THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST OUR LORD (PHILIPPIANS 2)
A young man hired by a supermarket reported for his first day of work. The manager greeted him with a warm handshake and a smile, gave him a broom and said, “Your first job will be to sweep out the store.”
“But I’m a college graduate,” the young man replied indignantly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know that,” said the manager. “Here, give me the broom -- I’ll show you how.”
The Greek word “Lord” or kurie” is one of the most important words in the Bible. It occurs 717 times in the New Testament alone. It is the favorite title for Jesus. Jesus embraced the title more comfortably than the title “Son of man” (88x) or “Son of God” (47x) Further, NIV used the phrase “Lord Jesus” 102 times, 59 of 102 times for the phrase “Lord Jesus Christ.”
Why does the Bible call Jesus Lord? What has He done to qualify for this prominent and powerful title? Why is His lordship a personal declaration and commitment rather than a designated or formal title?
Let the Mind of Christ Be Manifest
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:1-11)
Many years ago many books and T-shirts and merchandises proudly display the slogan “WWJD,” or What Would Jesus do? Have you wondered, What Would Jesus Think? How do we think like Christ? What kind of person is Christ? What path did He take? What power is in His mind?
The first imperative in the chapter is “complete,” which is translated as fill (19x), be full (7x), complete (2x) and end (2x) in KJV. The above five - united with Christ, comfort from his love, common sharing in the Spirit, tenderness and compassion – the divine, vertical relationship and the personal internal strengths - are godly, gentle and good, but something is missing, which is the horizontal, mutual relationship.
The purpose is to be like-“minded” (phroneo), where we get the word schizo-“phrenic.” Phroneo is translated as think (5x), regard (4x), mind (3x) in KJV.
It means to be on the same page, same track or same wavelength, not sing a different tune or out of alignment, not in sync. The first two ways (participles) are having the same love, being one-in-spirit, one mind versus, others and above yourselves.
Three participles
having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind (v 2)
esteem other better than themselves (v 3) 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Same (autos) Others vs themselves (allelous “one another” vs heautou) Own (heautou) vs others (heterox)
The verb “attitude/mind” (v 5) is key in Philippians. It occurs eleven times in Philippians’ four chapters – one short of the 12 times in 16 chapters of Romans. Translating this word is clumsy. The same word has eight different translations in NIV: “feel” (Phil 1:7), “mind” (Phil 2:2, 3:19), “purpose” (Phil 2:2), “attitude” (Phil 2:5), “view” (Phil 3:15), “think” (Phil 3:15), “agree” (Phil 4:2), and “concern” (Phil 4:10, 4:10). The verb occurs more than the popular “rejoice” that occurs nine times in the book. It’s been said, Mindset is everything.
The verb “attitude” (phroneo) is surprisingly a verb and an imperative, not a noun or an afterthought. An imperative is for abiding and not for admiring, for acceptance and not for approval, and for appointment and not appeal. The whole passage from verses 5-11 is an extension of this imperative. The action “phroneo” is the verb form to the noun mind or “phren,” as in schizophrenia, a split in the mind. It occurs twice in this chapter, 11 times in the book (1:7, 2: 2 twice, 5, 3:15 twice, 16, 19, 4:2, 10 twice), more than any book in the Bible, even more than the popular “rejoice” verb that occurs nine times in the book!
The noun is the faculty (phren), but the verb (phroneo) is the function. It is the verb, not the noun, that deliberates, digests, determines, decides and directs things. The mind is more than the brain. It is mental, not physical. It is choice rather than cognitive. The brain is the shape; the mind is the soul. The mind is more than the brain; it is the preference, the perception and the participation. The word occurs eleven times in the book of Philippians, one short of the record in the book of Romans. It is bound to the context of disunity (Phil 2:2), discord and disagreement, as in the case of Euodias and Syntyche (Phil 4:2).
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Phil 2:8)
The first attitude worth our imitation is that Jesus did not consider setting aside equality to God the Father a grievance. The verb “grasp” (v 5 “harpagmos”) occurs only once in the Bible but it comes from the word “harpazo” means “snatch” (Matt 13:19, John 10:28, 29), “caught up” (2 Cor 12:2, 4, 1 Thess 4:17 , Jude 23, Rev 12:5) , “force” (John 6:15, Acts 23:10), “attack” (John 10:12), “took” (Acts 8:39). In simple terms, Jesus did not fuss, fret or fight over assuming or embracing the nature and form of man.
The second exemplary attitude of Christ is the verb “made himself nothing” in NIV or “empty” in NASB or RSV. They call this the “kenosis” theory, from the verb “kenoo” or “empty.” Jesus effectively relinquished or neutralized his full powers. In three other occurrences, this word has been translated as “no value” (Rom 4:14), “emptied” (1 Cor 1:17) and “deprive” (1 Cor 9:15).
Jesus became a “servant” (v 7) or “doulos,” not just a minister (diakonos) or a steward (oiketes). There is nothing more lowly than to be a servant. The doulos is a full-time slave, not a 9 to 5 attendant or butler. He is the lowest of low – he is not even a busboy, a dishwasher a floor-sweeper, a potato-peeler or a menial worker. The servant or slave had no rights, union or freedom. He does all things at all times under all conditions.
