After encouraging the Philippian believers, and us, to live with humility, Paul gives the ultimate example of humility in Jesus Christ.

Take a look at this passage in Philippians 2:5-6:

What better incentive to humility than the example of our Lord himself? This is the example Paul gives as he stresses this attitude for the believers in Philippi. In fact, the term “attitude” may be a little weak. A more literal rendering would be “mindset.” The thought is similar to the final verse of 1 Corinthians 2, where Paul states that we have the “mind of Christ,” although the Greek term used is different.

What Paul is saying here, in effect, is that we are to have the same mind as Jesus, in humility and in focus.

What follows has been debated for ages. Some believe that Paul writes the following verses, a poetic expression or hymn of worship. Others believe that Paul is quoting a more ancient source, an early hymn from before the date of Philippians, in the early 60s AD.

The language and structure are different than the rest of Paul’s letters, indicating that he may not have been the original author. However, the point of this passage is what matters, especially in light of Paul’s thoughts in chapter two.

In this first verse of the Christological hymn, there are two main sections.

As Paul moves into chapter two of his letter to the Philippians, he writes perhaps the most practical and much needed exhortation in the New Testament. His words here set up the comparison to Christ that will come in the following verses.

You can see this for yourself in Philippians 2:3-4:

Paul gives this practical instruction in the form of two negative terms followed by one positive term. This, in turn, is followed by a very practical example of how to do this, carrying on the thought of verse three.

All of this is in anticipation of the examination of Christ’s own humility, which is to come in the next few verses, quite possibly an old hymn that Paul uses to display this quality of Jesus.

But here, Paul specifies that we are to take emulate Jesus, by avoiding these negative qualities, and taking on the positive.

Negative Number 1 – Selfish Ambition

First, Paul states to do nothing out of selfish ambition. This is the spiritual sickness that rests in the heart of the church, potentially bringing its downfall. Paul uses this same word in Philippians 1:17, describing the divisiveness of his enemies. Here, it means more in line with petty squabbles and arguments. It is self-seeking, arrogant, and focused on nothing outside of one’s own self.

As Paul wrapped up the first chapter to his letter to the believers in Philippi, he encouraged them to stay positive and have a good attitude in the midst of struggles. As he begins the second chapter, he describes just what that kind of attitude looks like.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 2:1-2:

Paul’s focus as he begins this section of his letter is both encouragement and unity. If the Philippians have the same priorities as Paul does, then they should be striving towards the same goals. Since the Philippian church was facing opposition from external sources, which Paul mentioned in the previous chapter, in verse 27, these believers needed to draw themselves together for the sake of the gospel.

Since his focus is unity, he gives in this passage four motivations that the Philippians need to share. The old NIV doesn’t translate the word “therefore,” although it is there in the Greek. The newer NIV gets this right. That word links this text back to the struggles the Philippians were facing from without, and the connection is that they needed to focus on unity from within.

The four motives in verse 1 are followed by four results in verse 2. Let’s look at each in turn:

Back in verse 27, Paul encouraged the Philippians to conduct themselves in a worthy manner. In these final two verses of chapter one, the reason for that becomes very clear.

You can see it for yourself in Philippians 1:29-30:

The Philippian believers needed to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But why? Paul explains why here. It is because they will experience the same struggles that Paul is facing.

Let’s look at these verses phrase by phrase.

For it has been granted to you – It is no accident that the Philippian believers will experience persecution and suffering. God has ordained it. The word “granted” is rooted in the same word as grace. Paul is making a bold statement here: the Philippian believers have been graced with the opportunity to believe, and to suffer because of it. That indicates that suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs. As uncomfortable as it may be, it serves a very important purpose in the life of the believer, both in Philippi and today.

On behalf of Christ – This identifies the Philippian believers with Jesus, as it does for us. We are not only called to suffer with him, but for him.

Paul may be facing the end of his days on earth. But he knows that God may choose to leave him here for a while more. Whichever may be the case, he encourages the Philippian believers to stay strong.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 1:27-28:

With these verses, Paul shifts from talking about his own circumstances and begins to exhort the Philippian believers to stand strong in unity and one spirit. The only way the gospel message could be presented effectively was through a unified stance together. The same is true today.

Paul begins this exhortation with the statement, “whatever happens.” This phrase is a very emphatic marker, bringing the reader’s attention to the next words. What does Paul state next? That the Philippians should conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Remember, this letter is addressed to the community of believers at Philippi, so Paul is not speaking of personal holiness here, although that application can certainly hover as a secondary idea from this and other Pauline passages.

Paul’s primary concern here is for the conduct of the believers as a group, as a community. Philippi was known for their pride in their Roman citizenship. And yet, as Christians, their citizenship is in heaven. Their lives should display this, especially as a community of believers, together.

Though Paul is torn in Philippians 1 about whether he should desire to stay on earth or depart to be with Christ, his way is clear, and this week’s passage explains why.

You can see Paul’s decision in Philippians 1:25-26:

In the previous passages, Paul seems to understand that his death is near, and that he may soon be a martyr for Christ. In fact, the previous verses seem to suggest strongly that Paul was not long for this world.

But in these verses, he seems to possess a new confidence, knowing that his life would continue,at least for a while longer, in order to serve more.

It is unclear where this newfound confidence comes from. Did God reveal something to Paul? Perhaps a legal decision was made in his favor for his impending trial in Rome? We simply do not know. And from Paul’s suggestion in 2:17, his expectation of continued life may not be certain.

What we do know is that Paul will continue to serve the gospel and Christ for as long as he is able. He may long for a reunion with the people of Philippi. But if that should not happen, he is standing with them “in the faith.” In the meantime, he will “continue” with them, probably a referral to his continued prayers and love for the Philippians as they serve Christ together.

Paul’s desire is that he rejoin the Philippians soon. His presence with them once again will increase their joy. The word for “joy” here can also be translated as “boasting,” or even as “glory.” Paul’s life, especially if released to return to Philippi, would bring something of all of these definitions to the Philippian believers. Their joy would increase. They would have more reason for boasting about what God has done. And they would bring glory to Christ as a result.

The previous two verses are some of the most often quoted in this letter to the Philippians. But this week’s passage shows Paul’s heart perhaps even more clearly.

Take a look for yourself in Philippians 1:23-24:

Paul is very agitated. He knows that his time on earth may be short, and he fully expects that his imprisonment may not end well. But he also realizes that to live means that he will continue to preach the Gospel, and to die is to stand in the presence of Christ himself!

He is torn, and doesn’t know which to long for more.

In fact, in this passage, he makes the statement, “I am torn between the two.” This is a word that conveys the idea of being pulled strongly in two different directions, with pressure from two equally strong desires, causing Paul great agitation and anxiety.

It is clear, that if he is forced to chose between the two, his greater desire is to depart and stand before Jesus. The word “depart” is a military term, meaning to strike camp, or a nautical term, meaning to release the moorings and set the vessel free. Paul is ready to die. In fact, this is the more preferable outcome because of the end result. He would be ushered into the presence of God finally and eternally.

While Paul’s theology on what happens at death is sketchy, whether there is a period of waiting until Christ’s triumphant return or he is in the presence of God immediately, his point here is clear. It is better to be ready for death than to be able to understand the process fully.