Philippians 2:1-4: Unity Through Humility

In this week’s passage, Paul continues his call for unity among believers. He provides three reasons we should be one, what Christian unity looks like, and the means to achieve it.

Reasons for unity

“So if there is any encouragement from Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, and affection or sympathy…”

Paul previously told the Philippians to be one while striving and suffering for the gospel because together, we are stronger. Now he provides another powerful incentive for pursuing unity: Christ.

Jesus said in his high priestly prayer, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20-23)

Unity among believers matters to Jesus; therefore, it should matter to us. Not only because we care about our Master’s desires but also because of all the benefits He has given us.

First, we have encouragement and comfort from Christ. The Greek word for encouragement is paraklesis, and it means “calling to one’s aid” or “a call done by someone close beside.” Comfort is paramythion, and it’s only used once in the NT. It means “gentle cheering,” or “consolation produced by using soothing words or actions.” Jesus loves us and gives us eternal comfort and encouragement (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). He promised not to leave us comfortless (John 14:18) and continues to care for us through his ongoing intercession in heaven (Hebrews 7:25).

Second, we have participation in the Spirit. The Greek word for participation is koinonia, and it means fellowship, something shared. Believers are joined through our faith in Christ by the Spirit of Christ. The same Spirit that dwells in me dwells in you, and in Him we have an unbreakable bond. Hence, the person and work of the Holy Spirit should motivate us to be one. As Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Last, we have affection and sympathy from Christ through His Spirit. The Greek word for affection means “deep emotions from within,” and the Greek word for sympathy means “a deep feeling about someone’s difficulty or misfortune.” Christ has poured His love and compassion in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.

Therefore, since we have received the tender encouragement and comfort of Christ, rejoiced in His fellowship through the Spirit, and experienced the sweetness of His love and grace, can’t we strive to be one as He wants?

A picture of unity

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Paul had a close relationship with the Philippians, and they loved each other dearly. So he urged them to be one also for his sake. When Paul wrote this epistle, he was under house arrest waiting for a life or death verdict. Despite his dire circumstances, Paul was more grieved by the Philippian’s discord than his own sufferings. So he asked them to be at peace to complete his joy, to render it to full measure. And here is how they should be united.

First, by having the same mind. This means agreeing together, cherishing the same views, or thinking the same way. It doesn’t mean believers should be a monolith; rather, we should work despite our differences in harmony towards the same goal. It’s about unanimity rather than uniformity.

Second, by having the same love. Believers ought to love one another in the same manner and show no partiality (James 2:1). This love comes with knowledge, discernment, and testing, so it’s not a prescription to look over wrongdoing for the sake of unity.

Last, by being of full accord. This phrase in Greek means “closely united in soul,” and it refers to people who have the same desires, passions, and ambitions. Hence believers should be knit together by our shared love for Christ, passion for doing His will, and aim to bring Him glory.

The means to unity

“Do nothing from selfish ambitions or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest but also to the interests of others.”

Now that we have reasons to pursue unity and know what it looks like, Paul concludes by providing the means to achieve it. And that’s humility.

Humility means lowliness of mind; it’s “having a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness.” Humans are all equal as image-bearers of God. However, Paul wants us to surrender our equality by treating others as more important than us. He is not calling believers to self-deprecate but to elevate others. As this quote wrongly attributed to C. S. Lewis says, “humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”

Paul provides two practical ways to promote unity through humility.

First, we should do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit. The Greek word for selfish is erithea, and it means work done for hire or only for one’s gain; it’s placing one’s self-interest ahead of others. Conceit means vain glory or empty pride; it is “a state of pride without basis or justification.” It’s glory based on nothing that comes to nothing. Paul warns against these things because they lead to strife.

James 3:16 says, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” And Galatians 5:26 says, “let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” What we should do instead is to “love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10).

Second, we should look to the interests of others. Note we are to look to other’s interests in addition to our own. Paul isn’t saying we should neglect our business for the sake of others; we are all stewards, and one day God will judge our stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30). But we should also look out for the interest or welfare of others. If something benefits us while impairing others, we should be humble and give it up.

Paul wants believers to submit willingly to one another and be humble towards one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). He is our supreme example of humility; He did not cling to his equality with God but willingly relinquished it and humiliated himself for the sake of sinners.

Heart check

I have been grieved at the vitriol I see among professing Christians on social media, especially since COVID19 and the US elections. Believers are constantly fighting one another, calling each other names, or canceling one another. You wouldn’t even think we are brothers and sisters by our behavior and polarization.

Besides being a poor witness to Christ, our strife goes against His will and commands in the Scripture (). Our unity is dear to Jesus’ heart, and it should also be precious to us. We must make every effort to pursue unity and peace and work in harmony for the glory of Christ despite our differences of opinions. What unites us in Christ is greater than what divides us in the world.

This, of course, doesn’t mean we should compromise on the gospel or accept heresy for the sake of being one. Biblical unity is founded on the truth, nothing more, nothing less.

What are your thoughts on this week’s study? Share in the comments below!

Recommended resources

• The Motives for Spiritual Unity — John MacArthur
• The Marks of Spiritual Unity—John MacArthur
• The Means of Spiritual Unity—John MacArthur
• Finding the Right Hills to Die On – Gavin Ortlund

Next study

Readings

Read and study Philippians 2:5-11

Memorization

I encourage you to memorize the entire passage (Philippians 2:5-11), even if you aren’t doing the memory challenge. It’s a beautiful hymn about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Questions for reflection

• How did Christ humble himself? What does Paul mean by “emptied Himself?”
• How does Christ’s example of humility affect your worship?
• How can you adopt Christ’s humble attitude in your life?
• The way to unity is through humility. What can you learn from Christ’s humble example to promote unity with other believers?

  Grace and peace to you!