Living Like Christ: A Study of Philippians 2:1-13
A study of Philippians 2:1-13, focusing on unity, humility, and obedience.
1. Cultivating Christ-like Attitudes
1.1 The Call to Unity
Verses: Philippians 2:1-2
- Paul urges the Philippians to cultivate unity and avoid selfish ambition.
- True unity stems from a shared love and purpose in Christ.
1.2 The Importance of Humility
Verses: Philippians 2:3-4
- Humility is demonstrated by considering others as more important than oneself.
- It involves looking out for the interests of others, not just our own.
2. The Example of Christ's Humility and Obedience
2.1 Christ's Humiliation
Verses: Philippians 2:5-7
- Christ, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
- He emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
2.2 Christ's Obedience
Verses: Philippians 2:8
- Christ humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
- This act of obedience demonstrates the depth of His love and sacrifice.
3. God's Exaltation of Christ
3.1 Christ's Exaltation
Verses: Philippians 2:9
- Because of Christ's obedience, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.
- This name signifies His authority and power.
3.2 Universal Acknowledgment of Christ's Lordship
Verses: Philippians 2:10-11
- At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
- Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
4. Living Out Our Salvation
4.1 Working Out Your Salvation
Verses: Philippians 2:12
- We are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
- This is not earning salvation, but living out the salvation already received through grace.
4.2 God's Work in Us
Verses: Philippians 2:13
- It is God who works in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
- Our efforts are empowered by God's grace and guided by His purpose.