Likeminded
Phil 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
All these things are in Christ Jesus, comfort and encouragement, his abiding love, unity and fellowship in His Spirit, tender mercies. These are the nature of our loving saviour. So, we are to be like our Lord, these character traits are to come forth in our lives.
Phil 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
This will bring Paul such joy to know that those in Christ are behaving in a like mind as our saviour. The love of Christ is shown in our lives, being of one accord, united in the mind of Christ. What other choice have we?
Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Strife, clamour, the works of the old man of flesh, driven by the voice of darkness. This is unacceptible behaviour as a child of god. But what about grace? What about it? As Paul wrote:
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Selfishness is the way of the old nature, self centered, upset, depressed, angry, striving for prominence. These are behaviors of the world and the world belongs to satan. The best way to get rid of "self" problems is to help another. We are called as servants, but this doesn't mean we are to be another self centered persons escape. Jesus is our new life source, his power is endless. He is who we trust. It is time to use his power instead of the old warn out positive-negative battery of self. In unity we serve our Lord through others. Many need what we have to give. All need Jesus.
Mind of Christ
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Yes, we want the mind of Christ, but what aspect is Paul asking us to be like?
Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Being God in Spirit form, he thought it not something stolen to be equal with God.
Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Who made Christ Jesus to put on the form of a man? He did, willingly, he put aside his glory and made himself a servant. Likewise it is our free will to follow him as servants.
Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
As a man he humbled himself, was not disobedient, but submitted to the Father who was unchanged in authority and purpose. As a man he was our example of humble respect and obedience to the father. Even though as a man he trembled at the thought of dying on the cross, as an obedient son he obeyed his father. If it was necessary that Jesus suffer, why do we think we should be without suffering? Are we loved more, or better than Jesus?
Phil 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Perhaps God has a new name waiting for us, but only one name is above all names; the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
He is exalted. Our purpose is to exalt Jesus and to lift him up. Better to love him and serve him now, then to be forced to your knees at the judgment. Receive God's love in Jesus now, there is no second chance after death.
Be as Jesus, humble yourself and become a servant, for the proud and rebellious shall be judged. We must not demand our own way.
Luke 20:18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Are my words too hard? It is the truth. It is our choice and we make it now.
Holding forth the word of life
Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
We have our own calling to fulfill God's work that he has given for us to do. We do this as willing servants without complaining. Whether or not we are seen of others, God sees our hearts, and we as Christ gave us an example, willingly serve and obey him.
Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
All things of worth that we do come from God working in and through us for his good pleasure. All self glory and effort are as the chaff of the wheat, blowing in the wind and burned away. Allow God to use you as you study his word and serve others. The way of the Lord requires discipline and dedication.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
I had the good fortune to be brought up in a home where there was no fighting. When I began to work I noticed people arguing and fighting and murmuring and complaining, at first it made me sad. I think all complain at some time, but God is not pleased with this behavior. Recently I met a remarkable lady living on the streets, but content with God's provision for her. I offered a source of financial aid and it was refused. "I am doing ok, I have learned that there is a price to be paid for free gifts." She had received the Lord and had no complaints. God will honor such an one.
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Our Christlike behavior is a light to another in darkness.
Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
The greatest gift we can give is the living word, by it a new life is received. Oh the joy in knowing that God loves us, and has sent his son to redeem us, purchasing us from satan with his shed blood. Oh the joy in knowing that he lives and keeps us in his hand. To know that he has gone to prepare a place for us, that where Jesus is, we will always be with him. We are never alone again upon receiving our Lord Jesus. Yes, Paul do not be concerned, we will give out the gospel message of hope.
Phil 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Phil 2:18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Paul gave his all for others, to receive the abundant life in Jesus. He was willing to die for this cause, and by others holding forth the word of life, he knew he had lived to fulfill his purpose. I am in agreement, if others continue holding forth the word then the torch of truth goes on and on until we gather around Jesus at his time of coming for us. What a day that will be! Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Faithful Timothy
Phil 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
Phil 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
What an honor for Timothy, to be considered an equal to Paul in ministry, likeminded, having the mind of Christ. I share with younger disciples that are likeminded, don't be ashamed of being younger, you have the same mind of Christ.
1 Tim 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
1 Tim 4:11 These things command and teach.
1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Tim 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee,...
Phil 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Paul is talking about others who have received Christ, but are not following him closely.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Phil 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Phil 2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
Phil 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
Paul as a father to Timothy in the faith. Not a father to Lord it over him as in a church hierarchy, keeping it's members in bondage. Jesus warns against this kind of authority;
Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Jesus is showing that men are not to Lord it over the fellow believers, all are family in Christ. As such Jesus refers to this close family relationship of believers;
Mat 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
Mat 12:49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
In this sense, Paul was as a close family father to Timothy. A father imparting his wisdom and love, sharing all things in common. This was a relationship of love and mutual likeminded service to the Lord. I have daughters and sons, sisters and brothers in Christ, depending on the family need. We are one in Christ, serving the Lord and one another in love.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Epaphroditus
Phil 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Epaphroditus, a Greek name of a man sent from the Philippian church who was a blessing to Paul. A brother to Paul, a companion in labor, a fellow soldier in Christ's army fighting the principalities and powers of the devil. He brought gifts;
Phil 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Our prayers are a sweet smell to the Lord.
Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Phil 2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Being sick nearly unto death, his concern was that the home church would be concerned. Are we not to be concerned for our beloved brethren?
Phil 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
God had mercy on him. We have a merciful God who heals our sickness. Paul had suffered many afflictions, even being a prisoner in his house. So if someone comes who is meant to be an encouragment, if they become sick or even die, this adds to the affliction. We gain strength from our companions in Christ. We want them well. Yet if Jesus calls them, we know they are in his perfect love.
Phil 2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Phil 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Phil 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Honor this beloved servant and friend who almost gave his life in my service. Jesus spoke of himself when he said;
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Still, let us not be so quick to give up our lives. This may be satan and his attacks, he must not have any power over a child of God. We have work to do as soldiers of Christ.
Gary
Philippians Chapters
Philippians 3
Philippians 4
Philippians 1 Index