Worthy (Philippians 1:27-2:11)
Paul’s vision for the church isn’t easy. It requires courage, humility, and sacrifice. But if we’re willing to follow his words here, we just might find ourselves part of a community that is more powerful, more joyful, and more united than we ever thought possible.
Living in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27-30).
Philippians 1:27–30 (ESV) — 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
When Paul calls the Philippians to live in a manner “worthy of the gospel of Christ,” he isn’t just speaking to their private faith. We all try hard to be worthy of other people’s admiration. We try to be worthy of an honor we have been given. I remember one time I was serving as a test flight engineer and they gave me an army uniform. I had to wear that uniform around when we were conducting test flights and it was a bit uncomfortable. I did not feel worthy of it. The outfit symbolized something greater than me. So I tried not to go out in public much with it. But even in the hotel, I had people come up and shake my hand telling me, “Thank you for your service.” That was an honor I didn’t feel worthy of because I knew the sacrifices our soldiers had made. I was only giving 6 months to this and was not on the same level of commitment as everyone else. But it made me want to do my job to the best of my ability.
We put on something similar when we give our lives to Christ. We put on Christ. Christ is with us and in us. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. So we need to feel the weight of that honor. The phrase he uses here—“let your manner of life be worthy” - is a powerful challenge. It’s as if Paul is saying, “Live in such a way that you show your true allegiance to the Kingdom of Christ.” He wants the Philippians to live in a way that reveals to everyone around them where their ultimate loyalty lies. Now, think about what that means. If our lives are to be worthy of the gospel, then our conduct should be marked by the very qualities that define the gospel itself: grace, truth, love, and courage.
But Paul doesn’t stop there. He adds this phrase, “whether I come and see you or am absent.” In other words, this way of life isn’t just a show for Paul’s sake. It’s not a temporary display of good behavior because he might drop in for a visit. Paul is challenging them to be consistent, to live out this faith whether he’s watching or not, whether anyone is watching or not. That’s integrity. It’s about standing firm in what we believe, not because we want someone’s approval, but because it’s who we are. This must become our identity, not because we have to but because our gratefulness drives us.
And then he gives them a powerful image of what a worthy life looks like. If you could guess what a worthy life looks like, what would you guess? He says, “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Paul doesn’t picture individual Christians each doing their own thing. He envisions a united front—a community standing together, shoulder to shoulder, bound by one spirit and one purpose. They are working as a team, striving together to bring the gospel to life in their world. Just imagine the strength in that kind of unity. There’s a powerful witness in a church that stands together, that fights the good fight of faith not as isolated individuals but as a unified community.
And Paul knows this isn’t easy. He knows that the moment you start living out the gospel, you’re going to face opposition. That’s why he tells the Philippians not to be intimidated by their opponents. Living in a manner worthy of the gospel doesn’t mean it’ll be smooth sailing; it means there will be resistance. It means there will be moments of struggle. But in those moments, Paul says, we need courage. This courage, he says, is actually a “sign” to those who oppose us—it shows them that what we have is real, that our faith is strong, and that we’re unshaken by threats or pressures.
So what does that look like for us? Are we standing firm together or are we struggling to connect with one another? Are we showing the world that our faith is solid, not because of our own strength but because we’re united under the gospel? And are we willing to hold our ground, even when there’s opposition, even when it’s uncomfortable? That’s what it means to live in a manner worthy of the gospel—to live with integrity, unity, and courage. It’s a powerful challenge that calls us beyond just believing; it calls us to a life that visibly reflects our allegiance to Christ.
Unity Through Selflessness and Humility (Philippians 2:1-4)
Philippians 2:1–4 (ESV) — 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Paul continues by urging the Philippians toward a deeper unity—one that goes beyond just standing together. He’s calling for a unity that’s rooted in humility. Notice how he begins in chapter 2: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy…” It’s as if Paul is saying, “If you have experienced any of these blessings in Christ—and I know you have—then here’s what I’m asking of you.” He’s appealing to what they already know and have tasted in their faith. They know the encouragement that comes from belonging to Christ. They’ve felt the comfort of His love. They’ve been empowered by the Spirit and have shared in the compassion and kindness of God.
Then Paul takes these gifts and turns them outward: “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Paul’s joy, he says, will be complete if the Philippians live in unity. But how? How do we create a unity that is truly one in spirit and purpose? Paul gives us the answer: humility. This unity isn’t built on common interests or similar personalities—it’s built on the foundation of selflessness.
