Welcome to the next part of our series, "Piece of Work."
Here is today's text:

(Philippians 2:1-11) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Dive Deeper with PB's Personal Commentary. Click Here.
The Bible Breakdown: Philippians 01.

Overall Commentary: 🌎

The book of Philippians is a joyful letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, written while he was in prison. It encourages believers to live with humility, unity, and joy in Christ, regardless of circumstances. Paul highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of selfless service and reminds readers that true contentment comes from knowing Him.

There are so many things to enjoy about this book. Here are a few to give context:

The people of Philippi were very loyal to the Roman Empire. Most of the inhabitants were retired military. This is why Paul mentions the courts of Caesar and the military guard.
Paul teaches about joy, contentment, and God doing a work in their lives while sitting in jail.
Philippi was the first church Paul planted in Europe.
The city was named after Alexander the Great's father.
The city's ruins are still available today.

Commentary.

Verse 1. Joyful humility is possible because of God’s work IN US.

Verse 1.

If- Given the way Greek is structured, the word "IF" is better translated as "Since." Paul is not asking questions as though he is unsure. He is saying, "Since these facts are true..."
Encouragement- The Greek word for this literally means, "to walk alongside to help."
Comfort of us His love- This is a synonym of the previous word. This word means the peace that comes from God's presence.
Fellowship together in Christ- The reality that all of God's people are connected through the Spirit of God. We are not isolated from the Body of Christ. We have "family" all over the world.
Hearts that are tender and compassionate- This is the work of the Spirit of God within us that allows us to be joyful do all that comes next.

Verse 2-4. Joyful humility is possible because of God’s work THROUGH US.

Verse 2.

Agreeing wholeheartedly with each other- This does not mean uniformity. This means that they agree on the essentials of the faith.
One mind and one purpose- literally means "one soul."

Verse 3.

Paul encourages people not to place themselves above others. The idea of humility was just as counter-cultural then as it is today. Especially in Roman culture, the goal was to distinguish yourself from everyone else. That was the chief way you found honor. Paul says that Christ compels us to find honor through placing others first.

Verse 4.

Paul is not saying we should not have interests. The problem is when we allow our interests to supersede others'. The goal is to see others as just as valid as ourselves.

Verse 5-11. Joyful humility is possible because of God’s work FOR US.

Verse 5.

Paul shows us how to live with humility in a world that does not reward it.

Verse 6-11.

Likely an early hymn or creed by the Church. The purpose of this creed or hym would be to memorize the fundamental truths of the Gospel.
This section is rich with theology and shows how Christ humbled Himself for our salvation.

Verse 6.

Though He was God- Paul reminds the people that Jesus was not a created being. He eternally exists with the Father and Spirit.
Something to cling to- This means Jesus did not see His divine status as something that He was unwilling to sacrifice. This does not mean He became less than God. It means He gave up His divine privileges as God to become human.

Verse 7.

He gave up His divine privileges- "kenosis" This passage speaks of Jesus setting aside His divine privileges to become human so He could become our sacrifice. The best way to think of this is a King changing His royal clothes. If the King removes His royal robes and puts on rags, He may have lost the symbol of His authority, but He has not lost who He is.
Humble position of a slave- Jesus became human. This would have been a humiliating thing if it were not for the fact that Jesus loved us so much.

Verse 8.

Died a criminal's death on a Cross- Crucifixion was capital punishment for the worst crimes. Jesus was put to death by the most shameful method of the time.

Verse 9.

Therefore- Because of all this...
God elevated Him to the highest place of honor- This does not mean that God the Father is greater and Jesus became God. This means the restoration to His Throne with the new nature of being the "God-Man." He did not become less. This is Jesus putting back on His "royal clothes."
Gave Him a Name- Some scholars see this as the assumption of the name "Yahweh."

Verse 10.

In Heaven and on Earth and under the Earth- Paul is using language from the Old Testament to remind the readers that Jesus is Lord over all, physical and spiritual.

Verse 11.

Declare that Jesus Christ is Lord- The declaration is that Jesus is Lord and has the right to rule over all. This means that all will have to acknowledge who He is and His Kingship is legitimate.

God's Promise:

(1 Peter 5:6) “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for HE CARES FOR YOU."