Christ, Our Supreme Example Philippians 2:1-30 Part I

In Chapter 1 of this grand epistle, we noted how Paul selflessly thought about the welfare of others before his own welfare (Philippians 1:23-24).  Paul was more concerned about the Philippian saints than his own concern even though he was undergoing a difficult ordeal.  He was in confinement and facing trial; however, the welfare of the saints was paramount in his mind.  Although Paul exhibited selflessness in his concern for the needs of the Philippian saints, Paul, however, will point us to the supreme example of service depicted by Jesus Christ!  Jesus Christ lived completely and perfectly for others (Mark 10:45). Philippians 2:1-30 may be outlined as follows:  I. A Call for Unity – Philippians 2:1-4; II. The Exemplary Example of Christ – Philippians 2:5-11; III. An Application of the Call – Philippians 2:12-18; IV. The Note-Worthy Examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus – Philippians 2:19-30. A Call for Unity – Philippians 2:1-4 In the pursuance of unity, Paul uses four “ifs” in verse 1 that carries the force of “since.”  In the use of the “ifs” in verse 1, Paul was not expressing uncertainty about these four qualities he mentioned; rather, he affirmed them to be real and certain in...