“complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil. 2:2).

In the last lesson, we saw Paul’s joy — even in his imprisonment — from his focus on the good news mission Jesus gave him (Phil. 1). In Philippians 2, he makes a case for focusing on others. He builds on Christ’s example and reveals a path to unity. Much of the world sees little value in putting others first, while Christians sometimes get mixed up about what true humility looks like. But the story of Christ transforms relationships, teaching us the servant’s way. First, let’s see why we should care about humility and Christian harmony, then learn to live it.

Why Do We Seek Harmony?

Can you find any good in your Christian relationships? Has anyone ever helped you through a rough patch, put an arm around you when you felt alone, or comforted you just by sitting with you? Have you ever felt a sense of fellowship with people serving the same Lord? If you answered yes to any of these, you understand the motivation to pursue unity in Christ. “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind” (Phil. 2:1-2). If we value these blessings, we’ll work to be like-minded. Unity, for unity’s sake, isn’t the goal. Rather, it’s our single-minded focus on the work of Jesus in this world (1:27). 

How Do We Seek Harmony?

This passage (Phil. 2:2-4) focuses on one central command —  to be “of the same mind” (Phil. 2:2). The rest of the paragraph explains what this likemindedness looks like. It requires “having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil. 2:2). A church “in full accord” is “harmonious … united in soul” (Strong’s). We must decide to see others “to be exceptionally valuable” (Louw-Nida) and to do “nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3).

Focusing only on our interests would selfishly divide us. Yet only focusing on others isn’t sustainable or realistic either.

The next thing we might expect the Lord to say is, “Look out only for others’ needs.” But instead, he says: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4). Focusing only on our interests would selfishly divide us. Yet only focusing on others isn’t sustainable or realistic either. Taking care of yourself is a part of serving others. As educator Parker Palmer explains, “Self-care is never a selfish act — it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.” When we prioritize others, we’ll stand “firm in one spirit” (Phil. 1:27).

What Does Humility Look Like?

Next, this great chapter gives us four real-life examples, beginning with the greatest others-focused life ever lived. We drift into self-centered thinking when we don’t — again and again — center ourselves in Christ. When the gospel defines our worldview, we learn to embody the humility Jesus showed.

Do you grasp what you think should be yours or empty yourself?

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant … he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:5-8).

We have the same two options as Jesus: to empty or grasp. Consider the way you listen to others, work with others, speak about others, and follow and lead others. Do you grasp what you think should be yours or empty yourself?

Jesus also shows the result of such humility. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). Paul applies words to Christ that only God could say: “Turn to me and be saved … I am God, and there is no other … To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance” (Is. 43:22-23; compare Phil. 2:10). God is both the gracious giver of his Son and the humble Servant who emptied Himself, obeying His Father on the cross. To understand your Creator, look to Jesus and learn to lower yourself like Him.

The chapter closes with three disciples who put the Philippians’ needs ahead of their own. Paul pours himself out for them (Phil. 2:17). Timothy is “genuinely concerned” for their “welfare” (Phil. 2:19-20). And Epaphroditus, their “messenger” and Paul’s “minister” (Phil. 2:25), longs for them. But he’s troubled — not because he was sick and nearly died for the work — but because they found out he was ill (Phil. 2:26-27). This trio of disciples exemplify the glory of Christ’s church, a people who (at our best) care more about others’ needs than our own.

To understand your Creator, look to Jesus and learn to lower yourself like Him.

How Do We Keep Growing?

Sometimes, students lose focus when the teacher steps out of the room. Paul urges the Philippians to take sober responsibility for their Christian walk in his “absence” (Phil. 2:12). You’ll need humility along with a healthy dose of “fear and trembling” as you “work out your salvation” because you need “God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). It’s a return to the idea that we must partner with God as he works to bring about our maturity and deliverance on the last day (Phil. 1:6, 9-11, 19, 25, 3:12-15).

Complaining is the opposite of finding joy in trials. Arguing is the opposite of creating unity amid conflict.

Like Israel, we can turn from the Lord through complaining, arguing, and immoral behavior (Phil. 2:14-16, 1 Cor. 10:1-13). Remember the source of all you accomplish and enjoy (cf. John 15:1-6; Deut. 8:18; Phil. 4:13). Philippians trains us for higher maturity, teaching us joy in trials and harmony in conflict. We could summarize the book’s theme in a simple command: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Phil. 2:14). Complaining is the opposite of finding joy in trials. Arguing is the opposite of creating unity amid conflict. Only when we move past these attitudes can we “shine as lights” in a dark, crooked world (Phil. 2:15-16).