R12 BIBLE STUDY- PHILIPPIANS: CHAPTER 2 VERSES 1-19

Introduction: Facing Fear and Trusting God

Fear is deceptive—it disguises itself as control, but in truth, it is a refusal to surrender. Fear keeps us clenched tightly to the reins of our own lives, attempting to orchestrate outcomes instead of allowing God to move. It stifles faith and chokes out spiritual fruit.

But Scripture calls us to step forward in trust. To overcome fear is not to eliminate emotion but to act in faith despite it.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3
“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” — Matthew 14:22–32 (Peter walking on water)

Faith requires movement. Peter stepped out of the boat while the storm still raged. So too, we are called to confront what frightens us—not in our own strength, but in full confidence that God will meet us in the waves.

Ask yourself: What are you fearing? Face it.

• I. Framing the Passage— OVERCOME FEAR THROUGH UNITY

  Philippians 2:1–3 flows directly from Paul’s instructions in Philippians 1:27–28, where he urges the church to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This worthy life is described as standing “firm in one spirit,” with “one mind,” and “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” (i.e. one purpose). This is the same language used in verses 1-3. Paul also tells them not to be “frightened in anything by your opponents,” showing that courage and unity are essential marks of a faithful church.

  Now in chapter 2, Paul builds on that idea. He reminds them of the comfort, love, and fellowship they already have in Christ through the Spirit (2:1), and urges them to deepen their unity—“being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (2:2). This kind of unity can only be sustained by humility: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition... but count others more significant than yourselves” (2:3).

• II. Encouragement, Unity, and Love (VV. 1–2)

  In Christ, we have all the comfort, love, and peace we need—even in suffering. Paul reminds the Philippians that because they are encouraged by Christ, comforted by His love, and indwelt by the Spirit, they are now called to reflect that same grace to others.

  “He comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction…” — 2 Corinthians 1:4

  Paul says: “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” That is, treat others as Christ treats you.

  To walk in this unity is to live out the call of Romans 12:

  • Verses 6–8 — Use your gifts not for self-promotion, but to build the body.

  • Verse 9 — Love genuinely; hate what is evil, cling to what is good.

  • Verses 10–13 — Prefer others above yourself, be fervent in prayer, meet needs, show hospitality.

  • Verses 14–20 — Love even your enemies; respond with blessing, not vengeance.

  True unity requires:

  1. Compassion and encouragement (2 Corinthians 1)

  2. Spiritual unity — being “knit together” in shared service and love

  3. A common purpose — glorifying God in everything we do (2 Corinthians 4:5–7; Matthew 5:14–16; 1 Corinthians 10:31)

• III. Selfishness vs. Humility (VV. 3-4)

  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.”

  The “me-first” mindset must die in the life of a believer. Our culture may prize self-advancement, but Christ commands us to live differently.

  Reject:

  • “What do I want?”

  • “What’s in it for me?”

  Embrace:

  • “What’s best for others?”

  • “What do they need?”

  This is not a call to neglect personal well-being (see Philippians 2:4)—we are stewards of our own lives too. But the order is clear: prioritize others in love.

  A wise balance:

  • “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18

  • Disagreements are at times necessary to uphold truth (see Acts 15:36–41 and Galatians 2:11 — Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Peter).

  Conclusion:
  It’s not about us. It’s about others. We serve and yield—unless truth is compromised. In that case, we are called to lovingly rebuke, correct, and, if necessary, part ways for the sake of the gospel.

• IV. The Standard is Jesus (v. 5)

  Paul’s instruction here is striking: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” He is not calling believers to imitate a noble teacher but to mirror the eternal Son of God.

  Our standard is Jesus. He defines humility, not by weakness, but by service under power. Christ had infinite authority, yet He used it to wash feet, heal lepers, and lay down His life.

  Power reveals character. When you have influence—how you use it exposes whether Christ truly reigns in your heart.

• V. Christ’s Humility and Obedience (vv. 6-8)

  “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage…”

  Jesus—fully God (Colossians 1:15)—voluntarily emptied Himself (John 17:5). He did not lose His divinity; He laid aside His privilege. This is true humility: power under control, poured out for the good of others.

