Philippians 2:5-8 is about exemplifying humility and selflessness by following the example of Jesus Christ, who willingly set aside his divine privilege to serve humanity and ultimately sacrificed himself for the greater good.
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.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Setting the Scene for Philippians 2:5-8
In Philippians chapter 2, the scene is set in the heavenly realm before the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The participants in this scene are God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the heavenly hosts. The surroundings are described as majestic and glorious, with the heavenly hosts surrounding the throne of God in worship and adoration.
God the Father and God the Son have always existed together in perfect unity and harmony. In this scene, they are discussing the plan for Jesus to leave His heavenly throne, take on human form, and come to earth to save humanity from sin. Jesus willingly agrees to humble Himself, taking on the form of a servant and being obedient to the point of death on the cross. This act of selfless love and sacrifice is a central theme in the Christian faith, demonstrating the depth of God’s love for humanity.
The heavenly hosts witness this conversation between the Father and the Son, marveling at the humility and obedience of Jesus. This scene sets the stage for the ultimate act of redemption that Jesus will accomplish through His death and resurrection, fulfilling the will of the Father and providing salvation for all who believe in Him.
What is Philippians 2:5-8 about?
This verse speaks about the incredible humility and obedience of Christ, the son of God, who chose to step down from his divine glory and become a human being in order to save us. Can you imagine the depth of love and sacrifice it took for Christ to leave the comforts of heaven to dwell among us, to experience our pain, temptations, and struggles firsthand? This act of humility and obedience is a powerful reminder of Christ’s immense love for us and his willingness to go to any length to bridge the gap between humanity and God.
Through his incarnation, Christ not only demonstrated humility and obedience but also provided us with the ultimate example to follow in our own lives. Christ’s choice to humble himself and serve others is a radical and countercultural message in a world that often values power, status, and self-promotion. How can we reflect Christ’s humility in our own lives? How can we prioritize obedience to God’s will above our own desires and ambitions? May this verse inspire us to imitate Christ’s example of humility and obedience in our relationships, actions, and attitudes towards others as we meditate on it.
Understanding what Philippians 2:5-8 really means
The Book of Philippians, penned by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, offers a profound insight into the Christian faith. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul urges believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, emphasizing the virtues of humility, service, and obedience. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of emulating Christ’s character in our lives.
Paul’s call to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” echoes the sentiment of Romans 12:2, urging believers to be renewed in their thinking. By aligning our thoughts with Christ’s, we undergo a profound transformation, shedding worldly attitudes for a Christ-centered perspective. This transformation is not merely superficial but penetrates to the core of our being, shaping our actions and attitudes.
The verse continues by highlighting Christ’s divine nature and His deliberate choice not to cling to His equality with God. In John 1:1-14, we see the Word becoming flesh, exemplifying true humility by setting aside divine glory for the sake of humanity. This act of self-emptying challenges us to reevaluate our attachment to status and privilege, embracing a humility that mirrors Christ’s own.
Furthermore, the passage delves into Christ’s incarnation as a servant, emphasizing His willingness to take on human form and serve others. Mark 10:45 reinforces this idea, showcasing Christ’s mission of service and selflessness. As Christians, we are called to follow in His footsteps, embodying a spirit of servanthood that prioritizes the needs of others above our own.
The pinnacle of Christ’s humility and obedience is seen in His sacrificial death on the cross. Hebrews 5:8 underscores the depth of His obedience, learned through suffering and ultimate sacrifice. This profound act of love challenges us to consider the cost of true obedience to God, often requiring personal sacrifice and a willingness to endure hardships for the sake of others.
In today’s world, where power and status often reign supreme, the message of Philippians 2:5-8 remains as relevant as ever. It calls believers to embrace humility, service, and obedience in a culture that values self-promotion and individualism. By embodying Christ-like virtues in our daily lives, we not only honor His example but also contribute to a more compassionate and selfless society.
Consider the story of a successful professional who chooses to volunteer in underprivileged areas, embodying the principles of humility and service in a tangible way. This modern-day example serves as a reminder that Christ’s call to humility and service transcends time and culture, inspiring individuals to make a difference in the lives of others through selfless acts of kindness.
In conclusion, Philippians 2:5-8 challenges us to reflect on our attitudes and actions, urging us to adopt the mindset of Christ in all aspects of our lives. As we strive to emulate His humility, service, and obedience, may we experience a profound transformation that not only impacts our personal relationships but also fosters a more compassionate and loving community. Let us heed Paul’s exhortation to “Have this mind among yourselves,” embracing the transformative power of Christ’s example in our daily walk of faith.
How can we cultivate humility and servanthood?
The passage in Philippians 2:5-8 highlights the importance of cultivating humility and servanthood by exemplifying the attitudes and actions of Jesus Christ. The verse encourages us to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbly served others and prioritized their well-being above His own desires. We can learn to humble ourselves, set aside our pride, and approach relationships with a heart of service and love by following His example.
To cultivate humility, we must first acknowledge our own limitations and imperfections while recognizing the value and worth of others. This understanding enables us to approach interactions with a sense of humility, knowing that our own needs and desires are not always the most important. We demonstrate love, compassion, and a willingness to put others’ needs above our own by adopting a servant-like attitude towards them. Through consistent practice and reflection on Christ’s example, we can gradually develop a humble and servanthood mindset in our daily lives, leading to stronger relationships and a deeper connection with others.
Application
Embrace the spirit of humility and selflessness as modeled by Christ. Let go of selfish desires and prioritize serving others over yourself, just like Jesus did. Take up the challenge of embodying Christ’s love and compassion in your daily interactions. Will you dare to follow in the footsteps of our Savior and lead a life filled with unconditional love and sacrifice?
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.