"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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)
Historical-Cultural Context
Author & Audience:
Paul wrote Philippians from prison in Rome (A.D. 60–62) to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia.
Cultural Background:
Roman society valued power, dominance, and social status.
The Philippians lived under Roman rule, where wealth and honor were crucial for influence.
Paul challenges this mindset by pointing to Christ’s humility as the ultimate model.
Literary Context
Larger Context (Philippians 2:1-18):
Philippians 2:1-4 – Paul calls believers to unity and humility.
Philippians 2:5-11 – Christ’s humility and exaltation.
Philippians 2:12-18 – The call to live in obedience and selflessness.
Theme: True greatness comes through humility and servanthood.
Lexical and Grammatical Analysis
"Selfish ambition" (ἐριθεία, eritheia) – Refers to self-promotion and rivalry, a sharp contrast to Christ’s humility.
"Vain conceit" (κενοδοξία, kenodoxia) – Literally means “empty glory”, showing how worldly status is hollow compared to true humility.
"Made himself nothing" (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν, kenōsis) – The Greek word kenōsis means self-emptying, referring to Jesus giving up His divine privileges.
"Taking the very nature of a servant" (μορφὴν δούλου λαβών) – Jesus chose to live as a slave, the lowest status in society.
Theological Context
The Kenosis of Christ:
Jesus did not give up His deity, but He set aside His divine rights to serve humanity.
Humility and Obedience:
Christ’s humility led to His exaltation—true honor comes through serving others.
Wealth and Status in God’s Kingdom:
Earthly status is meaningless compared to eternal reward.
God exalts the humble and resists the proud (James 4:6).
Genre Analysis
Epistle (Letter):
A letter of encouragement and instruction to the church.
Hymnic Structure (Philippians 2:6-11):
This passage is an early Christian hymn, emphasizing Christ’s humility and exaltation.
Synthesis
Main Idea: Jesus humbled Himself, setting aside divine privileges to serve and die for others.
Contrast Between Roman & Kingdom Values:
Rome valued status and wealth.
Jesus embraced humility and obedience.
Progression of Thought:
Believers must be unified in humility →
Christ is the perfect example →
His humility led to ultimate exaltation.
Application – How Jesus’ Humility Shapes My Perspective on Wealth and Status
For First-Century Readers:
Roman culture glorified wealth and power. Paul challenges them to adopt Christ’s humility.
For Today:
Wealth & Power Are Temporary:
In a self-promoting world, Jesus teaches true greatness through humility.
True Leadership Is Service:
Jesus redefines success—it’s not about accumulation but self-giving (Mark 10:45).
Earthly Wealth vs. Eternal Treasure:
Jesus didn’t seek riches but sought God’s will.
Luke 12:15 – "Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Exaltation Comes from God, Not Man:
James 4:10 – "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."
Philippians 2:1-11 and the Last Days
Was This Relevant Only to Paul’s Time or to Ours as Well?
Immediate Context: Paul encouraged Philippians to reject worldly ambition and pursue Christlike humility.
Broader Biblical Perspective:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – In the last days, people will be lovers of self and money rather than humble.
Revelation 3:17 – The Laodicean church thought wealth made them successful, but Jesus called them wretched, poor, and blind.
Eschatological Connection:
Revelation 5:6 – Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, is the exalted King, proving that humility leads to eternal glory.
Philippians 2:10-11 – One day, all will bow to Christ, recognizing that true greatness is found in humility.
Summary – Jesus’ Humility and My Perspective on Wealth & Status
Success is not measured by material wealth but by faithfulness to God.
True leadership is about serving others, not self-promotion.
Earthly riches are temporary, but humility has eternal rewards.
Like Christ, I should use what I have for God’s glory rather than personal gain.
As we approach the last days, Jesus’ example is a call to reject materialism and embrace selfless obedience to God. His humility and exaltation remind me that true wealth is not in possessions but in a life fully surrendered to God.
Comments