The Concept of Humility

Humility in Ministry: The Concept of Humility

Philippians 2:3

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (NASB)

Throughout this entire study, our primary focus has been on the topic of humility in ministry; this was seen in our study of Colossians and will be seen in our continuing study of Philippians.  Though this is our overarching theme, there were other topics that dovetailed in with this, providing supplemental material for our theme; an example of this is what was discussed last week—the concept of unity within ministry.  This week is a little different; this topic is specifically discussing the topic of humility, as prescribed by the apostle to the Philippians.

As mentioned, last week we discussed the concept of unity within the ministry; it is interesting to note the arrangement within this passage, as unity is prescribed in verse two followed by humility in verse three.  I think that the arrangement speaks for itself; in order for unity to be present in ministry, we must also be willing to do all things apart from a selfish or empty-conceited mindset, completely abandoning the desire to please only ourselves. 

When looking at verse three of this passage, Paul presents a few different descriptors of the concept of humility in ministry; some of these will be negative and some will be positive, but all will be actions that must be implemented.

To begin, Paul uses the phrase “Do nothing from selfishness…” (Philippians 2:3).  This can actually be rendered as “do nothing from selfish ambition” or even through “strife.” When Paul was making this statement, he was supposedly addressing those who were preaching to the Roman community that had a mindset grounded in envy.  This type of attitude, one of selfish ambition, is that which provokes most of the actions that we commit; we are entirely fallen, and our selfishness is at its core.

The second phrase that Paul uses here is one that was fairly common in the Roman world, but only found here in the New Testament.  In addition to doing nothing from selfish ambition, Paul also encourages the Philippians to do nothing from “empty conceit” (Philippians 2:3).  This phrase can actually be translated to mean “empty glory” and is a direct reference to one pursuing personal glory. As mentioned, this was a fairly common word and it was used to describe those that might have viewed themselves too highly.  This referred not to those that might have had reason to think that they were better than what they were, but to those who had no reason at all to boast within themselves.

In direct opposition to these negative descriptions, Paul encourages the Philippians—“with humility of mind, regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).  The first part of this instruction, the concept of “humility,” is unique to the Christian faith.  It brings about the idea of being low and shabby and stands in direct opposition to any sort of action that would be committed for the purpose of self-gain or empty glory.  This type of attitude is also seen in those that hold a proper view of themselves in relation to Christ.  Those believers that are able to see the worth of Christ and the worthlessness of man truly understand that they are nothing in comparison to the Almighty Creator.

The second part of this instruction encourages the Philippians to “regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).  This type of mindset is absolutely impossible apart from humility, as discussed previously.  Essentially, it is the outflow of those that are humble in mind.  Because the humble understand their true unworthiness, they are willing to submit to Christ by serving and loving those that are around them. They are willing to place others’ needs above their own; they are willing to follow the example that is set forth by Christ, as will be discussed later within this study.

If we have to be honest, I know that we can all say that there are times in which we illustrate attitudes set on nothing but self-gain…on a daily basis.  For instance, some of the clothes that we wear, some of the conversations that we have, and even some of the acts of “ministry” that we perform are based solely on the purpose of promoting ourselves.  When we are illustrating this attitude, we are committing those exact acts that Paul was instructing the Philippian church to avoid.

I challenge you consider yourself; consider your words, thoughts, and deeds.  Are you exemplifying that which was spoken against by Paul or are you exhibiting humility, being willing to place others above yourself?

Happy Reading,

CBMaxwell

The Concept of Unity

Humility in Ministry: The Concept of Unity

Philippians 2:2

 “…make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

Last week, we were able to discuss the privilege that it is to find encouragement in Christ.  We saw this by observing Philippians 2:1 as Paul presented a charge to the church using four different clauses as a basis for the charge and challenge.  The appeal that Paul placed before the Philippians was for their unity as a body; this week, we will look at this a little bit more in depth.

Before actually jumping into this, however, Paul uses an interesting phrase at the start of verse 2 where he genuinely shows his concern.  He states “make my joy complete…” By making this statement, whatever was to follow this phrase would be what the apostle truly desired to see.  In this case, Paul makes a plea for something that relates to the Philippian church.  This, in itself, is challenging.  Just a tad-bit of application…how selfless are we that we legitimately find joy in something that does not specifically pertain to ourselves.  I have to say, this is something that I find myself struggling with quite a bit; Paul was intentionally selfless and had a deep concern for the Philippian church.

After making this statement, Paul states “by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose “ (Philippians 2:2).  What Paul was presenting to the church was the necessity for unity within the body.  These few phrases, though they may seem redundant, are packed full of practical application. Let’s take a look at each one.

This concept of unity was to be displayed by the Philippians by “being of the same mind…” (Philippians 2:2). Paul uses this statement as the overarching theme that will be described in depth by the phrases that will follow.  This phrase “being of the same mind” is one that can actually be translated to mean “thinking the same way.” Despite the translation, the idea behind the phrase is far more than just “thinking;” this “thinking” is to actually overflow into the physical realm, as the “thinking” prompts movement. Paul was encouraging the Philippians to think the same way by being uniform in thought, mind, and will.

Paul then states to the Philippians “maintaining the same love” (Philippians 2:2). Paul is referencing the love that the believers were to have towards one another within the church.  I believe that Paul recognized that it is sometimes difficult to love others, simply because of personality conflict or a differing opinion, but these were not to serve as the foundation or basis for their love for one another. The foundation for the love that they were to display toward one another was the love that Christ had shown them; everything else was to be shown as nothing in comparison to this.

From here, Paul encourages the believers to be “united in spirit” (Philippians 2:2). By this, the writer is encouraging the Philippians to be inwardly knit together to an extent that they were “one-souled” with each other.  The phrase that is used here is only used in this passage of scripture, and brings with it the idea of being unified with the same passions, desires, and ambitions.

Paul wraps up this challenge for unity with one statement: “intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2).  He is suggesting to the Philippian church that the believers exemplify unity by living lives directed at one single goal; Paul desired to see the Philippians live their lives in view of and worthy of the Gospel (1:27).

Paul was very aware of the necessity for living in harmony and in unity with one another; he also understood that there were certain things that created disunity between the believers, thus, his challenge was presented.  These hindrances and causes for disunity are prevalent today, as well. 

For instance, some of the hindrances to living in unity with other believers consist of stubbornness, self-promotion, unmet expectations, a lack of service-mindedness, and even unmet expectations.

The list could go on and on, but one thing is common in them all; they all contain a degree of pride.  Pride is the largest hindrance to living in unity with other believers and we all deal with it in our own individual ways.  We should all be knit together in our desire to destroy this daily, as we know its consequences.  I encourage you this week to live in unity with other believers around you, and by doing so, acknowledging and being fervently aware of your pride.

Happy Reading,

CBMaxwell