Humility and Unity

In studying the book of Philippians we see Paul echo not only his previous writings but those desires of Jesus. He addresses this letter to all the saints in Philippi along with the Overseers and Deacons.

I want to address this first before going on because this tiny verse in the greeting establishes the tone of the entire book. Look at the city of Philippi at the time of the NT. In its prominent place some describe it as the gateway between Europe and Asia at this time in History. So at the very least we can compare it to Indianapolis or St. Louis. Although the population would have been less at this time in History you get the idea that it was a large city. It is said to have been 700 square miles. So as Paul is writing to the saints and elders in Philippi we have to understand there wasn't one big church building where all of the disciples met for worship. Remember that it was against the law to be a Christian because the Christian had to reject the Caesar as a god. Thereby as there were multiple overseers and deacons in a large city we can assume with confidence that there were several different meeting places for the different parts of the communities. We can also look at it's position geographically and Historically and understand this would have been a city of many mixed cultures and ethnic groups.

Now I set all of that up to say this that the rest of the letter will be based upon the fact that there are many disciples several different elders and "local church bodies". So Paul in the first chapter addresses them generally and updates them and encourages them in the Gospel.

However, in chapter two he begins to exhort them concerning humility and he uses Christ as an example of that. If Jesus was able to display the perfect example of humility than how much more should the disciples be humble. He then goes on to say the three fold purpose of this:
To work out their salvation
To be a pleasure to God
To be a much needed light in this world

Now in chapter 3 he begins to exhort them in what they should be focused on... The gospel. They should not be putting confidence in the flesh because they worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus! Then Paul enters into what I believe is our primary doctrine that should unite us as the humility of Christ is our attitude towards others... Seeking their good in love. Giving up things for Christ seeking to know him and his power more. Having a righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus and not of works of the law. Putting our past successes and failures behind us to press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

So to bring this to an applicable point we must be careful in our private lives and in our churches not to criticize others and condemn others for not believing exactly as we do in the doctrines that don't directly deal with faith in Christ for redemption which again I believe is summed up in the third chapter of Philippians. This darkens the very light that Paul is saying we need to shine to this world by being humble. We even more so need to be practicing this principle in the boundaries of our own local churches. If we can't practice humility, love, and unity with those that we meet with on a daily/weekly basis how can we ever expect to display it with our siblings in Christ that we don't meet with?

I was at a church recently where there was a very long prayer and other remarks condemning people who partake in contemporary worship in their churches. That comes from pride not humility. It comes from an attitude of self righteousness not the Love of Christ. If a church prefers traditional hymns and organs for their worship times then great... do it unto the Lord. But be careful that you don't desecrate your worship by your pride and make it a clanging cymbal in the ears of the Lord.

So love the brotherhood and fear God. For if Christ was able to humble himself in love than with awe and trembling I dare not want to be found lacking in humility and love.