Philippians 2:5–18 (May 26, 2025)

2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Footnotes

Philippians 2:5 Or which was also in Christ Jesus

Philippians 2:6 Or a thing to be held on to for advantage

Philippians 2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)

Summary

At the heart of Paul’s appeal to unity and humility stands the person and work of Christ. Verses 5–11 present what many believe to be an early Christian hymn, tracing Jesus’ journey from heavenly glory to obedient death on a cross, and then to His exaltation above every name. Paul commands believers to “have this mind” (v. 5), pointing to Jesus as both model and mediator of humility.

But this passage is not merely contemplative. In verses 12–18, Paul urges the Philippians to live out their salvation with holy reverence, remembering that it is God who works in them. Their gospel-witness should shine brightly in a dark world, marked by joyful obedience, blameless character, and a posture of holding fast to the Word of life.

Who Is God?

God is the exalted Lord who humbled himself to save and work in us.

“Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…” (2:6)

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…” (2:9)

In Jesus, we see the fullness of God's nature (Greek: morphē theou, μορφῇ θεοῦ), yet also the fullness of humility. He did not grasp after status but emptied Himself (ekenōsen, ἐκένωσεν)—a voluntary self-lowering, not of divinity, but of privilege. God then exalted Him with supreme honor. Our God is not only high and lifted up—He is the One who stooped to save and now empowers His people to live transformed lives.

What Is Our Guilt?

We resist obedience and grumble in the work of sanctification.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent…” (2:14–15a)

Paul’s call to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (v. 12) is not a contradiction of grace but a call to respond actively to it. The guilt he addresses here is our frequent resistance to God’s transforming work. Instead of joyfully obeying, we grumble. Instead of submitting to His will, we dispute. Our hearts resist both the pattern of Christ’s humility and the process of sanctification. The sin beneath our complaining is a failure to trust God's goodness.

How Does the Grace Shine?

Christ obeyed unto death so we might shine as "lights" in the world.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (2:5)

“…that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish… among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (2:15)

Paul doesn't merely say “imitate Christ”—he says this mindset is yours in Him. This is grace: we are not only saved by Christ’s obedience (v. 8), we are empowered by His indwelling Spirit to live in the same posture. We are not left to ourselves; God is at work in us (v. 13), enabling both desire and obedience. And as we live this out, we shine—not with our own brilliance, but reflecting the glory of the One who gave Himself for us.

Closing Prayer

O Lord,

In Christ, you humbled yourself in obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross. Therefore, we praise you, the exalted Name above every name, and we bow before your glory.

Forgive us for resisting your sanctifying work—for our pride, our grumbling, and our excuses.

Grant us your mind and your Spirit, that we may shine as lights in a dark world.

Help us to hold fast to your Word, to walk in joyful obedience, and to live lives that reflect your grace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.