Philippians 2:5-7 is about the call for Christians to have the same mindset as Jesus Christ, who humbled himself, taking on the form of a servant, and exemplifying selflessness and obedience to God even unto death.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Setting the Scene for Philippians 2:5-7
In Philippians chapter 2, the scene is set in the early Christian community in Philippi. The apostle Paul is writing a letter to the Philippians, encouraging them to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. The letter is being read aloud to the believers gathered in a house church, with flickering oil lamps casting a warm glow on the faces of those listening intently.
Among the listeners are Lydia, the seller of purple cloth who was one of the first converts in Philippi, and the jailer who was saved by Paul and Silas during their imprisonment. They are joined by other members of the community, including Euodia and Syntyche, two women who have been working together to spread the gospel in Philippi. The room is filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude for the message of unity and humility, but also a sense of challenge as they consider how to live out these principles in their daily lives.
As Paul’s words echo through the room, the flickering light seems to dance in rhythm with the hope and determination in the eyes of the believers. The scene is one of unity and purpose, as the early Christians in Philippi strive to embody the selfless love and humility of Christ in their relationships with one another and in their witness to the world.
What is Philippians 2:5-7 about?
This verse implores us to follow the example set by Christ in our daily lives. It calls us to cultivate the same attitude of humility and selflessness that Jesus displayed during his time on earth. We embody the love and compassion that Christ exemplified throughout his life by serving others with a humble heart and mindset.
Can you imagine how different our interactions and relationships would be if we approached them with the same mindset as Christ? How would our communities transform if we prioritized serving others over seeking recognition or personal gain? This verse challenges us to shift our perspective and emulate the humility and servant leadership that Christ demonstrated, ultimately creating a more compassionate and harmonious world for everyone. We not only honor his teachings but also draw closer to him in our faith journey as we strive to embody the same mindset as Christ. We reflect the light of Christ to those around us and become vessels of his grace and compassion in a world that often values self-promotion and individualism by serving others with humility and love. We should take up the challenge presented in this verse and seek to live out the love of Christ through our words, actions, and attitudes towards others.
Understanding what Philippians 2:5-7 really means
Philippians 2:5-7, nestled within Paul’s letter to the Philippians, serves as a poignant reminder of the virtues of humility and unity that should characterize the lives of believers. The passage exhorts Christians to emulate the mindset of Jesus Christ, a mindset marked by profound humility and selflessness. Paul’s call to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” underscores the importance of adopting a humble and selfless attitude, mirroring the very essence of Christ’s character. This mindset is not merely a suggestion but a foundational principle for nurturing harmony and love within the Christian community, emphasizing the significance of unity in the body of believers.
Delving deeper into the text, we encounter the striking imagery of Jesus, who, despite His divine nature, did not grasp onto His equality with God. Instead, He willingly relinquished His divine privileges, choosing to humble Himself by taking on the form of a servant. This act of self-emptying, as expressed in the phrase “But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men,” stands as a profound example of humility and obedience. It challenges us to reflect on our own tendencies to cling to status or privileges, urging us to follow Christ’s example of sacrificial service and humility.
The passage finds resonance in other biblical accounts that illuminate the servant-hearted nature of Jesus. In John 13:14-15, we witness Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, embodying the essence of servant leadership. Similarly, Matthew 20:28 underscores Jesus’ mission to serve rather than to be served, culminating in the ultimate act of selflessness by giving His life as a ransom for many. These passages, along with 2 Corinthians 8:9, where Jesus’ voluntary impoverishment enriches us spiritually, collectively reinforce the profound impact of Christ’s humility and servanthood on our lives.
In a contemporary context where society often exalts power, self-promotion, and individualism, the message of Philippians 2:5-7 stands as a radical call to embrace a countercultural way of living. It challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, shifting our focus from self-aggrandizement to selfless service and genuine care for others. Just as a CEO working alongside janitorial staff can transform organizational culture, embodying humility and respect, so too can we, by following Christ’s example, foster a culture of mutual respect, humility, and service in our communities.
As we reflect on the profound humility and selflessness of Jesus Christ portrayed in Philippians 2:5-7, let us be inspired to embody His mindset in our daily interactions. By prioritizing the well-being of others, serving with humility, and placing the needs of others above our own, we can emulate Christ’s love and bring about unity within our communities. May we strive to live out this example, cultivating a spirit of humility and service that reflects the transformative power of Christ’s selfless love.
How can we humble ourselves and serve others?
We can humble ourselves and serve others by adopting the same attitude as Jesus, who willingly set aside His own rights and privileges to serve humanity. This involves prioritizing the needs of others above our own, just as Jesus did during His life on earth. We can follow Jesus’ example in serving others with genuine love and compassion by cultivating a mindset of humility and selflessness.
Humbling ourselves also requires us to practice genuine empathy and understanding towards others, putting ourselves in their shoes and seeking to meet their needs. This may involve sacrificing our own comfort, time, resources, and desires in order to show kindness and care towards those around us. We can have a positive impact on the lives of others and bring glory to God through our selfless actions by imitating Jesus’ servant-hearted approach to life.
Furthermore, serving others with humility involves seeking opportunities to serve in ways that align with God’s will and bring honor to Him. This may require us to step out of our comfort zones, overcome our pride and selfishness, and actively look for ways to bless and encourage those in need. We can fulfill our calling to love God and love others wholeheartedly by following Jesus’ example of humility and servanthood, reflecting His character in all that we do.
Application
In this fast-paced digital age, as we navigate the complexities of work and family relationships, let’s embrace the essence of humility and selflessness portrayed by Christ. Let’s channel our inner empathy and kindness towards those around us, prioritizing their well-being above our own. Just like updating our social media status, let’s upgrade our actions with love and compassion, following the example set by Jesus. Are you ready to click ‘like’ on humility and ‘share’ the love with everyone you meet?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.