Joy Through Humility • Philippians 2:1-15
By Don Hicks
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 CSB). This is the suggested memory verse for this Biblical lesson on humility. The writers of our Sunday School study guides point out by the title they use for this lesson that Biblical humility will bring joy.
Learning God’s word by heart is always a rewarding accomplishment. The suggested memory verses in this study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians give us pointers on how to have joy in our lives.
The memory verse in the Joy in Prayer lesson last Sunday was Philippians 1:6: “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (CSB). In this verse, Paul answers the question of where real joy comes from with the truth that no matter what happens, Jesus will complete the good work He has begun in us.
As a matter of fact, Jesus’ work in us will be so complete that we can say with Paul: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 CSB). Even in adversity, we can find this deep and real joy. This can be true if we make our lifestyle, “For me, to live is Christ,” (Philippians 1:21a CSB).
Real joy is not a temporary, shallow emotion but a love gift from God Himself. Verses one and two in our focal passage this week tell us, “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love… make my joy complete… having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (CSB). That united spirit is explained in the next verse: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility” (CBS).
The challenge of this lesson is to find the true meaning of humility and how to gain it. We are certainly not humble if we expect to find it within our own resources and strength. Fortunately, God has given us His inspired Word, the Bible, and specifically Paul’s epistle to the believers in Philippi.
Paul gives us two paths to our understanding of the humility God desires to give us. One path consists of teachings and commands, and the other path is a real life example. While the example may be easier to understand and follow, the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to first give us the commands and teachings and then record the example.
Teachings or commands about humility:
— “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit…” (Philippians 2:3a CSB).
— “… but consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3c CSB).
— “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others” Philippians 2:4 (CSB).
The example of Christ Jesus, the only possible example of perfect humility.
— “… who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited” (Philippians 2:6 CSB).
— “Instead, he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant…” (Philippians 2:7a CSB).
— “… taking on the likeness of humanity” (Philippians 2:7b CSB).
— “And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7c-8 CSB).
Because of these acts of loving humility, Paul tells us: “For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9 CSB). This is a direct answer to the prophecy found in Isaiah 52:13. Isaiah 45:23 also deals with verse nine as well as verses 10-11 of our focal passage. Isaiah 45:23 promises, “Every knee will bow to me, every tongue will swear allegiance” (CSB).
The Message, a paraphrase of the Bible, Isaiah 45:22-23 reads:
So turn to me and be helped — saved!–
Everyone, whoever and wherever you are.
I am GOD,
The only God there is, the one and only.
I promise in my own name:
Every word of my mouth does what it says.
I never take back what I say.
Everyone is going to end up kneeling before me.
Everyone is going to end up saying to me,
‘Yes! Salvation and strength are in GOD!’
Paul tells us: “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose” Philippians (2:13 CSB).
Hicks is missions director for Jasper Association in Bay Springs. He may be contacted at donaldwhicks@gmail.com.
