1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but inhumility count others more significant than yourselves.4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,10 so 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.
Reflection
- Chapter in a Glance: Paul urged the Philippian Christians to imitate Jesus Christ who being equal with God yet whose incarnation and life are the supreme example of humility (vv1-18). He commended two men he was about to send to Philippi (vv19-30).
- Here Paul encouraged Christians to look at the attitude of humility Jesus displayed, and adopt it in our relationships with others. Whatever basis we might have for believing we are better than others, all pale to utter insignificance when we see Jesus, willing to abandon His rightful claim of full equality with God, to not only become a human being, but even to die on a cross.
- It’s no wonder that Christians have been considered weak, dull, too scrupulous or too cowardly, to make it big in the world. What the world doesn’t understand is that Christians choose humility not out of weakness, but out of strength.
- How would things change if you consistently applied v v3-8 in your family? Church? Work? Which do you need to work on now?
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read v4-7 only.)
Paul said you should become like Christ and be a servant. He said you should look out for others’ interests. Talk about how one can be a servant and not get hurt in the process. Do you know people whose needs you should respond to? Do you have a new neighbor you should welcome? Decide on someone you could visit and help in some way.
Proverbs for Today 22:9-12
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the traitor.