Our text today is found in Philippians 2:1-5. I am reading from the New King James Version.
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”i
In this appeal Paul gives the secret to enjoying peaceful, meaningful relationships especially with other Christians. The principle can be applied to our dealings with unbelievers, but Paul’s focus in this passage is relationships among believers.
The passage naturally falls into two categories. First, Paul points to the basis of his appeal in verse 1 and the first part of verse 2. Then he states the specifics of the appeal telling these Philippians Christians what they need to do.
I. BASIS OF PAUL'S APPEAL
The passage begins with the word, “Therefore.” That connects our text with the latter part of chapter 1. This paragraph builds on last week’s text in 1:27-30. There Paul wrote:
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”
Today’s text continues with the theme of conducting our lives in a manner worthy or consistent with the gospel we proclaim. The NIV says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” That conduct includes faithfully enduring persecution from the world and maintaining unity in the congregation. The “therefore” in our text is particularly reminiscent of Paul’s call to unity in 1:27 to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
This is a timely word in today’s environment. The world is in turmoil dealing with the pandemic and the rebellion in the streets. We are experiencing an unusual level of stress as we approach the election in November. Everyone knows the stakes are high. There is a lot of emotion surrounding differences about the direction America will go from here. Will we move toward the more socialistic agenda of the democrats, or will we proceed with more individual liberty under the capitalistic Republican platform? As a Christian I base my political views on my understanding of Scripture. Some who disagree with me say they are doing the same. So, we are experiencing an unprecedented tension even among Christians. In times like these we must be exceptionally careful to promote unity among believers while maintaining our personal convictions.
Much of the debate among Christians revolves around social justice. For conservatives the greatest violation of social justice is the murder of unborn children. That one issues significantly affects the way I vote. I don’t want the blood of those innocent children on my hands.ii For liberals that issue is answered by categorizing the child in the womb as non-human. For them the bigger social issues are wealth disparities, prejudices, and sexual freedom such as the LGBTQ rights.
Both sides want social justice. But what social justice looks like for conservatives versus liberals can be very different. That is where the divide can be significant. As we debate those issues we must distinguish between heresy versus differences in priorities.
On the one hand, those who reject the authority of Scripture and the fundamentals of the faith should be sharply rebuked. The current movement that rejects moral accountability to the commandments of God should be opposed. Jude tells us to stand up against that kind of heresy. In verses 3-4 he writes:
“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
An example of this today can be found in Brian McLaren’s teaching. It is typical of many who are replacing the need for personal holiness with a righteousness based on standing for societal issues like a clean environment and equality for minorities and women. In his book entitled, The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to be Christian, McLaren writes, “For centuries, Christianity has been presented as a system of beliefs. That system of beliefs has supported a wide range of unintended consequences, from colonialism to environmental destruction, subordination of women to stigmatization of LGBT people, anti-Semitism to Islamophobia, clergy pedophilia, to white privilege. What would it mean for Christians to rediscover their faith, not as a problematic system of beliefs. . . .”iii
So, he defines biblical truth “as a problematic system of beliefs.” He blames all the world’s ills on the Christian faith as we know it. Instead he teaches an alternative Christianity: one that is tolerant toward all kinds of sexual deviance and personal indulgence. The boundaries on behavior set by the commandments of God in Scripture are rejected. That expression of holiness is replaced with a stand for social justice that emphasizes the government’s responsibility. It allows the person to feel a sense of righteousness while living in personal sin. It allows the person to practice homosexuality, lie, cheat, steal, and abort unborn babies without feeling guilty. The new morality is not based on fidelity to biblical sanctification. It is found in protecting the environment and standing up for equal rights in society.
