Philippians Chapter 2

Christ’s Extreme Example of Humility

¹ So, if there’s any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any fellowship with the Spirit, any affection and compassion, ² fill me with happiness. That way you’ll have the same attitude, love, purpose, and unity of spirit. ³ Don’t do anything selfish out of empty conceit, but in humility consider each other more important than yourself. ⁴ Don’t just look at your own interests, but at the interests of other people too. ⁵ Take the attitude Christ Jesus took.

                  ⁶Although he was in the form of deity,

                  he didn’t consider being equal to God

                  something to hang onto.

                  ⁷He emptied himself,

                  and took the place of a servant.

            In the form of a man,

                  ⁸ he humbled himself to the point of dying,

                  even dying on a cross.

                  ⁹So God lifted him up above all others

                  ¹⁰ so every knee in heaven, on earth, and under the earth

                  would kneel to him;

                  ¹¹and every tongue would acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord—

                  to the glory of God the Father.                                                             

Phil 2:1-11

Being Lights in the World

¹² So, as you’ve always followed my instructions—whether I’m around or not, work out the implications of your salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ God is at work in you to will and do what he delights in. ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing ¹⁵ so you’ll be God’s blameless, innocent, well-behaved children. You’re living in a crooked, perverse time, where you shine like lights in the world.                                                

            ¹⁶ Hold onto the life-giving message so when Christ comes, I can take satisfaction in you because I didn’t labor for nothing. ¹⁷ Even if I get poured out like a drink offering on the altar in service to your faith, I’ll rejoice and rejoice with you. ¹⁸ You’ll^p rejoice too along with me.

Phil 2:12-18

Timothy’s Coming

¹⁹ I hope to send Timothy to lift my spirits by finding out how you’re doing. ²⁰ I don’t have anybody like-minded who will sincerely concern himself with your welfare. ²¹ Other people tend to look after their own concerns more than Christ’s. ²² But you know how valuable he has proved to be, how he has served with me in the good news like a child with his father. ²³ So I hope to send him as soon as I see how my situation here turns out. ²⁴ I’m confident in the Lord that I can come soon as well.                                         

Phil 2:19-24

News About Epaproditus

²⁵ I’ve also needed to send Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your messenger to my need. ²⁶ He’s been longing to see you; he’s been anxious because you heard he was sick. ²⁷ He was sick—to the point of death, but God had mercy on him—and on me so I wouldn’t have grief on top of grief. ²⁸ More earnestly, then, I’ve sent him so when you see him, you can be happy, and I won’t feel so sad. ²⁹ Welcome him in the Lord with joy; hold men like him in high regard. ³⁰ He nearly died because of his work for Christ, risking his life to finish your service to me.                                                                                                                                     

Phil 2:25-30