Joy in Christ-Imitated Humility: Philippians 2:1-11

Philippians 2:1–11 NIV

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as 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 very nature 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! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We pick up our study of this letter Paul wrote to the Philippian believers. This letter, as we briefly discussed in our first sermon, comes as the result of the establishment of this church in Acts 16:11-15. Paul, several years later, pens this letter to encourage the believers there to continue their work for the Gospel. He provides, as we discussed in that sermon on 24 October 2020, instructions on a variety of issues, and one of those issues we see in our passage this morning is humility.

Now, when we speak of humility we must define our terms. Humility is a term that many of us have an idea of what it is, but sometimes our ideas vary considerably. We may view someone who is quiet and keeps to themselves as a humble person.

Or, after winning, we see an individual as humble when instead of showboating they jog to the bench. We also think someone is humble when they deflect praise.

All of these, no doubt, are part of what it means to be humble. But as with the difference between the world’s and the Christian’s understanding of love differ greatly, so too does the world’s and the Christian’s understanding of humility.

Christian humility is based in Jesus Himself. Humility is, according to the Lexham Theological Wordbook,

“In both the OT and NT, humility is important for establishing a proper relationship with God, with others, and with oneself (e.g., Prov. 22:4; Jas. 4:10).”— Lexham Theological Wordbook

That is the type of humility we are discussing this morning. One more thing before we dive into our passage, and that is that this humility, this Christ-Imitated humility, brings joy. It completes our joy, enhances it, and expands it. Paul was already receiving joy from the Philippian believers (1:4 and 4:1). But his joy would be completed, fulfilled, as a result of their humble unity.

This, by the way, attaches itself to the command Paul gave in 1:27, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Walking worthy includes a Christ-imitated humility which brings joy to ourselves and others around us. Now, let us look to the Word of God for Joy in Christ-Imitated Humility.

I. The Stated Goal is Humble Unity- Philippians 2:1-2

Philippians 2:1–2 NIV

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Paul begins this section (chapter two, though in his original letter there were no chapter-verse divisions) with a series of results/states resulting from union with Christ.

The stated Goal is unity, which we will get to soon. However, there is a foundation for this unity that we must discuss first.

A. The Foundation for Unity—Union with Christ

The very foundation for life itself stems from the person and work of Jesus. We cannot miss this point, and Paul frequently attaches this union to our present lives.

For example, Paul provides counsel to married folks in relation to our union with Jesus (see Eph. 5:22-33). He connects the relationship between masters and slaves (employers and employees) to our interactions with God (see Col. 3:22-4:1). These are just two examples, but our realities must be anchored in our union with Christ.

To put it another way, we must have the filter of Jesus on our lives. We view our experiences, both positive and negative, in light of Jesus. The same is seen in our unity. Paul lists several incredible results of our union with Christ, which provides what Paul calls “encouragement.” Some translations say comfort, but the concepts are closely tied together.

If you have any encouragement/comfort from your union with Christ, which then pans out to these three benefits: comfort from His love, common sharing of His Spirit, and tenderness and compassion.

While each aspect deserves its own treatment, we will summarize these in the remarkable salvation we enjoy by Christ. We have comfort from His love, knowing that He loves us with an unimaginable love.

We have encouragement because we share His Spirit indwelling in our souls (cf. John 15:26-16:14). The Spirit helps comfort us by speaking the truth of the Word into our hearts and minds. He helps intercede for us when we do not have the words to speak.

He is tender and compassionate with us. Consider this description from Matthew 12:15-21,

Matthew 12:15–21 ESV

Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

The foundation for unity is union with Christ, with all of its glorious aspects. Since the Philippian believers experienced all these with Paul, he bases his exhortation to unity on their state in Christ.

B. The Description of Unity—One Mind

Paul, after building up the theological reasoning of their union with Christ and the wonderful benefits they experienced firsthand, then offers the exhortation for unity.

This Unity involves a one-mindedness. Now, this does not mean that we will (or should) see everything the same way. The marriage relationship offers a wonderful example of this. Husbands and wives look at things drastically different. However, in a good marriage, they have one mind. Though they may see things differently, they know their ultimate goals and seek to achieve them.

