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Paul's letter to the Philippians

The same mind

Chapter 2

 

Introduction.

This chapter continues the theme of the union of the believers with Christ in the struggle and suffering for love of the Gospel, and in the development of the Christian character

The Christian mind – verses 1 to 11

The same mind which was in Christ Jesus should be found also in believers (verse 5), because of the comfort, the consolation, the spiritual communion and the tender compassion which is in Him (verse 1).

A) That mind will show itself in christians in the same way it was shown in Christ:

1. By Union (verse 2);

2. By humility (verse 3);

3. By selfless service (verse 4).

They practiced these virtues one toward another.

B) Christ practiced them towards God and men:

1. By union with God – He being equal to God (verse 6);

2. By humiliating Himself, in becoming a man, servant of men, obedient until suffering the death of crucifixion (verses 7-8);

3. By doing all of this for the salvation of man - for “by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).

C) Therefore God exalted Christ:

1. By the resurrection and ascension to His throne (Acts 7:56; Ephesians 4:10; Hebrews 8: 1);
2. By the exalted name (LORD JESUS) which will require submission and universal worship (Revelation 5:13).

The same mind in His people – verses 12 to 18

 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (verse 5). In this text, this "mind" (showing itself in unity, humility and service) is applied to the new life of the believer, who must "develop" his salvation with all seriousness (verse 12). To this end, the presence of the Apostle is not required, because we have his writings, which are the Word de God. Beware of some people who today want to be called "apostles".

A) Believers have already received salvation, which should make them similar to Christ.

B) God works in the believer, to achieve this end (verse 13).

C) the believers must show contentment and peace in all circumstances (verse 14).

D) Thereby they will show their sincerity and will be without fault - really "lights" shining in the darkness of this world so far from God (see Matthew 24:24,34).

E) Believers will obey the Holy Scripture (the Word of life) and so will give satisfaction to the apostle on the “Day of Christ", to recognise that his work and selflessness for love of them had not been useless (verse 16).

However, the apostle had great joy together with the Christians in Philippi and they should rejoice with him - even if the "sacrifice” required by the service of the Gospel (persecution, prison, etc.) had to be accompanied by "libation" (his death) required by the Mosaic law (Numbers 15: 5-10).

Two faithful servants – verses 19 to 30

Paul hoped to send Timothy to Philippi, together with Epaphroditus, who had brought a gift to the apostle from the Philippians (see 4:18).

A) Timothy (verses 19-24). At that time he was a faithful and beloved servant of the Apostle; he was also ready to help the believers in Philippi and Paul expected to visit them soon.

B) Epaphroditus (verses 25-30). A faithful brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier of Paul. He was gravely ill after he arrived in Rome, but God restored him in His mercy to Paul and the Philippians.

Maybe his illness was caused by his journey to Rome; in any case, they should receive him again with joy and honour for having served so them as faithfully as he served Paul (verse 30).

NOTE: Contrasted with these two faithful servants, the apostle mentions the existence of some who "seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus" (verse 21). These were not interested in the spiritual progress of believers; they sought dominion and financial gain as leaders in the churches; but, on the first sign de persecution, they would slavishly give in to the pursuers. Paul and the other apostles, as well as Timothy and Epaphroditus, were not like that!

 

Richard Dawson Jones (1895-1987)

 

 

1  Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2   fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4   Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
5   Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
6   who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7   but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8   And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
9   Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
10  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
11  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14  Do all things without complaining and disputing,
15  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
16  holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain.
17  Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
18  For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
19  But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20  For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
21  For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
22  But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
23  Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24  But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
25  Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;
26  since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27  For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28  Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
29  Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
30  because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

 

Philippians chapter 2