Phlippians 2:1-4
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Phlippians 2:3
Click to read
In Philippians 1:27, Paul calls believers to “stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Then, in 2:1–4, he goes deeper to explain that this kind of unity is not built on human effort or external structures, but flows from the life we share in Christ.
In verse 1, Paul highlights four foundations of unity: “encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy.” In other words, unity is not because we share similar personalities or backgrounds, but because we all share in Christ’s encouragement. His love motivates us, the Spirit enables fellowship, and compassion and love help us to accept one another.
Therefore, Paul urges the Philippian church to be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” This “same” does not mean everyone must think and act alike, but that we share a common focus of furthering the gospel and Christ’s mission. True unity doesn’t erase differences, but it transcends them, bringing us together under one Lord and one calling.
But the greatest enemy of unity is not usually external. It is pride and selfish ambition within us. Paul warns: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Human nature gravitates toward self-centeredness, recognition, and comparison, even in ministry! We may unconsciously measure ourselves against others, asking who contributes more or has greater influence. Yet Christ shows us a better way: “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (v. 7). He accomplished redemption through humility and self-giving. Likewise, the unity of the church requires each believer to lay down self-interests and walk in humility.
As Missions Emphasis Sunday approaches, this passage gives us a vital reminder. Missions is not the task of a few, but the calling of the whole church. To labour side by side for the gospel, what we need most is not individual talent or clever strategies, but unity and humility in Christ. If jealousy, comparison, or division take root, our witness will be weakened. But if we stand together for the gospel by supporting, complementing, and building one another up, we will display Christ’s love to the world.
Unity itself is a witness to the gospel. How will the world see Christ? It is through a people willing to lay down their lives, to walk together in His name. As we enter Missions Emphasis Sunday, may we not only focus on events or outcomes, but also on learning unity, practising humility, and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and His mission.
Reflection:
Among brothers and sisters in the church, do I often think of myself as better than others? When serving in ministry, am I willing to work together with those who work differently or have differing views from me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life on the cross, leaving us the perfect example of humility and obedience. Please remove pride and self-centredness from my heart, and help me to preserve the unity You have given us. May Foochow Methodist Church live out the vision of “One Family in Christ”, striving side by side for the gospel. Let the world see Your glory through our unity. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Click to read
In Philippians 1:27, Paul calls believers to “stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Then, in 2:1–4, he goes deeper to explain that this kind of unity is not built on human effort or external structures, but flows from the life we share in Christ.
In verse 1, Paul highlights four foundations of unity: “encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy.” In other words, unity is not because we share similar personalities or backgrounds, but because we all share in Christ’s encouragement. His love motivates us, the Spirit enables fellowship, and compassion and love help us to accept one another.
Therefore, Paul urges the Philippian church to be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” This “same” does not mean everyone must think and act alike, but that we share a common focus of furthering the gospel and Christ’s mission. True unity doesn’t erase differences, but it transcends them, bringing us together under one Lord and one calling.
But the greatest enemy of unity is not usually external. It is pride and selfish ambition within us. Paul warns: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Human nature gravitates toward self-centeredness, recognition, and comparison, even in ministry! We may unconsciously measure ourselves against others, asking who contributes more or has greater influence. Yet Christ shows us a better way: “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (v. 7). He accomplished redemption through humility and self-giving. Likewise, the unity of the church requires each believer to lay down self-interests and walk in humility.
As Missions Emphasis Sunday approaches, this passage gives us a vital reminder. Missions is not the task of a few, but the calling of the whole church. To labour side by side for the gospel, what we need most is not individual talent or clever strategies, but unity and humility in Christ. If jealousy, comparison, or division take root, our witness will be weakened. But if we stand together for the gospel by supporting, complementing, and building one another up, we will display Christ’s love to the world.
Unity itself is a witness to the gospel. How will the world see Christ? It is through a people willing to lay down their lives, to walk together in His name. As we enter Missions Emphasis Sunday, may we not only focus on events or outcomes, but also on learning unity, practising humility, and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and His mission.
Reflection:
Among brothers and sisters in the church, do I often think of myself as better than others? When serving in ministry, am I willing to work together with those who work differently or have differing views from me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life on the cross, leaving us the perfect example of humility and obedience. Please remove pride and self-centredness from my heart, and help me to preserve the unity You have given us. May Foochow Methodist Church live out the vision of “One Family in Christ”, striving side by side for the gospel. Let the world see Your glory through our unity. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.