Paul distinguished Jesus’ nature (morphe) from his likeness or “homoioma” of man. One is His true identity; the other is His accepted role. Romans 8:3 says that God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.
The popular use of the word “lord” in Christianity is really a strange thing, because a lord is never nice, kind or lenient in ancient times.
The third attitude of Christ is that he humbled himself. The word “humble” (v 8) is to lower or lessen oneself. Others short themselves but no one wants or wishes to die for it. Jesus’ humility is very complex. His humility is not humiliation, which is the feeling of utter shame and dishonor. Humility imposed by others and realized by force is humiliation. The humility of Jesus is the same word for the humility of a child (Matt 18:4), the flattening of mountain and hill (Luke 3:5), and in Paul’s use in 2 Corinthians 11:7 with the word “myself” - “lower myself.”
The word “exalt” or “huperupsoo” is the only occurrence in the Bible, even though the shorter “hupsoo” occurs 20 times in the Bible. “Hupsoo” is mostly translated in NIV as “lift up” (Luke 1:52, 10:15, John 3:14, 8:28, 12:32, 12:34, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6). Jesus denounced Capernaum’s pride as “lifted up to the skies” (Matt 11:23) or “hupsoo,” but Jesus’ exaltation is “huper-upsoo,” “Huper-upsoo” means “exceedingly exalted,” with the additional huper or “hyper.” Jesus was greatly exalted, super-exalted, the utmost, the highest and the maximum exaltation ever, over and beyond the skies.
Not only was Jesus hyper-exalted, He was given an hyper-name. The word “huper” or “above” is used frequently in this passage to express in utmost terms what Jesus did, twice appended to another word and once by itself. The word “obey” (v 8) is “hupekoos” from two words “huper” – fourth “hyper”- and “akouo,” listening. So Jesus’ obedience means he was attentively or “hyper” listening. The second time the word appears is appended to the word “exalt,” or “huperupsoo.” The third time it stands by itself in verse 9 – the name “above” every name. Why is his name so special? Because He is super-humble and super-obedient. At the mention of his name, every knee should bow in heaven and one earth and under the earth. The heavens and firmaments will bow to him. The living and the dead will bow to him. Angels and demons will bow to him. The world is not enough. The universe is not enough. Those alive, those lifeless and the afterlife will bow to him. All that is in the earthly, the heavenly and the supernatural realms will bow to him.
The purpose or climax of the passage is in the adoration and acknowledgement of Christ - to bow and confess. The verb “bow” (v 10) occurs four times in the Bible. It is usually used in the context of worship (Rom 11:4, 14:11, Eph 3:14). Bowing means more than the act; it means total allegiance, unreserved commitment and sworn loyalty.
“Under the earth” is the third rare word in this passage besides “grasped” in verse 6 and “exalted” in verse 9. It means “under the ground,” alluding to the world of departed spirits.
The regular word for confess, “homologeo,” occurs 24 times in the Bible; “homo” means “together” and “logos” means “word.” This unusual and infrequent “confession” word or “exomologeo” has the added word “ek” (or “ex”), meaning “out.” So “exomologeo” meaning outpouring of words, whether grudgingly or heartily. For unbelievers it is not intentional but it is definitely not coerced. There will be positive outburst and pessimistic outcry at the outbreak of his name. Godly people and gloomy people will speak His name. It will be an optimistic day for some and ominous day for others. It will be a delightful day for believers but a depressing day for unbelievers. Many will rejoice and multitudes will regret. It will be a marvelous day for some and miserable day for others.
It is no coincidence that the first time the title “Lord Jesus” made its debut was at Christ’s resurrection (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:3) and about 100 times since in the Bible.
The word “all” occurs three times in the passage too – every name and every knee (v 9) and every tongue (v 10). There will be no exception or exemption, no excuse or explanation, and no escape or exclusion.
Jesus was born “Christ the Lord,” according to Luke 2:11, but now the Greek text ascribed to the resurrected Jesus the more personal and rightful title “Jesus our Lord.”
Let the Members of Christ Be Mature
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
There’s no vacation than my boss being on vacation.
I am currently unsupervised. I know, it freaks me out, too. But the possibilities are endless.
Sometimes when my boss is away, I like to add an extra two or three minutes to my extra two or three minutes lunch breaks.
There’s nobody in charge. It’s a complete free-for-all!
The verb “work out” your salvation (v 12) does not mean “work for” your salvation. Work out (katergazomai) is one of those fewer verbs that can be translated as “work out yourself” (middle voice) but is a deponent verb or active voice. It is contrasted to counter passivity, inactivity and apathy in Paul’s absence. Paul, nevertheless, explained with a “because” (v13 ) that God does it for his . Verse 13”s “will” and “act” (energeo) is purpose and power.
The imperative is “do” without grumbling or arguing in Paul’s absence. Like they say, “When the cats’s away, the mice will play.” As employees put it, “There’s no better vacation than when my boss being is on vacation.” Or, “I am currently unsupervised. The possibilities are endless.”