McLaren rejects biblical faith outright by admitting that he wants to change the contents of the gospel, not just superficial methods and techniques. He writes,
“What are we moving towards? My most direct answer would be that we are migrating towards a profound conversion in Christian faith. We’re seeking a change in the content, not just the can; in substance, not just in style or structure.”iv
This movement replaces personal regeneration and moral accountability with societal issues like the environment, equality for minorities and women, etc. That replacement must be rejected outright. Should we be concerned about the environment and equality for minorities and women? Yes, but as a secondary issue, not as a substitute for personal regeneration and fidelity to the word of God.v “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” The gospel focuses on the cross of Christ, forgiveness of sin, and the new birth. It deals with a supernatural transformation that occurs when the individual puts his or her faith in Christ. It leads the person into obedience to the commandments of God. This ungodly movement allows the person to feel a sense of righteousness while living in personal sin. It allows the person to practice homosexuality, lie, cheat, steal, and abort unborn babies without feeling guilty. This new morality finds its own righteousness in protecting the environment, standing stand up for equal opportunities, and other social issues. Its banner is social justice.
The devil has created the perfect storm. Not only has he inflamed ungodly criminals to openly rebel against authority, but he has led many in the church away from the centrality of the gospel to this alternative. This his movement has fed into the chaos we are currently experiencing in our nation.
There are good people who have been influenced by McLaren and others like him. Yet they still embrace the fundamentals of the faith. These people must be distinguished from the heretics. They recognize the need to address issues of social justice. We recognize that as well and welcome dialogue on the issues.vi We can all do better. The best improvements will be found in hearing all viewpoints, not just those the media deems “politically correct.” When Bible-believing Christians discuss these matters, they should do so with mutual respect. They should maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And they should be careful that they do not inadvertently support ungodly insurrection while seeking to advocate for social justice. The current environment is one in which we could easily violate our text if we’re not diligent to heed Paul’s instruction in Philippians 2.
Paul bases his appeal on five considerations. “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
(1) He reminds them of the solace they enjoy in Christ: “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ.” Think about all the encouragement and support you have received from the Lord. It is only reasonable that we would express similar sentiments toward our fellow believers. In Matthew 18:23-35 Jesus told the story of a debtor who was forgiven a huge debt by his master. It was expected that such treatment would inspire generosity in him toward others. But when a man owed him only a small debt, he would not forgive it and demanded full payment. In fact, he had the man thrown in debtors’ prison. This creditor failed to appreciate the consolation he had received from his master. He failed to pass that on to others.
(2) “If any comfort of love.” Paul allows these phrases flow out one after another emphasizing the fullness of what we have received in Christ. Has God’s love toward you brought any comfort to your soul? Does it comfort you that despite all your failures and weakness, His love never fails? He is a friend that stick closer than a brother.vii When you’re down, He is there to lift you up and strengthen you. In all that God is giving us an example of how we ought to treat each other. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). Jesus bases His appeal on the love He had shown them. Paul bases his appeal on that love as well.
(3) “If any fellowship [koinonia: sharing] of the Spirit.” These “ifs” could easily be translated “since.”viii There is no question that all believers have received these benefits. The question is will you respond in like kind to your fellow Christians. All believers are united by the Holy Spirit. When you were born again, the Holy Spirit connected with your human spirit and you were united, not only with God, but with all believers.ix All believers participate with one Spirit, the Holy Spirit. There is no greater unity! That connection should cause us to look upon one another with favor.x It should cause us to care about one another the way brothers and sisters care for one another because of the common blood. Again we are reminded of Paul’s desire stated in 1:27: “that you stand fast in one spirit.” He is continuing his appeal for unity.
(4) “If any affection and mercy.” Has the Lord been merciful to you? Has He showed compassion toward you? Paul is using all this grace that we have received from the Lord as the basis for his appeal that they treat one another in the same way. It would be absurd to do otherwise.
(5) Finally, Paul makes it very personal when he adds in verse 2: “fulfill my joy.” These are Paul’s children in the faith. He takes joy in them like any parent would do in the natural. In 1:4 he mentioned the joy he experiences when interceding for them. In 4:1 he calls them his “joy and crown.” Paul already takes joy in these Philippian Christians. But he asks them to make his joy full, cause it to overflow, by doing what he is about to ask of them. That completes the basis of the appeal he is about to make. Now look with me at the specifics of his appeal.
