Philippians 2:1-11: The Example of Christ

• Circumstances and people can cause a loss of joy.
• The best remedy is a submissive, humble mind focused on honoring Christ.
• Pride causes unrest, while humility brings peace.
• Paul provides four examples to follow in order to achieve a submissive mind.

The Example of Christ (2:1-11)

• Paul appeals to the Philippians' Christian experience to encourage unity of mind and heart.
• Put others ahead of themselves.
• Motivations for unity include Christ, love, fellowship of the Spirit, desires in Christ, and the joy brought to others.
• Strife and selfish ambition should not be present.
• "Lowliness of mind" is the submissive mind that thinks of Christ and others.
• Humility focuses on others rather than oneself.
• Christ willingly laid aside his glory and became a servant.
• He remained God but subjected Himself to the Father, always doing what pleased Him.
• Jesus humbled Himself to become flesh and then sin on the cross.
• Exaltation follows humiliation.
• The person who exalts himself will be humbled.
• Christ's life, death, and resurrection demonstrate that humility before God leads to exaltation.
• There is no joy or peace in pride and self-seeking.
• The submissive mind of Christ brings joy and peace.

The Example of Paul (2:12-18)

• Sacrifice and service accompany the submissive mind.
• This was demonstrated by Christ, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.
• Seeking to live for Christ leads to living for others.
• Christians allow God to work in them.
• Humility and dedication come from within by the power of the Spirit.
• God works in us using the Word, the Spirit, and prayer.
• Christians with a submissive mind are obedient children of God, stars in a dark world, and athletes passing the baton.
• Paul describes himself as a drink-offering, highlighting the sacrifice and service of a humble mind.

The Example of Timothy (2:19-24)

• Timothy was Paul's "son in the faith" because Paul led him to Christ.
• Timothy lived for others, not himself.
• Many Christians are living for themselves instead of for Christ
• Timothy was faithful to the Lord and willing to sacrifice for Him.
• Timothy proved his faithfulness before joining Paul's missionary staff.
• It is safest to give Christians important tasks after they have grown for some time in their faith.

The Example of Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

• He was a balanced Christian:
  • He knew the fellowship of the Gospel
  • He advanced the Gospel
  • He knew how to battle for the faith of the Gospel.
• Balance is essential, avoiding extremes in fellowship, service, or fighting.
• He was a burdened Christian:
  • He was more concerned for others than for himself.
  • He burdened for Paul and the church.
• Burden for both foreign missions and local churches is vital.
• He was a blessed Christian:
  • He also blessed his church by enabling them to share in Paul's ministry.
  • His character continues to benefit others.
• Faithful servants of Christ should be honored.
• Paul told the church to show proper honor to their leader because he "gambled his life" for their service to Paul.
• The submissive mind of Christ brings victory over pride and people.
• This mind is received by allowing the Spirit and the Word to work in our lives.