Philippians 2

Philippians 2:1 - rhetorical question, yes indeed. A question made but not intended for an answer to be expected. It is mostly just stating a fact. This is what Paul does in this verse! Paul reminds the reader that THERE IS: consolation in Christ, that THERE IS comfort of love, that THERE IS fellowship of the Spirit, that THERE IS affection and mercy. Believers are united because God's Holy Spirit lives in them. Philippians 2:2 - work together for one purpose Philippians 2:3 - See Luke 9:23, letting go of selfishness is hard, but not impossible. Pray for God to help you if this is one of your struggles; honestly I think it is a struggle for all believers :) Philippians 2:4 - There is a balance! Yes, you can look out for yourself at times, but consider others and their interests as well. Consider the example of Jesus, He thought of us above all the suffering He took for our good. Philippians 2:5 - Think like Christ Jesus did... Philippians 2:6 - Jesus here is called God, plain and simple. And Jesus, did not think pityfully on Himself when He let go of living in heaven and being served by angels day and night when He came down to Earth Philippians 2:7 - We are so concerned about our reputation. What others will think of us, but Jesus cared less and came to Earth and became a bondservant, looking and experiencing life as a human Philippians 2:8 - If all this was not enough, Jesus comes to Earth and HUMBLES Himself. If you think about it, He is the ONLY ONE that should never be in this position, but be exalted at all times, yet He humbles Himself (shows self control, sovereignty - knowing why He was going to endure all this for, much love, values, etc) and obeys! If Jesus obeyed, why don't we? He obeyed even though it cost Him His life. See Hebrews 12:2 - it tells us how Jesus was able to do all this! Also says that nobody has suffered for sin like Jesus did. Philippians 2:9 - There is a promise for those who humble themselves before God. See Mathhew 23:12, 1 Peter 5:6 and James 4:10. Philippians 2:10 - Every knee ... have you bowed your knees before God? how about your heart? Philippians 2:11 - Every tongue... no excuses! Everyone will somehow or another recognize that Jesus Christ is Lord, whether they admit it or not; whether here on Earth or in God's presence, the only difference is that those who do not believe and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior here on Earth will not only do so in His presence but then with that truth have to go to hell and suffer knowing that they had the opportunity to not only confess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior but get to know His love for them on Earth and forever in heaven. All of this brings glory to God the Father! Philippians 2:12 - Because of all that we have reviewed in the previous verses, love for one another united by the Holy Spirit of God and the example of obedience, humility and love in Christ Jesus, we are to produce much fruit! Yes, your salvation should produce fruit! Because you love God you should produce fruit! Philippians 2:13 - Ever wonder why you want to do something for God and then you do it? God puts it in you! Its all Him. Why? Because it pleases Him... ps: remember there are blessings for those who serve God. Philippians 2:14 - This is hard, I know, but its a commandment! Pray if you need to for help in this. Philippians 2:15 - To become blameless and harmless is a process. It takes time. Remember Philippians 1:6. It is not that we are sinless, but we do sin less. This difference will shine like a light in this world of darkness and evil. Be different from this world to be a difference! Philippians 2:16 - What should you hold on to? The Word of God. Doing so will ensure you run the race and win! Jesus did give you victory already, but if you are distracted, discouraged, etc in this world and you dont hold on to the Truth in His Word, then you might consider walking away from your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior and that would lead you to eternal death in hell. Philippians 2:17 - Sometimes serving others might feel like they are pouring the life out of you, but remember, all that you do you do in service and for the glory of God, so it is as if you were pouring your life at Jesus' feet, like an offering pleasing to God. Service to others should come to you in gladness and joy.See 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 123:1-2, Matthew 25:35-40. Philippians 2:18 - A call to serve those who already serve God, and do it with joy and gladness. Philippians 2:19 - Jesus was in control of when Paul or Timothy or any of their co-workers in defending the faith would go visit those in Philippi or other places. Have you asked Jesus to be Lord of that too in your life? Everywhere you go? See Psalm 139, 139:3*. Philippians 2:21 - Paul says that Timothy does not seek for himself when considering visiting the church in Philippi, but he does take upon Christ Jesus' attitude, mind, and heart when visiting them. Philippians 2:22 - Nobody needs to tell of your character, your character will speak for itself. Philippians 2:25 - Sometimes not everyone can go and help a servant of God so they send off one of them only, and in this case it was Epaphroditus. Pray that you too, be a fellow soldier and fellow servant of God. Philippians 2:26 - Distressed, when someone is sick in the church, do you feel for them? pray for them? visit them and make sure they are ok? Philippians 2:27 - God having mercy. God is in control of how and when we die. God here spared the life of Epaphroditus and Paul says that it was God's mercy on them both so that Epaphroditus didn't die and that Paul, being in jail, would not have to suffer the death of his friend while in jail. Philippians 2:28 - Paul sends Epaphroditus back to Philippi, so that the church rejoices in seeing him healed and well and this joy of the church will then make Paul happy. Are you happy when other believers are happy? Philippians 2:29 - "in the Lord" ... giving praise to God for sparing Epaphroditus' life and sending him to visit them. Paul also says to hold these type of servants of God in esteem, meaning that we should help them, serve them and encourage them Philippians 2:30 - Here we see that Epaphroditus follows Jesus' example of not valuing his life before the call God makes in his life. We are to do what God calls us to do, even if it makes us come close to death or even death. For Epaphroditus, his call was to serve Paul (remember Matthew 25:35-40), what is your call? Ask God in prayer if you don't know, and if you do know, obey like Jesus did. See Philippians 2:5-8.