Philippians 1:27 – 2:18

Philippians 1

Stand Firm

²⁷ Just conduct yourselves in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or am absent, I may hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, contending together with one soul for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ not frightened in any way by the adversaries. This is a sign for them of their destruction and of your salvation, and that from God. ²⁹ For it has been graciously granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ having the same kind of struggle that you saw I was in, and that you now hear I am still experiencing.

Live in Harmony

Philippians 2

¹ So if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility consider one another better than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look carefully not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Jesus Humbled Himself

⁵ Indeed, ^[1] let this attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. ⁶ Though he was by nature God, ^[2] he did not consider equality with God as a prize to be displayed, ^{[3] 7} but he emptied himself by taking the nature ^[4] of a servant. When he was born in human likeness, and his appearance was like that of any other man, ^{[5] 8} he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

¹² So then, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you, but also now much more in my absence, continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ In fact, it is God who is working in you, both to will and to work, for the sake of his good pleasure. ¹⁴ Do everything without complaining and arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish among a crooked and perverted generation. You shine among them like lights in the world, ¹⁶ as you hold on to ^[6] the word of life. Then I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I continue to be glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, also be glad and rejoice with me.