From John F

Introduction to Philippians 2

Our “Midweek Bridge” reflections continue with the letter the apostle Paul wrote from prison to the church at Philippi – a letter full of joy and encouragement. For these next 3 weeks we are considering chapter 2. However well you know that, please take a few minutes to read it again.
As I pondered this chapter, I could see a theme running through it – LIVING TO SERVE. I was reminded of Graham Kendrick’s song about the Servant King. That hymn expresses the heart of Philippians 2, as we shall see.

Philippians 2:1-11: Living to Serve in the Church

What do you think of your fellow-Christians, particularly the ones who belong to your church (whether St Christopher’s or…)? We have different personalities, different temperaments, different interests, different gifts, different backgrounds and experiences. We are a mixed bunch! We find some people easy to get on with. Others “rub us up the wrong way”: we may dislike them and even try to avoid them.
Actually, every church is a “mixed bunch”! The Philippian church certainly was. So Paul urged them in vv1-4 to work at UNITY and HUMILITY. Their attitude to one another should be governed by the facts (v1). They had all received encouragement in Christ, comfort from his love, fellowship in the Spirit, affection and sympathy. Therefore (a) they should live in unity of love, spirit and purpose; and (b) they should humbly consider others more important than themselves, and not just look after their own interests.
Do we do that? Easier said than done! Paul knows that, so he goes on to write of the ultimate incentive – the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”(v5) If we claim to be Jesus-followers, this is fundamental, not optional.
The glorious verses 6-11 seem to be an early Christian liturgical hymn, which Paul himself may have composed.   They wonderfully summarise who Jesus Christ is and what he has done – his pre-existence, his incarnate life, his death, and his exalted status as Lord. (How about memorising them?) These truths should be the foundation of our attitude to one another. We are to live to serve.

In Graham Kendrick’s words: From heaven you came, helpless babe,
                                                Entered our world, your glory veiled;
                                                Not to be served, but to serve,
                                                And give your life, that we might live.
                                                This is our God, the Servant King.
                                                He calls us now to follow him,
                                                To bring our lives as a daily offering
                                                Of worship to the Servant King.


Category: The Bridge , Thought for the week