Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:1-11

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition.”

The two negatives are followed by a positive exhortation: “In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” But, a word of contrast, introduces these words. “Lowliness of mind,” in other terms, humility before God and man is a virtue every child of God needs to strive for. A spirit of pride in human relations indicates a lack of humility before God. Paul exhorted the Philippians to consider others before themselves (see 1 Peter 5:5-6).

Paul explained how humility can be expressed. Instead of concentrating on self, each believer should be concerned for “the interests of others” in the household of faith (compare Romans 12:10). Preoccupation with oneself is sin.

Verses 5-8 show us that Christ is the supreme example of humility and selfless concern for others. These verses, along with verses 9-11, constitute a grand statement on Christology.

Believers are exhorted to have the same mind, selfless humility, that Christ exhibited in His humiliation and condescension. The word here translated “mind” or “like-minded” as some translations put it, has the meaning of “attitude,” and is the same word used for “like-minded” used in verse 2.

The word translated “form” in verses 6 and 7 is a crucial term in this passage. This word stresses the inner essence or reality of that with which it is associated (compare Mark 16:12). Christ Jesus, Paul said, is of the very essence or nature of God, and in His incarnation He embraced perfect humanity. His complete and absolute deity is here carefully stressed by the apostle. The Savior’s claim to deity infuriated the Jewish leaders (John 5:18) and caused them to accuse Him of blasphemy (John 10:33).

Though possessing full deity (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9), Christ did not consider Himself “to be equal with God.” In other words Christ did not hesitate to set aside His self-willed use of deity when He came in the form of a man. As God He had all the rights of deity, and yet during His incarnate state He surrendered His right to manifest Himself visibly as the God of all splendor and glory.

Christ’s humiliation included His making “Himself of no reputation,” taking the very “form” or nature, “of a bondservant,” and being made “in the likeness of men.” These statements indicate that Christ became a man, a true human being. The words “made Himself of no reputation,” literally mean, “He emptied Himself.” The word used for “Emptied,” from the original Greek points to the divesting of His self-interests, but not of His deity. The very “form [nature, attitude] of a bondservant” certainly points to His lowly and humble position, His willingness to obey the Father, and serve others. He became a man, a true human being. “Likeness” has the suggestion of similarity but still with a difference. Though His humanity was genuine, He was different from all other humans in that He was sinless (Hebrews 4:15).

Thus it is seen that Christ, while retaining the essence of God, was also human. In His incarnation He was fully God and fully man at the same time. He was God manifest in human flesh (see again John 1:14).

To Be Continued

Adapted and modified excerpts from Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, Volume 2.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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