Unit 2 LESSON 9

November 2, 2025

Study Text: Philippians 2:1-16

Central Truth: Christians follow Jesus by serving others with humility and love.

     KEY VERSE--Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (KJV)

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had (NLT)

LET'S GET STARTED

One morning, two brothers were arguing over who should get the first pancake at breakfast. Their mother asked the boys, "What would Jesus do if He were here?" The older boy answered somewhat grumpily that Jesus would let his brother have the first pancake. Then his face brightened. He pointed to his younger brother and said, "You can be Jesus!" Becoming a Christian means dying to self (Galatians 2:20). But if we are honest, the process of selflessly serving God and other people is sometimes a struggle--especially the challenge of serving with humility and love. Philippians 2 contains one of the most well-known passages in the New Testament, the so-called "Hymn of Christ" (verses 6-11). Paul's main purpose for including it in his letter seems to be reinforcing the Philippians' understanding of the Person and wok of Jesus and exhorting them to imitate His selfless love.

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PART 1- Focus on Others

Vertical and Horizontal Connections             Philippians 2:1-2

In Philippians 2:1, Paul presents his readers with a series of conditions that are assumed to be true. These conditions highlight four areas in which the believers had experienced God's blessings: (1). Jesus provides encouragement and consolation to those who belong to Him. (2). Jesus' love brings comfort. (3). The Holy spirit brings fellowship and unity to God's people. (4). God's people have tender, merciful hearts. Paul listed these truths for the Philippian believers to motivate them to unify. If they had gained anything from Jesus' sacrifice, then they should be willing to sacrifice their personal desires. Believers cannot separate their relationship with God from their relationships with others. Our relationship with God should influence our connections with others (Colossians 3:13). And Scripture makes it clear that our connections with others influence our connection with God (1 John 4:20).

DISCUSS?  How can we "agree wholeheartedly" with other believers and still allow for different perspectives?

From Selfish to Selfless                   Philippians 2:3-4

Starting with Philippians 2:3, Paul gets into the details of self-sacrifice. Just as he outlined four areas of spiritual blessing in verse 1, he lists four commands for unity in verses 3 and 4. (1). "Don't be selfish." Paul's word implies strife and rivalry--looking for opportunities to advance yourself at someone's else's expense. (2). "Don't try to impress others." Paul's wording describes the pursuit of temporary, empty glory--settling for getting credit now rather than giving glory to the One who really deserves it. (3). "Be humble." Paul's words literally mean "in humility, regarding others as better than themselves." in that time and place, humility was considered by society to be a negative trait, associated with enslavement. Paul reframes the concept of humility, reflecting the scriptural theme that God chooses, elevates, and gives grace to the lowly. (4). "Take an interest in others." Paul commands believers to seek the interests of others--likely for the sake of preserving unity. all of these commands were intended to lead believers away from selfishness and toward humility and harmony. Next, Paul would illustrate the importance of selflessness with a powerful passage about Jesus' humility and sacrifice.

 Discuss?  Why does it take the life-changing power of the gospel to be able to keep these commands?

Part 2-- Follow Jesus' Example

                         Jesus' Humility            Philippians 2:5-8                   

From all eternity, Jesus was the essence and nature of God (Philippians 2:6). But from this heavenly, exalted status, He lowered himself to be born as a helpless baby. In the Incarnation, He took on the essence and the nature of a human. He did not cease to be God, but He voluntarily set aside the privileges of deity and left the highest position to assume the lowest--a servant of humanity. Ultimately, He was treated as the very lowest of the low when He was crucified as a criminal (verse 8; Deuteronomy 21:23). If there had been any shred of selfishness in Jesus, He would not have made this sacrifice for us. Being Christlike is more than accepting Jesus teachings; it also means being motivated to Christlike actions. He deferred to the needs of others and submitted himself to the Father's plan. His obedience and selfless love led Him to the cross.

DISCUSS? How can we imitate Jesus' humility.

Jesus' Exaltation                  Philippians 2:9-11

Throughout Scripture, we repeatedly see the theme of God lowering the proud and exalting the humble. The most striking example of this is found in the transition between verses 8 and 9 of Philippians 2. after letting go of the glory that was rightfully His and submitting himself to an unjust and humiliating death (verse 8), Jesus was exalted to the highest place of honor and given a name to match (verse 9). Jesus was completely faithful to His Father and to His mission during His time on earth. One day, He will receive the praise and glory He deserves when every knee bow and every mouth declare "that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (verse 11). Notice that it was the humiliation of the Cross that led Jesus to His ultimate exaltation. Likewise, our steadfast dedication to obediently serving God will lead us straight to everlasting glory in His presence (Revelation 3:21).

Discuss? Is it acceptable for Christians to be motivated by God's promises to reward the faithful? Why or why not?

      Part 3- Be an example

        Show the Results of Your Salvation      Philippians 2:12-13

Just as Jesus set an example of how to selflessly obey God, believers should be examples of how God changes people's lives through the power of the gospel. Paul advised the Philippians to "work hard to show the results of your salvation." Verse 12 describes the human part of this equation, and verse 13 describes God's part. God not only gives us the power but also the desire to do what pleases Him. He is at work in the lives of His people to change their nature and their  behavior to reflect their new identity. By cooperating with God, we show others what it looks like to be part of His Kingdom. There is no greater witness than a changed life.

Discuss?  What are some of the results of salvation that should be observable in believers?

Shine Like Bright Lights                Philippians 2:14-16

Paul instructed believers to do all things without complaining and arguing (Philippians 2:14). Instead, they should pursue unity and holy living, "shinning like bright lights" to provide contrast to the "crooked and perverse people" in this dark, sinful world (verse 15). By doing so, God's people can hold out the hope of salvation to those who want to experience god's light (verse 16). Paul connected the Philippians' faithfulness with his own work among them. He wanted to be proud of what he had invested in them. Likewise, we should also be concerned about those God has placed under our spiritual influence, so they will remain faithful and our work will not have been in vain.

DISCUSS? What attitudes and actions can dim the brightness of a believer's witness?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US? 

Jesus is our perfect example in all things. Our top priority as believers should be to imitate His humble, selfless obedience to God. If we do that, we can trust that God will reward us someday, just as He exalted Jesus. In the meantime, God gives us both the power and the desire to please Him, which allows us to shine like stars in this dark world. As we grow more like Jesus, people can see the difference and be drawn to His saving grace.

LIVING IT OUT

Ask God to show you how He has called you to serve your family, your church, and your community. Determine what steps you need to take to walk in obedience to God in fulfilling that calling.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

                                           Monday: Recognizing a Dangerous Situation.  Gensis 44:18-34   

                               Tuesday: Taking a Life-Threatening Risk. Esther 4:1-17

                      Wednesday: Standing with God. Jeremiah 26:8-15

           Thursday: Christlike Service. Mark 10:35-45

 Friday: Humble Service. Acts 20:17-24

               Saturday: Reward for Service. Galatians 6:4-9  

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 107 Number 1. Sep. Oct. Nov 2025