Introduction

Philippians 2:1–11: Paul reminds the Philippian Christians that Christ “took the nature of a servant” (verse 7), and he encourages them to have the same attitude as Christ by being humble toward one another.

Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 2:1 GNT

Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another.

Read

2 Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit,[a] and you have kindness and compassion for one another. 2 I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. 3 Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. 4 And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own. 5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:

6 He always had the nature of God,
but he did not think that by force he should try to remain[b] equal with God.
7 Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had,
and took the nature of a servant.
He became like a human being
and appeared in human likeness.
8 He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—
his death on the cross.
9 For this reason God raised him to the highest place above
and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.
10 And so, in honor of the name of Jesus
all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below[c]
will fall on their knees,
11 and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Reflect

What words of encouragement does Paul offer the believers in today’s reading (verses 1–4)? How might these words apply to communities of faith today? Verses 6–11 are believed to be derived from an early Christian hymn. What are the key points in these verses? What are your thoughts about having an attitude like the one that Christ Jesus had (verse 5)?

Pray

Holy Savior, grant me the nature of a servant and help me to be guided by your example of love and humility in my relationships with others. I proclaim that you are Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Philippians 2:12–30: Paul continues to offer words of encouragement to the Philippians.