EXAMPLES OF THE GOSPEL'S RECONFIGURATION OF HONOR In 2.1-4.7: Specific examples of Jesus (2.6-11), Timothy and Epaphroditus (2.19-3.1a) and Paul himself (3.1b-4.1a) express the frame of mind Paul commends before he exhorts the Philippians toward unity in the church (4.1b-7).
Read Philippians 2.1- 11.In 2.1-4: the proper mind. The Philippians must seek true honor, not their own glory. In verse 1; If there is any encouragement in Christ ... not an expression of doubt but a call for consideration. In verse 2: Make my joy complete, that is, more joy than he already has despite difficult circumstances; an appeal based on the common benefits he and his audience share as believers. In verse 3: Self-centered ambition seeks to elevate one's own status (1.15, 17); conceit, "empty glorying" is an improper motive when the goal of life is the "glory" of God (1.11; see 4.20). In verses 6-11: A hymn on Jesus' unselfish disposition. It is unclear whether Paul composed this hymn himself or is quoting it. the example of Jesus is central to the message he brings the Philippians, Just as Jesus is described as a slave (v. 7), so are Paul and Timothy (1.1; 2.22). Just as Jesus summitted to the point of death (v. 8), so Epaphroditus moved "close to death" (2.30) for the sake of others and to God's glory redefines conventional views of honor which persons compete fiercely to gain more favor than their peers. Comments or Questions..
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