After having such a great introduction to Philippians, taught by the one and only Mark Dickson, it’s time to jump into our text within Philippians 2. Throughout this section of our study on Humility in Ministry, we will be looking at Christ as our model, as He is the epitome of our overarching theme. Throughout this specific portion of the study in Philippians, we will discuss the concepts of Unity, Humility, and Selflessness all seen through the grid of our example in Christ.
Within this study (verses 1-8), Paul will present a few key concepts that must be noted; all of these describe the mind and attitude of Christ. As believers, especially those that are ministry, we should be striving to exemplify this attitude on a consistent basis. This attitude is made up of unity, humility, and selflessness. When dealing with the concept of Humility in Ministry, which is our theme, these ingredients are essential. We should be willing to observe the attitude of Christ and apply what is learned.
However, before actually seeing this mindset presented, Paul begins Philippians 2 with a few statements regarding the necessitation of this attitude that is to be observed and personally implemented. He begins this chapter with a “therefore.” This word, as seen on other texts, always refers back to something that has been stated previously. In this case specifically, Paul is referring back to a statement that was presented in verses 27-30 of the previous chapter. In this passage, Paul was stressing the importance of living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ through the means of unity and striving together for the Gospel. He wraps this section of the passage up by briefly discussing the Philippians’ suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
This flows right into the next chapter. Paul picks up the paragraph with the “therefore”, and then goes on to discuss, because of this suffering mentioned, the inevitable comfort and encouragement that can be found within Christ. He lists four clauses that all seem to be inevitable statements. All of these statements have a common denominator; they all begin with the word “if.” It has been thought that this word could even be read as “since,” considering that these statements could be seen as presuppositions.
The first statement that he mentions is “if [since] there is any encouragement in Christ” (2:1). This phrase can be directly related to what Paul has mentioned within the previous passage, specifically in dealing with the suffering that the Philippians encounter. His main point with this statement is that though there may be suffering on their part, there is encouragement (comfort) found in Christ in the midst of the suffering. His focus is on Christ and what He alone can do. This word “encouragement” also stems the idea of someone “coming alongside.” It brings the idea of companionship; one that can be counted and relied upon in the middle of experiencing suffering and pain.
Paul states secondly “if [since] there is any consolation of love” (2:1). What Paul is implying through this phrase is, again, related back the suffering that is discussed at the end of the first chapter. Though it is not entirely clear, it seems as if Paul is referring to the “love” of Christ that has been displayed to the Philippian Church. This love of Christ shed onto the Philippian church has the ability to console and provide solace, even in the midst of suffering. The word “consolation” has the idea of someone coming close and whispering tender words in your ear. This is the comfort that Christ can provide through the love which He has already displayed.
The third phrase that Paul uses is “if [since] there is any fellowship of the spirit” (2:1). This phrase, again, refers back to what is mentioned previously in verse 27 of chapter 1 where Paul discusses the importance of “standing firm on one spirit.” It has been thought that this naturally follows the first two clauses, as it is only by the Spirit that the believers were able to experience the comfort and consolation of Christ. What Paul is essentially saying is that he and the Philippians were able to share and have fellowship in the Sprit because of the common ground of having the same indwelling Spirit of Christ. They were co-laboring together for the advancement of the Gospel.
The final phrase that Paul uses is slightly different in format than the others mentioned; he states “if [since] any affection and compassion” (2:1); this phrase can also be translated “if any compassion and mercies.” As mentioned, this statement is slightly different than the others, while also being a little vaguer as to the direct meaning. It’s thought that what Paul is referring to in this section is the affection and compassion that he and the Philippians were to have toward one another. This same concept can be seen Colossians 3:12 where Paul promotes the idea of being tenderhearted towards one another, as with intense emotion.
Following these several unconditional statements that are inevitably true, Paul presents an appeal to the Philippians. Because of the nature and truth of these statements listed, they were to oblige by the challenge to follow…that the church should illustrate unity, humility, and selflessness.
In ministry, it is easy to reach a stage of burnout where it is hard to even function with the right intention. As we think this week on the first verse of the passage, I challenge you to be reminded of what you truly have in Christ: encouragement, consolation of his love, and fellowship and compassion with other believers through the Spirit. This should provide enough encouragement to strive, with God’s wonderful mercy and grace, towards unity as a body as we work together for the advancement of the Gospel and His Kingdom.
Happy Reading,
CBMaxwell
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