Philippians 2:1-4

Passage

If you have any encouragement in Christ, any consolation in love, any fellowship of the Spirit, any great passion, and compassion – then make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, and being united in one spirit and thought.  Do nothing according to selfish ambition or conceit.  Rather, in humility seek to count other people as surpassing yourself.  Don’t look to your own interests, but consider the interests of other people as well.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

 Paul lists several main attributes of the Christian faith: encouragement in Christ, consolation in love, fellowship of the Holy Spirit, passion, compassion, unity.  These are not characteristics that are often valued by the world.  However, these are characteristics often craved by our innermost person.  Deep down inside, each one of us is designed to appreciate encouragement, consolation, love, fellowship, passion, compassion, and unity.

Why do you think the world downplays these characteristics?  How much do you crave these characteristics within yourself?  Where can you truly find these characteristics?

Second Thought:

Paul tells the Philippians that their Christian conduct makes his joy complete.  In other words, their life leads to a testimony that Paul can appreciate.  Paul knows that as they adopt the Christian faith and put it into practice then they also are becoming capable of passing along the faith to others.  Paul knows that as their testimony increases, so does their discipleship.  That means that they can do the work that they have been called to do.  That is a great source of joy for Paul.  It is a great source of joy for us all.

Are you surprised to find out that Paul’s joy isn’t in making himself out to be the best but rather seeing others to rise up and do what he can do in the Spirit?  How does this mentality contrast with what the world teaches?

Third Thought:

Paul’s ultimate conclusion in this set of verses is humbleness.  Paul asserts that we should be of the mindset to consider the needs of others first.  In fact, Paul says that we should think of others as even surpassing ourselves.  That is the ultimate calling from God.  This should make sense.  After all, what is the example of Christ if not that?

What does it mean to you to consider others as surpassing yourself?  Does this mean we have to loathe ourselves?  How does seeing others as surpassing ourselves also lead to being able to consider their needs over our own?

Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 2:5-7