To will (thelo)
To act (energeo)
Purpose Power
Motivation Might
Grumbling and arguing (v 14) is different – the first is to yourself, the second is to others. One is internal, the other is external. Grumbling is complaining in an embarrassing, exhaustive and embittered manner. Grumble comes from the word “rumble,” which is a making a heavy, deep rolling sound. Other definitions include:
“to make a deep, heavy, somewhat muffled, continuous sound, as thunder.” (dictionary.com)
“to make a continuous low sound.” (Cambridge)
“make a continuous deep, resonant sound.” (Oxford)
Grumbling is the attitude, but arguing is with words. Arguing is with words, to dispute, disagree and defend. I’m not arguing; “I’m just explaining why I’m right.”
blameless (amemptos) and pure (akeraios) without fault (amomos)
Unfounded Unmixed Untrue Unchallenged
Fallible False Flawed
Decried Defiled Disgraced
Warped and crooked stands for curved (skolios) and corrupt (diastrepho) is twisted and turned generation, a bent and broken world, a rotten and rotated society. My cousin’s son once had scoliosis. His spine was curved sideway to a “S” or “C,” which makes breathing difficult. It occurs in 3% of youth between ten to 20 years old.
Let the Ministry of Christ Be Multiplied
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.1 love 2x
Employee Placement Method
Does your organization struggle with the problem of properly fitting people to jobs? Here is a handy hint for ensuring success in job placement.
Take the prospective employees you are trying to place and put them in a room with only a table and two chairs. Leave them alone for two hours, without any instruction. At the end of that time, go back and see what they are doing.
If they have taken the table apart in that time, put them in Engineering.
If they are counting the butts in the ashtray, assign them to Finance.
If they are screaming and waving their arms, send them off to Manufacturing.
If they are talking to the chairs, Personnel is a good spot for them.
If they are writing up the experience, send them to Tech Pubs.
If they don't even look up when you enter the room, assign them to Security.
If they try to tell you it's not as bad as it looks, send them to Marketing.
If they've left early, put them in Sales.
And if they're all bullying each other, they're Management material.
Paul and company have the mind of Christ. They key verb is “send,” which occurs four times (vv 19, 23, 25, 28). Paul too was unselfish. With all his medical needs, mental condition and mobility checked while in prison, Paul was concerned about himself but sent Timothy out to care for others. Paul’s concern was not for himself but to send Timothy out to care for the church in Ephesus and to send Epaprhoditus who was originally sent from the church in Ephesus .
Paul was confined but not the gospel. He had two students or mentees in his absence (v 12) exemplified the mind of Christ. Timothy and Epaphroditus were exceptional, excellent and extraordinary in their own way. In many ways they are coequals with Paul, which is a lot to say about them! Verse 20 “no one else like him” (v 20) is “no man likeminded” (Phil 2:20) and “no one else of kindred spirit” (NASU). Paul is saying he has no one but Timothy similar with him in thinking, teaching and temperament.
Timothy and Epaphroditus served in different capacities. Timothy showed genuine concern for your welfare (v 20), while Epaphroditus took care of Paul’s needs. Timothy was unselfish and understanding, considerate, caring and compassionate. Epaphroditus, on the other hand, was sacrificial, soft-hearted and supportive, to the point he was sick. The helper himself was helpless and needed help.
Paul’s had three ways to support his coworkers: build them up, bind them up, and back them up, not boss them around, bounce them around or burden them more. His sorrow is from knowing Epaphroditus was sick, sad and sidelined – sick, homesick and heartsick.
Welcome and honor are imperatives. The former “welcome” means wait (Mark 15:43), look (Luke 2:38), receive (Luke 15:2), allow (Acts 24:15), receive (Rom 16:2) and accept (Heb 11:35), but “honor” (entimos)means more – dear (Luke 7:2) and precious (1 Peter 2:4). The first is hospitality, room and acceptance, while the second is honor, respect and affection.
Conclusion: Jesus is the Lord of the harvest (Matt 9:38) and Lord of the Sabbath (Matt 12:8, Luke 6:5), the Lord of all (Acts 10:36, Rom 10:12) – the Jew and Gentile, the Lord of both the dead and the living (Rom 14:9), the Lord of peace (2 Thess 3:16), the Lord of the earth (Rev 11:4). He is our Lord Jesus Christ-their Lord and ours (1 Cor 1:2), but most of all he is “our Lord” and “our Lord Jesus,” “Jesus our Lord” and “Jesus Christ our Lord,” “Christ Jesus our Lord” and “Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Finally, in Revelation Jesus is no longer Lord or the Lord Almighty (James 5:4) but with three new names: “the King of Kings and the lord of lords” (Rev 17:14, 19:16), “the Lord God Almighty” (Rev 11:17, 15:3, 16:7, 19:6 - our Lord God Almighty, 21:22) and “the Lord God omnipotent” (Rev 19:6). He would not be meek and lowly, gentle and humble, the king of nice at His second coming.
Is Jesus your Savior? Is He the Lord of your life? Are you living your life for His glory? Are you ready for His coming? Is He coming for you?