  “He made Himself nothing…”

  Christ did not cling to His rights. He humbled Himself all the way to death—death on a cross. His obedience was costly.

  We are called to do the same: die to self, live for others, and obey God no matter the costs.

  That is why prosperity gospel and “the word of faith” movement doesn’t work. Jesus didn’t come down to gain. He didn’t come down to establish an earthly kingdom. He didn’t come down to gain money, influence, or power. He came down to give his life away. To serve others.

      * Beware of teachers, who say that is God‘s will for you to always be wealthy, successful, and healthy. 

      * Beware of teachers, who say that it is God‘s will for you to have a beautiful, comfortable, and lavish life here on earth.

• VI. Christ exalted (vv. 9-11)

  Because Jesus humbled Himself, obeyed God, and gave His life away, God exalted Him.

  “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name…”

  Every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess: Jesus is Lord (Revelation 20:6, 14; 21:8).

  Key takeaway: If we humble ourselves and obey God, God will exalt us too

  “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” — Matthew 23:12
  “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” — James 4:10

  We too will be exalted—perhaps in this life (Proverbs 29:23), but certainly in the next (1 Corinthians 15:42). Glory follows humility.

• VII. Work Out Your Salvation (vv. 12-13)

  “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…”

  Paul is not saying we earn our salvation. Rather, we respond to what Christ has done with obedience and awe.

  “Work out your salvation” = put off sin and pursue holiness in awe of God (2 Cor. 7:1; Rom. 8:1–4).

  Take holiness seriously, God will discipline, respond well (Heb. 12:1–14). Put off sin (Rom. 8:13)

  We will only work out our salvation, if we truly fear the Lord. “With fear and trembling”

  We must have a proper fear of the Lord (Prov. 8:13)

       * A proper fear of the Lord comes when we have a true understanding of who God is and the judgment that we will face if we do not obey him. 

  Judgment:

  • If we reject Christ initially, we face eternal separation.

  • If we resist Him as believers, we face discipline and loss of reward.

  • If we do not obey him and repent continually as believers whenever we mess up or do things wrong.

  “Work out” doesn’t mean earn your salvation. It means responding to God’s work in you with obedience and effort.

  
  The Spirit works. We respond.

  • The unsaved resist (John 6:44; Acts 7:51; Hebrews 6)

  • The saved respond. They are:

    • Born again (John 3:3; Romans 8)

    • Raised to new life (Romans 6:1–7)

    • Guided by the Spirit (John 14:16–17, 26)

    • Called to follow (Romans 8:14)

  Have you responded to the Spirit’s leading?
  Test yourself: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith…” — 2 Corinthians 13:5
  For a full test: 2 Peter 1:1–12

• VIII. Don’t Complain — Be Grateful (VV. 14-19)

  “Do all things without grumbling or disputing…”

  Complaining is not a small sin—it robs joy, undermines witness, and leads to spiritual wandering.

  Consider the Israelites:

  “The whole congregation grumbled…” — Exodus 16:2–3
  “…written down for our instruction…” — 1 Corinthians 10:6–11; Romans 15:4

  Gratitude is a mark of maturity. Paul links it to purity, innocence, and a shining witness:

  “…you shine as lights in the world.” — Matthew 5:14–16

  Don’t complain. Be grateful.
  Hold fast to the Word. Walk in obedience. Live with joy.

• Reflection questions

  • What are you fearing today?
    Are you holding back because of fear? Where is God calling you to step out?

  • Are you encouraging others and united in Spirit?
    Are you pursuing compassion and unity with fellow believers?

  • Are you walking in humility, or selfish ambition?
    Where have you made decisions based on self instead of others?

  • Do you use power and influence to serve others like Christ?
    Does your leadership reflect His example?

  • Are you rejecting worldly teaching that promises gain without cost?
    Are you living in light of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice?

  • Are you working out your salvation with reverent obedience?
    Do you respond to the Spirit’s conviction—or resist it?

  • Do you grumble, or live with gratefulness?
    Are you a light in the world—or is your witness dimmed by complaint?