Lesson 20

I.       Observation

A.     Outline

Appeal to strive together for the gospel (1:27-30)

Appeal to be like-minded (2:1-4)

Appeal to have the mind of Christ (2:5-11)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

Gospel, stand fast, one spirit, one mind, salvation, suffer, joy, like-minded, same love, one accord, one mind, lowliness of mind, humbled.

General Analysis

1.Stand fast in one spirit (1:27); having one mind (1:27; 2:2); having the same love (2:2); being of one accord (2:2); not doing anything out of selfish ambition or conceit (2:3); in lowliness of mind esteeming others better than ourselves (2:3); looking out for each other’s interests (2:4); having the mind of Christ (2:5).

II.    Segment Analysis

1.      The teachings on unity and obedience are all about conducts that are worthy of the gospel.

2.      Our conduct testifies to our message.

3.      Standing fast in one spirit; striving together with one mind; not terrified by our adversaries; being ready to suffer.

4.      The believers’ steadfastness and boldness for the faith of the gospel.

5.      The believers had previously witnessed how Paul was persecuted and imprisoned (e.g. Acts 16:16-24). Now they hear about his afflictions and chains (Phil 1:13, 16).

6.      Know that we are destined for suffering (1Thess 3:3; 1Pet 4:12). 2. Consider it a privilege and joy to suffer for Christ because we share in the sufferings of Christ and such sufferings are beneficial to our faith (Jas 1:2-4; 1Pet 1:6,7; 4:12,13).

7.      The consolation in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, and affection and mercy enable Christians to become one. What all believers have in common is that they have all received God’s grace and have been brought into God’s household (cf. 1Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:11-18; 4:1-16). It is God who makes unity among believers possible, and it is His Spirit that binds us together. Thus, God’s grace and love serve as the basis and motivation of unity.

8.      Selfish ambition and conceit, resulting in power-struggle, division, slander, judging others, stubbornness, jealousy, etc.; 2. Being self-seeking, resulting in inconsiderate words and actions that hurt others.

9.      Love, affection, mercy, lowliness of mind, looking out for others’ interests.

10.  The Lord Jesus willingly laid aside His glory and humbled Himself. He became a servant (Mk 10:45). He was obedient to the point of death (Mk 14:36). We should likewise forsake our selfish ambitions and serve one another with a heart of submission.

11.  In terms of Christ’s humility, the hymn describes the descent of Christ from the glorious God to a sinner on the cross: Being in the form of God > did not consider equality with God something to be grasped (NIV) > made Himself of no reputation > coming in the likeness of men > taking the form of a bondservant > humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death > even the death of the cross.

12.  In terms of His exaltation, the hymn finds its climax in the lordship of Christ: Therefore God also has highly exalted Him > and given Him the name which is above every name > that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth > and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord > to the glory of God the Father.

13.  The phrase “made Himself of no reputation” in verse 7 is literally “Himself He emptied.” Unity is not possible without denying and emptying ourselves. To achieve unity, we must be ready to forsake our personal rights, interests, and pride. Only then can we serve one another in true humility.

14.  It was His great love for us that brought Jesus to this world to die on the cross (Jn 3:16; 15:13; Rom 5:6-8; Gal 2:20; Eph 5:25; 1Jn 3:16). Likewise, our love for our brothers and sisters also compels us to put aside all selfish ambition and conceit, consider others better than ourselves, and look out for the interests of others.