“Serving With Humility”- Philippians 2:5-8

Philippians 2:5-8 is part of Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, written around 60-62 AD while he was imprisoned, likely in Rome. The Philippian church was a vibrant community, but it faced challenges, including internal divisions and external pressures. In this passage, Paul urges the believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, emphasizing unity, humility, and selflessness. The purpose of this passage is to present Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and sacrificial service, encouraging Christians to emulate His attitude in their relationships and community life.

Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking to understand and embody the humility of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to Your Word, and teach us to serve others with love and selflessness. May our lives reflect Your glory as we follow Christ’s example. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-8 (2 minutes)

Read aloud: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" (NIV)

Brief Context: The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the Philippian church, urging them to live in unity and humility by following the example of Jesus. This passage, often called the “kenosis hymn,” reveals the depth of Christ’s humility and challenges us to adopt His mindset.

What is Humility?

Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. In Philippians 2:5-8, we see the ultimate example of humility in Jesus Christ. As God, He had every right to demand worship and glory, yet He chose to set aside His divine privileges to become one of us—a human, a servant, and ultimately a sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus’ Divine Nature (v. 6): Jesus was fully God, possessing all divine power and glory. Yet, He didn’t cling to His status or use it for personal gain. Imagine a king stepping down from his throne to live as a commoner—not out of necessity, but out of love. That’s what Jesus did for us.

Jesus’ Servanthood (v. 7): The phrase “made himself nothing” means Jesus emptied Himself of divine privileges, taking the form of a servant. The Greek word for “servant” here is doulos, meaning a slave—someone with no rights or status. Jesus didn’t just serve; He became the lowest to lift us up.

Jesus’ Sacrifice (v. 8): His humility led to obedience, even to the point of death on a cross—a brutal, shameful execution. Jesus’ humility wasn’t passive; it was active, costly, and purposeful, driven by love for God and humanity.

Why Does This Matter Today?

In our world, humility is often seen as weakness. Social media, career ambitions, and cultural values push us to promote ourselves, seek recognition, and prioritize our own comfort. But Jesus shows us a different way. His humility challenges us to:

Put others first: In your family, workplace, or church, seek to serve rather than be served. Maybe it’s listening to a friend, helping a coworker, or volunteering without expecting praise.

Embrace sacrifice: Humility might mean forgiving someone who hurt you, giving up your time, or trusting God’s plan when it’s hard.

Live for God’s glory: Like Jesus, our ultimate goal is to obey God, trusting that His way leads to true fulfillment.

Modeling Humility

True humility is active, not passive. It’s choosing to serve when you could demand to be served. It’s forgiving when you’re justified in holding a grudge. It’s trusting God’s plan over your own. For example, consider a parent who quietly sacrifices their time to care for their family, or a coworker who helps a struggling teammate without seeking credit. These acts reflect Christ’s heart.

Application: Living with Humility (2 minutes)

Take a moment to reflect: Where is God calling you to serve with humility? Maybe it’s in a relationship, a ministry, or a daily task. This week, commit to one specific act of humble service—something that puts someone else’s needs above your own. It could be:

Volunteering for a task no one else wants.

Listening to someone who needs to be heard.

Forgiving someone without expecting an apology.

Write down your commitment and pray for strength to follow through.

Closing Prayer and Challenge (1 minute)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your incredible example of humility. Help us to have Your mindset, to serve others selflessly, and to obey Your will. Give us courage to live humbly in a world that values pride. May our lives point others to You. Amen.