Intro:

As we have seen in chapter one, Paul the Apostle was a single minded man. Paul had his priorities in order in his life. Although the circumstances in which Paul writes this book are certainly not ideal, we see a man who nut Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Grace, first; others, second; and himself, last. Paul is a great example to us all and in chapter two, Paul presents to us The Submissive Mind. Paul uses four examples: Jesus, Himself, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Key phrases: "lowliness of mind" (vs. 3) "Let this mind be in you... (vs. 5) "he humbled himself" (vs. 8) "not regarding his life" (vs. 30) to show us different aspects of what our attitude should be to the work of (God.

OUTLINE:

I. The Example of Christ (vs. 1-11)

II. The Example of Paul (vs. 12-18)

III. The Example of Timothy (vs. 19-24)

IV. The Example of Epaphroditus (vs. 25-30)

 

I. The example of Jesus Christ - (1-11)

"Let this mind be in you..." (vs. 5)

[1]. Made himself of no reputation.
[2]. Took upon Him the form of a servant.
[3]. Was made in the likeness of men.
[4]. Being found in fashion as a man.
[5]. He humbled Himself.
[6]. Became obedient.
[7]. Obedient unto death.

 

Some have called this Christ's seven steps down to man. It is awesome to meditate on the fact that God became flesh. The Son, The Lord Jesus submitted himself voluntarily to the will of God the Father as an example for us to do likewise. Jesus was not concerned about making a name for himself, but glorifying His Father (Jn. 17:4). The principle becomes clear in verses (9-11); Humble yourself and let God honor you.

"Let Another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." (Prov. 27:2)

Let us see what the Father did for Jesus:

[1]. God highly exalted him...
[2]. ...given him a name ...
[3]. ...which is above every name ...
[4]. ...that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow of things in heaven...
[5]. ...and things in the earth...
[6]. ... and things under the earth...
[7]. ...and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord....

 

II. The example of Paul - (12-18)

Paul tells them to do two things:

A. "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (vs. 12) Why?

"For it is God which worketh in you both to do of his good pleasure."

Paul says we are vessels, we are bought with a price and we are to be used by God any way he wants to use us.

"Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay ?" (Rom. 9:20,21)

B. Do all things without mumurings and disputings: Why?

[1]. "That ye may be blameless and harmless"
[2]. Shining as lights in the world
[3]. Holding forth the Word of Life
[4]. That Paul might rejoice

Murmurings and disputing would negate each of these four things. A complainer is really questioning God's wisdom and direction. Paul could have easily complained about his predicament, yet he rejoiced and accepted what had befallen him as God's will and rightly so. The complainer says, "God why did you let this happen to me?" The submissively minded Christian says, "Lord what would you have me to learn?"

 

III. The example of Timothy - (vs. 19-24)

Timothy followed Paul as Paul followed Christ. Timothy's example is that of a loyal disciple. He characterizes the relationship that should exist between the spiritual leader and his disciple.

Timothy:

[1]. Had the same burdens that Paul did, he cared for those whom Paul cared for. (vs. 20)
[2]. He did not seek his own welfare or well-being. (vs. 21)
[3]. He had served Paul as a son would serve his father. (vs. 22)
[4]. He knew Timothy would represent Paul and would do, think and act as Paul himself would. Timothy had willingly submitted himself to his brother in Christ and father in the ministry.

IV. The example of Epaphroditus - (vs. 25-30)

Epaphroditus seems to have been a Philippian whom the Philippian church had sent to Rome to minister to some of the needs of Paul. Paul places five titles or purposes Epaphroditus had served that each of us as Christians should be.

Epaphroditus was a:

[1]. Brother in Christ
[2]. Companion in labor
[3]. Soldier
[4]. Messenger
[5]. Minister