II. SPECIFICS OF PAUL'S APPEAL
In verse 2 he writes: “by being like-minded.” The Greek translated like-minded is “to auto phronete.” The same word is used in verse 5, “Let this mind [phroneo] be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” The NIV translates it “attitude.” Phroneo is “having a certain disposition toward something (e.g. life, values, people) or a certain way of looking at things, thus ‘mindset.’”xi
Paul is saying, “I want you to have the same mindset or attitude of heart that Jesus demonstrated in His incarnation. He details that out in 2:6-9:
(1) Jesus did not grasp for equality with the Father.
(2) He was not self-promoting. He “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”
(3) “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Jesus did all that out of a heart of love. His mindset was other-oriented. He was not self-centered, but other-centered. He laid down His life for others.xii By sharing that example, Paul makes it abundantly clear what mindset he is asking the Philippians to nurture. The like-mindedness Paul is asking for does not mean they agree on everything. It means they would all have this same attitude of heart that Jesus demonstrated.
Paul embellishes his thought by adding, “having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” All of this reinforces his call in 1:27 to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” But here in chapter 2 he gives them specifics on how to do that. It begins with heart attitude.
Paul is giving Christians the key to godly relationship. The key is unselfishness. The key is loving our neighbor as ourselves. Paul’s message here is essentially the same one Jesus gave when He quoted the second great commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”xiii I teach extensively on conflict management. In that teaching we share helpful methods and techniques. But all of that is of little value if we will not embrace this second great commandment. There are no techniques that can replace genuinely caring for others. Relationships must be built on mutual care and support. All that begins and ends with the mindset Paul is talking about in our text. In the next two verses Paul provides additional information on how we live out this way of thinking.
In 2:3 he writes, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit.” The big problem in human relationships began in the heart of Lucifer long ago.xiv It is pride, self-conceit. We are suffering in our society because many parents have taught their children that the world revolves around them. They have taught them an entitlement mentality. The initial goal may have been good. In many cases, parents were trying to strengthen the child’s self-esteem. But they didn’t know how to do that. It is possible to have a healthy mindset about who we are in Christ and a humble attitude at the same time. Our worth is not found in being better than others. It is found by being valued by the Creator. It is found in being in right relationship with our Maker. The humility comes when we realize that we are saved by grace. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” His confidence did not come out of comparisons or competition with other people. It came out of a revelation of God’s love toward him. That revelation will transform a heart and set the person on the right course in life.
Paul is addressing motives of the heart: “selfish ambition or conceit.” We are all born with that. It manifests in various ways in different lives. But it all revolves around self: what’s in it for me. It takes a work of the Holy Spirit to deliver us from that mindset. He alone can renew our minds so that we no longer think that way. But we are responsible to cooperate with Him in that process. Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. . . .”
Then in verse 3 Paul states the proper way to think: “but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” This is not calling us to a false humility. We are not being told to grovel before others. We are to simply put the needs of others before our own. That’s what we see in the example of Christ that follows. He humbled Himself. He endured the sufferings of the cross for the sake of others. Paul says something similar in Romans 12:3: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
Modern psychology assumes people think too lowly of themselves. Scripture assumes the opposite: that people tend to be too self-centered and think too highly of themselves. The self-absorption may manifest in loud boasting or it may manifest in a self-loathing that draws attention in another way. Sober, sound thinking about ourselves simply sees it as it is. We accept the fact that we are work in process. There are flaws that still need correcting. But God is working on us and we are making progress toward a glorious destiny.
