January 15, 2026
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Philippians 2:1-4
If you have encouragement in Christ and fellowship in the Spirit, then be of the same mind, have the same love, be in full accord; do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves and look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.
One of the first things we notice in our reading above is that humility in Philippians is communal and practical, it is through self-giving that unity and joy are built up. Paul, as we have noticed in other devotions this week, links inner encouragement from Christ to outward behaviors: shared mind, shared love, and mutual concern. This is rooted in the example of Christ later in Philippians chapter 2. Here in vs 1-5 the call is to think of others first as a mark of Christian maturity.
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
If you have encouragement in Christ and fellowship in the Spirit, then be of the same mind, have the same love, be in full accord; do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves and look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.
One of the first things we notice in our reading above is that humility in Philippians is communal and practical, it is through self-giving that unity and joy are built up. Paul, as we have noticed in other devotions this week, links inner encouragement from Christ to outward behaviors: shared mind, shared love, and mutual concern. This is rooted in the example of Christ later in Philippians chapter 2. Here in vs 1-5 the call is to think of others first as a mark of Christian maturity.
Why does this matter? Why this emphasis on self givng? The answer is that pride fractures communities; humility restores them. When the community of Jesus followers count others more significant, relationships become places of grace rather than competition.
Here is how the apostle Paul continues in Philippians 2:
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Do you see the example Jesus showed us? It’s not a “do as I say” command, but a “do as I did” invitation and calling from Him. Jesus turns the idea of greatness upside down, showing that it’s about humble, selfless service instead of chasing status or power. Living with His mindset means looking out for others, being open and vulnerable, and trusting God to lift you up instead of promoting yourself. True biblical humility is about serving others while trusting God to set things right.
Notice, what results from Jesus' willing obedience and how God responds,
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Let's Pray
Lord, give me the mind of Christ: to value others, to set aside selfish ambition, and to serve in love. Teach me to look beyond my interests and to build unity for Your glory. Amen.
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Let's Pray
Lord, give me the mind of Christ: to value others, to set aside selfish ambition, and to serve in love. Teach me to look beyond my interests and to build unity for Your glory. Amen.
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