Phil 2:1-8 Unifying with a Submissive Mind

Scripture

Philippians 2:1-8

Understanding the Context:

Who:

Paul is the Author used of God, The saints, deacons , and pastors at Philippi are the recipients. Jesus Christ is the shining example.

What:

Paul is in prison writing unto the church at Philippi which were recipients of the Gospel. This church began because Paul, Silas, and Titus were led by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel in Philippi ten years previously. This was part of his 2nd missionary journey and the events of this visit are recorded in Acts 16.

Where:

Philippi; Rome

When:

Towards the end of Paul’s ministry

Why:

Paul is imprisoned for spreading the gospel; He is writing a letter of thanks as he remembers the churches care for him.

Understanding of the Text:

1. Look back at the previous chapter

A. Paul is communicating his Joy

B. He focuses on their fellowship, furtherance, and faith in the gospel

2. What are the repeated themes?

3. How is it organized?

Hint: Paul like’s to “Build a Case” Can you find his first point, second point, third, etc.

Experience

Exhortation

Example

Practice: Extra Credit Bible Study

What do we need to do to receive the Lesson being presented?

S ins to confess

P romises to claim

A ctions to avoid

C ommands to follow

E xamples to follow or not follow

Applying the Scripture

A Submissive Mind: Jesus Christ is our perfect example

Philippians 2:5-8

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

1. Make yourself of no reputation

Selflessness or Selfishness is a choice -

Philippians 2:7 “7 But made himself of no reputation...”

Jesus had a choice. The Bible said Jesus made himself of no reputation.

Selfishness is giving up what you have the right to have, so that someone else may have it.

Satan epitomizes selfishness in contrast to Jesus, he had not position to uphold and was willing to sacrifice everything he had to obtain more

Isaiah 14:12-14 “12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

Ill. Matthew Teal

2. Be a Servant

Philippians 2:7 “7 “...and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

Acts 20:35 “35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Galatians 5:13-14 “13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Mark 10:44-45 “44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

John 13: 12-14 “12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

3. Humble yourself

Phil. 2:8 “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself…”

James 4:6 “6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

James 4:10 “10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Phil. 2:3 “3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Exodus 10:3 “3 And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.”

Proverbs 22:4 “4 By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, and honour, and life.”

Romans 12:3 “3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Colossians 3:12 “12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”

Romans 11:18 “18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.”

4. Become Obedient

Phil. 2:8 “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death…”

Galatians 4:4 “4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

Romans 6:16 “16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

Ephesians 6:5-9 “5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”

5.Even Unto Death

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.”

What is your limit? What would keep you from having this Submissive mind?

Ill. The game “mercy!”

The Consequence of a Submissive Mind