Chapter 2:1-11

Outline

III          B. Appeal for unity 2:1-4

C. Christ: Our Example 5-11

Points of interest

Background:  This section is a continuation of the discussion that begins in 1:27. Here there are four motivations listed in verse one, followed by the desired result in verse two: unity. Verse three contains prohibitions on selfishness, while verse four exhorts us to place concern on the interests of others.  In chapter one, Paul is taking joy in spite of his suffering because his attention is focused on Christ.  Here, he is showing us how to do the same.

v. 1: Paul’s approach here, as in Ephesians and Colossians, is to place motivation before a requirement.  In doing so, he is not laying out a series of rigid rules to be followed, but rather reminding his readers of the benefits of their relationship with Christ, and assuming (correctly) that they will want to do certain things in response. Here, he sets out four motivations for good behavior: They who are “in Christ” have received comfort, love fellowship and tenderness and compassion. Note the use of the word “if”. If you have received these things, then you are a Christian, and no doubt will be encouraged to do what he says in verse 2.

v. 2: Here is the call for unity in the body of Christ.  Consider the way he puts it into words, and ask yourself how you measure up to the unity plea.

vv. 3-4: Again, he speaks of our priorities.  Selfish ambition (compare to those who preach from bad motives in chapter 1) always placing our own interests first (looking out for number 1) are not the ways we should behave as Christians; it is not the way Paul was behaving in jail, and it was not ever the way Jesus had behaved.  Putting others first; counting others as better than ourselves. This is true humility, and while it may run counter to modern cultural notions, and may even be counter-intuitive, it is how we are to behave like Christ: to become “like Him”.

vv. 5-11 This passage is a Christological statement unlike any other found in the New Testament: It is a major theological statement. Care must be used to not over indulge in theological pronouncements that exceed the context of this letter, as well as not to overly confine it to the letter.  It will be the major focus of our class discussion today.