03 Joy In Humility Series

If you’ve ever heard about the life of Mother Teresa, you know her story is remarkable. She spent decades serving the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta, India, tending to people who had nothing—no money, no health, no hope. She didn’t live for comfort, recognition, or personal success. She lived for others.

Once, someone asked her why she gave up everything for people who could give her nothing. Here’s how she answered: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Her humility, her willingness to put others first, brought dignity to the forgotten and brought joy to the hopeless.

That’s the kind of humility Paul points us to in Philippians 2. It’s a humility that doesn’t focus on self, but lifts others up. And when we embrace this kind of humility, something very special happens—joy begins to flourish. Not the kind of fleeting joy we chase after in the world, but a deep and abiding, defiant joy that’s rooted in Christ.

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been walking through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, looking at this theme of Defiant Joy. In Week 1, we saw how joy grows when we’re united in gospel partnership, working together for the glory of God. Last week, Paul reminded us that joy isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Even in adversity—even in a Roman prison—he found joy because the gospel was advancing.

Now, as we step into Chapter 2, Paul shifts his focus. He turns to the key ingredient that keeps a community of faith united and full of joy: humility; Joy in Humility. But not just any humility—Christlike humility. He calls us to reflect the attitude of Jesus, who willingly set aside His rights and privileges, taking the form of a servant, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross.

This morning, we’ll unpack three key movements in this passage. First, we’ll see the encouragement we have in Christ—a foundation for unity and humility. Then, we’ll look to Christ’s example, His journey of selfless love and sacrifice. And finally, we’ll celebrate His exaltation and how it points us to the joy that flows from glorifying God.

At the heart of it all is this core truth: Joy flourishes when we embrace Christlike humility. So let’s dive in and discover how Jesus’ humility not only transforms our hearts, but brings lasting joy to our lives and our church.

In the first few verses we see …

I. The Encouragement of Christ (vs. 1-4)

Follow along in Philippians chapter 2, starting at verse 1 – “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Paul begins this section with a powerful word: “Therefore …” It’s a reminder that everything he’s about to say is built upon what he’s already said.

In the previous verses, Paul urged the Philippians to live in a manner worthy of the gospel—standing firm in one spirit, striving together for the faith, even in the face of adversity. Now, he shifts his focus to the internal health of the church. He’s about to explain how they can remain united and joyful as they navigate life together in Christ.

Paul begins by pointing them to the encouragement they already have in Jesus. Listen to these words again: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion …” These aren’t questions of doubt—they’re statements of fact. He’s not questioning whether these things are a reality. Paul is saying, “Since you have encouragement in Christ, since you’ve experienced the comfort of His love, since you share in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and since you’ve known His tender mercy, let those realities shape the way you live.”

The encouragement of Christ is our foundation for humility and unity. It’s the reminder that we are loved, accepted, and strengthened by Him. And because of what we’ve received in Christ, we’re called to reflect that love and grace to others.

Paul’s first appeal is that we are to Strive for Unity. He writes, “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Notice the repetition here: same mind, same love, one spirit, one purpose. Paul isn’t just asking them to tolerate each other or agree on the big things. He’s calling them to a deep and abiding unity that touches every part of their shared life in Christ.