In our study this morning we are made aware that self-centeredness was a problem that existed in the congregation in Philippi. (See also Philippians 4:2,3.) The Holy Spirit mentions words like strife and vainglory to describe the attitudes that existed within this local church (Philippians 2:3). The word strife speaks of selfish ambition, and vainglory speaks of serving Jesus with the wrong motive of self-exaltation. How important it is for us to understand that strife and vainglory are enemies of unity in The Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-3). The devil may be a liar, but even he knows that there is a particular blessing that God pours out upon brethren who dwell together in unity (Psalm 133; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
According to Paul, the key to unity is really two-fold. One, it is remembering the reality of the work of God in our lives (Philippians 2:1). And two, it is remembering the example of self-emptying humility of our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-8).
We are so prone to proclaim the glorious work of redemption that The Lord Jesus Christ has completed for us that we can completely miss the many examples of Christian living that He set for us to follow. Jesus ties His example of being a servant with the truth that He came to be a ransom for our sin (Mark 10:42-45). One cannot but be amazed at the time when Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth, humbled Himself and washed the feet of His disciples as an example of being a lowly servant (John 13:3-15). Thus, denying self in order to serve others, help others, and bless others is an example that Jesus has left us to follow.
To be a God-glorifying, Spirit-driven, Christ-exalting congregation, The Holy Spirit would say this to you and me: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Amen.