Likewise, what Paul is commanding the church at Philippi, and Warrior Creek as well, is a unity of mind. We know we are called to preach the Gospel, that is our goal, but how we do this may look differently for each of us.

However, Paul relates God’s relationship to us to our relationships with each other. That is what he means by “having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Our unity is God-centered and Spirit-accomplished.

The result of their God-centered and Spirit-accomplished unity would be fulfilled joy in Paul’s life (and ours as well).

Our Joy in Christ-Imitated Humility is based on unity, Christian unity, as the relationship we enjoy with God works itself out in our relationships with fellow human beings. This can be demonstrated by The Method is Selflessness.

II. The Method to Humility is Selflessness- Philippians 2:3-4

Philippians 2:3–4 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

The Method to unity is Selflessness. Notice what Paul says here. What he does is provides a put off and put on demonstration (see Ephesians 4:22-24). In our growth toward Christlikeness, we are to put off the wicked deeds of our flesh, to be renewed in our minds, and to put on the new man.

To put it another way, we take off the bad clothes, have our minds reoriented to the Gospel, and then we put on the new clothes. Paul says to put off the selfish ambition and vain conceit. These things tend toward disunity.

A. Put off Selfish Ambition and Vain Conceit

Selfish ambition has caused us to do many things that severe unity. It may help to think of politicians here. We all know that many politicians are out for themselves. Likewise, vain conceit also destroys unity.

This vain conceit, or baseless boasting, is like someone who brags about having money but is alway borrowing money from friends. Everyone knows the brags are empty and baseless, and it can drive a wedge into friendships.

We are to put those desires and baseless brags off, to throw them off like filthy and smelly clothes. Then, following Paul’s commands in Eph. 4:22-24, we renew our minds. This took place in Philippians 2:1-2, so we will not spend a great deal of time there.

B. Renew Your Minds (see previous point and 2:1-2)

C. Put On Humility

Then, we put on. Paul says, “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Paul’s word is a wonderful word that I would love to spend a good bit of time dealing with this morning, but I will simply offer some highlights.

Humility here is not a self-deprecating view. We do not think lowly of ourselves because we are weak, or broken, or anything. Rather, it is a mindset of esteeming others needs and desires above your own. Joseph Hellerman writes,

“Humility became a defining concept for Christian ethics, the singular virtue that—more than any other—distinguished Christian social values from their pagan counterparts.”—Joseph Hellerman

We put on humility, also, by viewing their interests and tending to them. We view their interests as above ours. Like a commander in the military must make decisions based on intel and specific goals, the believer is to evaluate others’ interests are more important than their own.

Can you see how this would unify the church at Philippi? Can you see how that would enhance our unity here in Gray Court? We replace our own selfish ambitions (notice the focus on our own selves) and baseless conceit with a looking to others as important. And notice, too, Paul’s language “each of you,” this is not tied to a certain office in the church (i.e., deacons or elders) or to a certain gender or a certain age. All of God’s children are to do this.

The Stated Goal is Humble Unity, built on the foundation of our union with Christ. The Method to Humility is Selflessness following the put off, renew, and put on outline given to us by Paul. But Paul next reminds us of how Jesus practiced what he preached.

III. The Model of Humility is Jesus- Philippians 2:5-8

Philippians 2:5–8 NIV

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as 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 very nature 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!

In these verses we have some wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible truths that boggle the mind and stir the heart.

Just to give you an idea of how deep this topic is, Hellerman, the commentator I quoted a moment ago, writes, “The literature on Philippians 2:5-11 has become virtually unmanageable. Scholars have produced whole books on single terms in the passage.” (105)

With that said, we all realize that we will not be able to delve into this mine with any sort of significance. However, we will discuss this section because it provides us with an example of who Jesus is, and the sweet truth that Jesus practiced what he preached. In our relationships, have this mindset that Jesus had, Paul tells us.

A. The Glorious Height of Jesus’ Glory- Phil. 2:6

Philippians 2:6 NIV

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

Jesus is God. That is what Paul teaches here, as well as the whole of Scripture. You and I, as fallen human beings, cannot comprehend the infinite height of God the Son’s glory.