In verse 4 Paul gives a practical principle for managing conflict in our lives. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” In 1981 two Harvard professors wrote a book entitled Getting to Yes. It was a national bestseller. It is required reading in my classes. The book rests on this fundamental principle: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” I don’t know if these men were aware that Paul had taught this idea 2000 years before them. Their book transformed the way many corporate teams negotiated contracts. It’s always strange to me that people don’t have time to read the Bible, yet a book comes out like this and it is a booming success. Of course, Paul’s idea here rests upon the second great commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.
This is the key to godly relationships. All you have to do is die to self! That’s a costly process. It’s easier said than done. It requires us to take up our cross daily and deny ourselves.xv But it launches you into a whole new sphere in your relationships with others. The irony is that if we will lose our lives in that way, we will truly find them (Luke 9:24). When you have conflict with another person, consider the needs of that person as well as your own. Seek a win/win solution; you are far more likely to preserve the relationship and come to a lasting resolution.
So, in our text Paul bases his appeal on the love, mercy, and consolation we have received in Christ. Then he asks them to embrace a humble mindset that seeks one another’s wellbeing as well as their own. He then illustrates that with the example of Christ in verses 5-11. We will consider those verses more fully next time.
The question this leads to for you and me is: Do we have this mindset Paul is talking about in the text? Is this the way we think, especially toward one another? It is the key to godly relationships. May God lead us into that!
i All Scripture quotes, unless indicated otherwise, are from the New King James Version.
ENDNOTES:
ii For me economic advantages that may be offered to me by a party cannot supersede this social issue.
iii Brian D. McLaren, The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion Is Seeking a Better Way to Be Christian (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2016), 3. I deal with this more extensively in my book, Authentic Christianity: Studies in 1 John (Bloomington, IN: Westbow Press, 2019) 416.
iv McLaren, 9.
v While we do seek to influence the social system toward justice and righteousness, our primary task is to call individuals to repentance and right relationship with God. That is Paul’s emphasis in the New Testament. That is the primary emphasis in the Great Commission. Slavery (a serious social injustice) was widespread in the Roman Empire at that time. But we don’t see Paul’s time and energy consumed on changing that socio/economic system. He preached the gospel and the system is impacted by the spiritual transformation of many individuals.
vi A major problem in today’s discussion is failure to recognize the complexity of the issues. Often people are making assumptions about the motives behind the actions of others. Often curt statements are made in social media that only state one aspect of the issue being addressed. And often on both sides there is an absence of sincere search for the whole truth. I am impressed with the amount of insight Kelly Hamren communicates in this post: “Reflections from a Christian scholar on Social Justice, Critical Race Theory, Marxism, and Biblical Ethics,” June 24, 2020, No Walls Ministry. Accessed 6-29-20 at https://www.nowalls.us/blog/2020/6/24/reflections-from-a-christian-scholar-on-social-justice-critical-race-theory-marxism-and-biblical-ethics?fbclid=IwAR0jqjVxZPMQH8S0wV87mN2gcwyEcPWx1GhKq11kAlE_ZcMtS8sUB5OmJhw#.XvlRj3uod4M.facebook.
vii Prov. 18:24; John 13:1; Heb. Heb. 13:5.
viii Bruce Barton, Mark Fackler, Linda Taylor, and Dave Veerman, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1995) 50.
ix 1 Cor. 6:17; Eph. 4:3-4.
x Barton, et al. emphasizes the sensitivity believers should have toward one another’s needs. “’Tenderness’ refers to sensitivity to others’ needs or feelings: ‘compassion’ means feeling the sorrow of another person and desiring to help alleviate it. Such concern for one another unifies a body of believers.” Barton, et al., Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, 51.
xi Gordon Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament, N. B. Stonehouse, F. Bruce, G. Fee, and J. Green, eds. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995) 185.
xii It is commonly reported that when William Booth sent a telegram to encourage his officers on Christmas, it contained only one word: “others.” “William Booth’s Telegram.” Accessed 6-27-20 at https://williamboothtelegram.blogspot.com/.
xiii Matt. 22:39. See also Luke 10:25-37.
xiv Ezek. 28:17.
xv Luke 9:23.
