Some were not as concerned about them as they were about
their own welfare.
Shows the disappointment of the apostle in the motives of some
cf. 1:15-17 -- already discussed wrong motives of some in
preaching Christ.
Some move among brethren with selfish motives and desires.
They are more concerned about their own welfare than the
welfare of brethren.
(vs 22) But how different Timothy was -- He had proven his worth.
"proof" -- his life had stood the test.
Does this suggest "FATHER PAUL"??? Was Timothy his son???
Timothy's association with Paul was LIKE that of a child
with a father; intensely interested in same things.
NOTE: Timothy "served WITH me," not "served me."
"Furtherance of the gospel" -- the gospel is to progress....
(vs 23) Timothy will be sent as soon as Paul learns of the verdict.
Condemnation or acquittal??? Paul does not know, but his
trust in Christ remains unshaken.
(vs 24) "trust" -- confidence in Christ. How needful!!!
THE RETURN OF EPAPHRODITUS: (2:25-30).
(Vs 25) Epaphroditus: (4:18)
(1) a spiritual leader in Philippi,
(2) Commissioned by Philippi to carry their gift to Paul,
(3) Had become very ill,
(4) God had restored him,
(5) He desires to return to Philippi, to correct their
fears about his welfare,
(6) Paul send him home, most likely sending this letter by
him.
"brother" -- united in the faith, member of spiritual family,
a term of affection and endearment.
"fellow-worker" -- united in the work.
"fellow-soldier" -- united in battle, companion in arms.
NOTE: a worker must be a warrior. The work of the gospel
encounters many foes.
"messenger and minister" -- serving the Lord, also, Paul.
NOTE: a trusted servant!!! Brought the funds from Philippi to
the aged apostle.
(vs 26) "was sore troubled" -- Christ in garden -- Matt. 26:37.
Sick and away from home.
(vs 27) "sick nigh unto death" --
NOTE: This proves that the ability of Paul to perform
miracles, could not be used at his own will. When it was
needed to prove his apostleship (2 Cor. 12:12), or to
confirm the word (Acts 13:8-12), he could invoke the gift.
2 Tim. 4:20, Paul left Trophimus sick. Did Paul have the
power to heal him. Obviously, he did; but it was not used
depending upon his own will.
Since the Word has been confirmed there is no need for
miraculous powers today. They have ceased. (1 Cor. 13:10)
(vs 30) "for the work of Christ" -- "The work" is a New Testament
phrase for the preaching of the gospel (Acts 15:38).
NOTE: The great affection between these early disciples.
Their fondness came as the results of their love for
truth and righteousness, and the desire to please
Christ. When men are held together by selfishness or
greed, they are ever susceptible to division and
troubles. Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus had their
hearts set on Heaven, causing a unity that defies
description.
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