Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Philippians 2: 1 - 16 Exhortation to Humility
Can I just say, before I get started with this, that Phil. 2:1-11 is one of my favorite Scripture passages?
1. Humility through Unity Phil. 2: 1 - 4
Actually, I think this ties in with what we looked at last week -- conducting oneself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27). I didn't hit the particulars of that too hard last Friday, let me review them again:
- stand firm in one spirit
- contend as one for the faith of the Gospel
-not frightened by opposition.
If you look at that short list, you'll see that 2/3 of it refers to being united; further discussion of that concept opens chapter 2.
Of course, such unity with people flows out of unity with Christ, and Paul properly places the relationships in that order. But look at how many different ways he describes unity among believers:
- be like-minded
- have the same love
- be one in spirit and purpose
- don't do anything out of conceit or selfish ambition
- consider others better than yourselves
- look after one anothers interests...not just your own
Just the first one will trip me up. Be like minded. That means I need to strive to see things from other people's point of view; I need to consider how they process information and how they perceive the words and actions of people around them. I'm really not entitled to my own opinion.
Ouch. Just sayin'.
But if we really practiced unity...instead of individualism...it would make a huge impact on the way the body of Christ functions.
2. The Example of Christ Phil. 2: 5 - 11
Of course, our pace-setter in this walk is Jesus Himself. He lived a life totally devoid of self-serving or personal ambition; his whole life was lived in unity with and in obedience to the Father...even to the point of death.
But, because he was obedient to that level, he was also rewarded. We need to remember this as well; God doesn't manipulate us around just to see if He can; He moves us and positions us through our obedience into a place of blessing and reward. That's His real goal.
3. The Expression of the Worthy Life Phil. 2:12 - 16
This is where the rubber meets the road; how do we really practice unity?
Obedience!
Verse 13 is a fabulous promise. Look at it closely:
...it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
See, it is God working in us so that our will lines up with His. In other words, He adjusts our attitude so that we WANT to do what He desires. It becomes less and less of a struggle as we continually move in obedience.
Then he gives them one last principle of unity: The Good Attitude.
Do everything without complaining or arguing
Live a life worthy of the Gospel? If you live w/o complaining or arguing, Paul says, you'll actually stand out like a shining star on a moonless night.
And he points out that if those he has taught will do those things, he will feel like he has accomplished the purpose God had for his life.
Be humble
Be united with the body of Christ
do all things without complaining or arguing.
Such a short list! But such potential impact...
The Study so far:
Feb. 5 Intro
Feb. 12 Lesson 1 Phil. 1:1 - 11 Affectionate Greetings
Feb. 19 Lesson 2 Phil. 1:12 - 29 Testimony in a Time of Suffering
Feb. 26 Lesson 3 Phil. 2:1 - 16 Exhortation to Humility
March 5 Lesson 4 Phil. 2:17 - 30 Commendations of Coworkers
March 12 Lesson 5 Phil. 3: 1 - 16 Warnings Regarding Legalism
March 19 Lesson 6 Phil. 3:17 - 4:7 Instruction on Living as Citizens of Heaven
March 26 Lesson 7 Phil. 4:8 - 23 Gratitude for Concerned Support
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