Prior to the incarnation, Christ was in the form of God (Gk. In view of the myriad theological questions that arise in these verses, it is critical to keep two things in mind: (1) these verses were written not to spur Christians to theological debate but to encourage greater humility and love and (2) the summary of Christ’s life and ministry found here is not unique: the same themes are evident throughout the New Testament. It is just as likely, however, that Paul composed the hymn for this setting. Philippians 2:6–11 have some clear indications of poetic structure, leading some to believe that this is a pre-Pauline hymn adapted by Paul. Jesus is the paradigm of genuine spiritual progress: not a self-aggrandizing struggle for supremacy, but a deep love for God and neighbor shown in deeds of service. Paul wrote this magnificent theology to encourage the Philippians to consider other people’s interests first. This passage is often referred to as the “hymn of Christ.” Paul depicts Christ’s example of service in a stirring poem that traces his preexistence, incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God. Such radical love is rare, so Paul proceeds to show its supreme reality in the life of Christ (Phil. The key is to take that same level of concern and apply it also to the interests of others. Paul realizes that everyone naturally looks out for his or her own interests. Such conceit (lit., “vainglory”) is countered by counting others more significant than yourselves. There is always a temptation to be like Paul’s opponents in Philippians 1:17 and operate in a spirit of selfish ambition, looking to advance one’s own agenda. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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, being born in the likeness of men. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3–8 Read the Passageĭo nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. But as long as people exalt themselves, God will not exalt them. Returning to the theme emphasized in James 4:6, it is the humble whom God will exalt (cf. The only proper reaction to God’s impending judgment is to be wretched and mourn and weep, as is seen often in the Old Testament (e.g., Isa. Laughter shows how casually James’s readers were treating their sin.
“Cleanse” and “purify” are Old Testament terms for ritual purity (e.g., the priests at the bronze basin, Ex. Satan will be defeated and will have to flee, as indeed he did from Christ (Luke 4:13).
The only way to resist the devil is by also submitting and drawing near to God (cf. “God opposes” means he resists and sends judgment, for the proud have chosen the praise and the methods of the world and are acting as God’s enemies (James 4:4).
God’s grace will be extended to those who are humble before him cf. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. James 4:6–10 Read the Passageīut he gives more grace. This article is part of the Key Bible Verses series.
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