The selfish ambition and vain conceit that you and I are tempted to is ridiculous. Jesus, on the other hand, is God and His desires are completely and utterly deserving of fulfillment. His will is to be accomplished and will be (Psalm 115:3). He also can discuss His Godness, His accomplishments, and demand worship because He is truly awesome.

Consider this summary of the teachings of Scripture from the London Baptist Confession of Faith,

“The Lord our God is but one only living and true God; whose subsistence is in and of himself, infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but himself; a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; who is immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, every way infinite, most holy, most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, and withal most just and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.”—LBCF, 2:1

We cannot imagine the heights from which Jesus, God the Son, stepped down. Yet, this was the mindset of Christ. Consider next the

B. The Unimaginable Depth of Jesus’ Lowliness- Phil. 2:6-8

Philippians 2:6–8 NIV

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 very nature 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!

While we cannot grasp the height from which Jesus descended, we definitely cannot fathom the depth either. J. I. Packer remarks on this passage,

“We see now what it meant for the Son of God to empty himself and become poor. It meant a laying aside of glory…;a voluntary restraint of power; an acceptance of hardship, isolation, ill-treatment, malice and misunderstanding; finally, a death that involved such agony—spiritual even more than physical—that he mind nearly broke under the prospect of it.”—J. I. Packer

2 Cor. 8:9 offers us a glimpse as to how Christ did not look on his own interest but on the interest of others.

2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Let this mind be in you, Paul tells us, which was also in Christ. He is our Model Par Excellence. I highly recommend you set aside time today and read through the hymn, “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.” Your heart will worship the Lord for His sovereign goodness in sending God the Son to die for our sins.

Joy in Christ-Imitated Humility has a goal: humble unity, based on our union with Christ. This goal is achieved through selflessness, a focus on others and not our own goals and desires. When we do this, we are most like Jesus, who, being in the very nature of God, became a human being and endured all sorts of wicked and vile treatment. But this brings us to a wonderful point, for Christ and one that extends to those who follow in His steps.

IV. The End of Humility is Glorification- Phil. 2:9-11

Philippians 2:9–11 NIV

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The end, the destination, of humility is glorification. In Christ’s life we see this represented in 2:9-11. Contrast the self-seeking ambition and empty conceit that so characterizes humanity outside of union with Christ, and we see that the Father honors Christ’s humility with exaltation.

A. God the Father Honors God’s the Son’s Humility

Though Paul does not distinguish between God the Father with the name “the Father,” Paul was a Trinitarian theologian to be sure (one example we could cite is from 2 Cor. 13:14).

God the Father was the executor of wrath on Jesus (who bore our sins, see 2 Cor. 5:21). Paul discusses this at length in Romans 3:21-26.

There is much that could be said here, but we summarize it with references to the LBCF chapters 7 and 8. It is God’s Covenant, the Triune God (God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit) who planned this covenant and procured this Covenant.

God the Father rewarded the humility of God the Son with exaltation. He gave Him the highest place (at His right hand, see Rom. 8:34). God the Father also gave God the Son the Name at which every knee would bow and to which every tongue would confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

The Father honored the Son with exaltation. This was prophesied in Psalm 2 long before the birth, life, and death of Jesus.

B. God the Son will reign supreme

We will not spend much time here other than to highlight the truth that all will bow before Christ. All those who deny Christ will kneel. All who mock Christ will fall to their feet. All, both friend and foe alike, will abase themselves before the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not a matter of preference or desire, it is a matter of fact.

C. God the Father will be glorified

This is a key point in our humility. We do not practice biblical humility for joy for the sake of joy. We do so in order to bring glory to God. We do all things, as Paul reminded the Corinthian church, for the glory of God (see 1 Cor. 10:31). Christ practiced humility, and as a result received the reward from the God the Father. Ultimately, though, God received glory through the work of Christ.

Conclusion

We have before us an incredible passage of Scripture with deep theological truths. However, do not miss the wonders of this passage by being overwhelmed at the theology.

We are called to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Part of conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of Christ is Christ-imitated humility. That is, we follow the steps of Jesus, the Son of God, KING of kings and LORD of lords, and be humble.

Do you want joy in your life? Do you want to live a life that enhances others’ joy? Then be like Jesus and be humble. You will experience and share joy, you will walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel, and you will glorify God.