Philippians Explained | I Can Do All Things Through ChristSample

Philippians 2 | Others

Host: Welcome to Through the Word, leading you on a journey through the entire Bible, one chapter at a time. Today Kris Langham guides us through the New Testament book of Philippians. Now to Pastor Kris.

Philippians chapter 2. I have an odd question for you. What is a Christian all about? Not what is Christianity all about – what is a Christian about?

Well, Chapter 2 is about unity, about putting others first, and about serving like Jesus served. I guess the best way to say it – it’s not about you. It’s about others. Jesus said the mark of true Christians is love for one another. When to live is Christ, that life is lived for others. So Philippians 2 opens up with a call to unity. Verse 1:

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2)

Jesus loves us. That’s where it starts. The love Jesus shows you – share it. And notice that Paul’s call to unity is not a call to uniformity. He does not say dress the same, talk the same, or act the same. So lose the cookie cutter. Unity works from the inside out – “like minded” - “the same love” - “one in spirit” - and “of one mind” (2:2). Christianity works like a seed that you plant, not a mold that you fit. In many ways, it’s about how you think: mindset. What’s the mindset? Verse 3:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (2:3).

That little verse is a revolution. Man, if we could just live that out. Seriously. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition...” - that means don’t strive to get yourself ahead. Don’t live for self. “…or vain conceit.” – that means don’t be conceited. Don’t think you are better than others. It’s vain, empty, worthless.

Now most people know that conceit is wrong. But Paul takes it a step further.

“Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (2:3).

There – that’s the revolution. Genuine humility. And it’s about others. Value others. Think about other people as more important than yourself. Man, when I heard this the first time, I thought it was about the best idea I’d ever heard. Because I was way too familiar with the alternative. The whole world runs on envy – on selfish ambition - me against them and me better than them. And it’s pointless. Run the rat race as fast as you can, you’re still a rat.

Now remember, this is about unity. And the key to unity is humility. And as CS Lewis said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” Listen, work is hard, but hard work just to make yourself happy – is miserable. Jesus rescued us from the emptiness of the self-centered life, and he gave us others. Not to make you happy – so you can make someone else happy.

So what does humility look like in the flesh? We have one amazing example. Verse 5:

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (2:5-7).

The same mindset as Christ, the Jesus attitude. And Jesus came to serve. I should point out that verse 6 is a clear proclamation that Jesus is God – his very nature – who He is – God. But that’s exactly what makes the whole thing so amazing. Jesus didn’t come to show off his deity. The One who made everything – made himself nothing. He is by his very nature God, and he took the very nature of a servant.

Jesus poured out his life for others. So Paul says, this is how to live. Watch and you’ll see. The most miserable people you encounter talk about themselves, think about themselves, and grumble and argue constantly about others. The most joyful people you’ll find forget themselves and serve.

So I guess the answer to the question, what is a Christian all about? Well, same thing Christ is about. Others.

Host: Thanks for joining us for today’s quick audio guide. You can find the full audio guide for this chapter and hundreds more on the Through the Word app and website. Our apps are free and free to share, so tell your friends and take the journey together. And remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing Through the Word (Romans 10:17).

Bible quotes in NIV unless otherwise stated