Like Jesus – Living Low, Aiming High Part-6, Philippians 2: 1-11.
To live like Jesus is to live in a way that brings glory to His name while encouraging others. Mark explains his 6th post in the series.
Living Low – Aiming High
Welcome to Part 6 of the series Lessons from Philippians: What Really Matters. This episode is titled Like Jesus – Living Low, Aiming High, based on Philippians 2:1–11. I am reading from the New Living Translation.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1–11
Chapter 2 of Philippians opens with Paul posing four thought-provoking questions—each one worth reflecting on for anyone who has placed their trust in Jesus as Savior:
- Are you encouraged by the truth that you belong to Christ?
- Do you draw comfort from the assurance of His love for you?
- Is the fellowship you experience with other believers marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit?
- Is there authentic love and mutual care among you?
Gratitude
The first two questions invite us to reflect on our personal gratitude for what Christ has done, while the latter two prompt us to examine our perspective toward fellow believers. Our love for Christ and our love for others is inseparably linked, and should be mutually expressed.
Paul underscores the essential role of unity in the local church: unity in Christ, unity with one another, and unity in shared mindset and purpose.
Our identity as those who belong to Christ becomes the lens through which we view every area of life, especially our relationships within the church and the fellowship we share with other believers.
How we relate to others and how we view ourselves are vital aspects of our lives. Loving others, giving of ourselves, being sensitive to the needs around us, and helping to meet those needs form a lifestyle that allows our church fellowships, communities, and personal relationships to thrive. Every believer in Christ must recognize that living life in Him means people matter— deeply.
Putting Yourself Out There
Introversion or withdrawing from others is not a healthy way to strengthen a group. As difficult or awkward as it may be for some, “putting yourself out there” to connect and seize opportunities to serve is essential.
In verses 3 to 5, Paul highlights the ideal mindset a Christian should have—one that reflects the attitude of our Lord Jesus, who is our example. The Apostle Peter echoes Paul’s sentiments:
…just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21
Verses 6–11 from our text, is often cited as one of the most powerful passages in Scripture, revealing the depth of Jesus’ sacrificial love and the great stoop He made for us. Paul describes how Jesus, though fully God, humbly lowered Himself for our sake.
Don’t Be Selfish
Verses three and four say,
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Whenever we find ourselves being selfish, boastful, or prioritizing our own interests, we should remember Jesus, who is the holy contrast to our sinfulness. If He, who didn’t have to humble Himself, did so, how much more should we, who are so undeserving of His love, submit to a change in our temperament.
What Can we Learn?
What Can we Learn from Jesus’ attitude?
Every right behavior He displayed stands in contrast to our selfish pride.
- Humility in Identity
In verse 6, Paul writes that although Jesus was God, He didn’t enter the world flaunting His divinity—quite the opposite. He chose to suppress it. While it was important for people to know He was God, His greater mission was to identify with humanity.
How often do we try to elevate ourselves above others?
- Leaving Glory Behind
Jesus came to earth, leaving behind all the glories of heaven, everything He was in eternity remained unseen in this world: His power, the continual worship He received, and the absolute splendor of every moment there.
Could we step back from our own achievements and embrace humility?
- The Great Stoop
He went even lower; He was born. All His vastness was reduced to a single microscopic cell, growing within a womb and experiencing the stress and discomfort of birth. In this humility, Paul likens His earthly status to that of a slave—not a life of luxury or rest, but one of selfless service for the good of others.
We, who once didn’t exist, spend our brief lives striving to become more than we are. Yet the God of the universe chose to forsake His rights, how much more should we?
- Submission and Obedience
Colossians 1:16,17 tells us that Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Yet He subjected Himself to the very laws and forces He designed. Though He had the power to override them, He chose not to, except in rare, miraculous moments. He surrendered His authority and heavenly status to live in obedience and please His Heavenly Father.
How often do we resist being told what to do? Are we willing to simply obey, as He did?
- Enduring Injustice
If Jesus hadn’t stooped low enough already, the final example of His attitude we’re called to follow is His willingness to suffer and accept humiliation and injustice. Though innocent, He was falsely accused, judged, condemned, and executed; treated like a criminal, yet He never defended Himself.
In a world obsessed with justice, personal rights, and fairness, Jesus showed us a different way. He didn’t seek vindication from people, and neither should we. Our reputation and standing should be rooted in God, not in human approval. When we’re mistreated, our peace comes from knowing that God sees and knows all. If the world rejects us, may it never steal the joy of knowing we are received by Him.
Heirs of His Glory
The Savior of the world descended to depths we cannot fathom. No one can claim such humility; His is truly unmatched and beyond comparison.
In verses 9–11, Paul dramatically shifts our focus to Christ’s current and eternal exaltation, granted because of His perfect ministry and humble attitude.
What does this mean for us? Scripture offers a glorious promise: if we share in His humility now, we will share in His glory later.
…together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17
In addition Peter instructs us,
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6
May the Holy Spirit transform our hearts, shaping our attitudes to reflect Christ’s. May we be conformed to His example, recognizing that descending the ladder in humility is far more glorious than ascending it in pride.
What does it take to live like Jesus? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Leave a Reply