Paul makes this plain when he writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This is one of those statements that sounds straightforward, but it challenges us to the core. It’s not natural for us to put others before ourselves. Our culture tells us to look out for number one, to prioritize our needs and goals above all else. But Paul says, “No. That’s not the way of Christ.” Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s shifting the focus away from our desires, shifting our identity away from the singular internal self, and seeing Christ as our life. When Christ is our life we see others as valuable and worthy of our attention and care.
This attitude of humility, this selflessness, is what makes true unity possible. If each of us is putting Christ first, then pride and division can’t take root. Think about it—if everyone in the church counted Christ as more significant than themselves, there would be no room for rivalry, jealousy, or resentment. Our lives would be marked by a genuine care and service for each other, a love that goes beyond words and shows itself in action.
Paul goes on to say, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” He’s not saying we should ignore our needs, but that we shouldn’t be consumed by them. It’s about balance. Yes, we have to take care of ourselves, but our eyes should also be open to the needs of those around us.
Imagine what our community would look like if we lived this out. What if every one of us walked into church services each week asking, “How can I serve someone today? How can I show someone the love of Christ in a tangible way?” That’s the kind of selfless humility Paul is calling us to. It’s the foundation of a community worthy of the gospel, a place where unity isn’t just an ideal but a reality because it’s built on putting others first.
This isn’t easy, but it’s the heart of the gospel. It’s what makes us different from the world around us. And it’s a choice we each have to make daily. So, are we willing to take up this call? Are we ready to set aside our pride, our ambitions, and our personal agendas to serve one another in love? That’s what unity through humility looks like. And it’s not just a nice idea—it’s essential for being the kind of community that reflects the heart of Christ.
The Mindset of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8)
Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV) — 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
As Paul moves forward, he brings us to the core of his message: the mindset of Christ Himself. He’s just spoken about unity and humility, and now he’s going to show us the ultimate example of what that looks like. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command. Paul is saying that if we belong to Christ, this mindset—this attitude of humility and self-sacrifice—should define us.
Then he takes us into one of the most profound descriptions of Jesus in the entire New Testament. He says that Christ, though He was “in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.” Let that sink in. Jesus was in the form of God—He had all the privileges, all the authority of deity. But instead of holding on to those privileges, He chose to “empty Himself.” That phrase—“He emptied Himself”—captures the essence of Christ’s humility. He didn’t stop being God; He simply let go of His divine rights, choosing instead to enter fully into our human experience.
And how did He come? “Taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Jesus, the King of kings, took on the role of a servant. He didn’t come with power or wealth; He came in humility, born in a stable, raised in a small town, living a life that was simple, even humble by human standards. And it wasn’t enough that He came as a man; He went further. Paul tells us that Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” The cross—the most humiliating, most brutal form of execution the Romans had. Jesus embraced that shame and suffering, all for our sake.
This is the mindset we’re called to imitate—a mindset that values obedience to God and love for others above personal comfort or reputation. Jesus didn’t pursue greatness as the world defines it. Instead, He demonstrated that true greatness is found in serving others, even at great personal cost. In a world that tells us to seek recognition and success, Jesus shows us a radically different path.
So, how do we take on this mindset? It starts with a willingness to let go of our own rights and privileges, just as Jesus did. We might not have the same power to lay down, but we all have things we hold onto—status, reputation, control. The challenge here is to release those things in service to God and others. It’s asking ourselves, “Where do I need to humble myself? Where am I clinging to my own way instead of submitting to God’s way?”
Living with the mind of Christ means embracing a life that isn’t about lifting ourselves up but about lifting up others. It’s about looking for ways to serve rather than seeking ways to be served. And it’s not a one-time decision; it’s a daily choice. We have to wake up each morning and ask ourselves, “How can I reflect Christ’s humility today?”
Paul’s words here remind us that the way of Christ is a way of self-sacrifice. And as difficult as that may seem, it’s the path to true fulfillment. Jesus emptied Himself and, in doing so, revealed the fullness of God’s love for us. This is the mindset we’re called to, a mindset that chooses humility and service over pride and self-interest. And it’s only when we embrace this mindset that we can truly live as a community worthy of the gospel.
Christ’s Exaltation and Our Motivation (Philippians 2:9-11)
Philippians 2:9–11 (ESV) — 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Paul doesn’t stop with Christ’s humility. He takes us to what happens after Jesus humbles Himself—His exaltation. “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.” The word “therefore” is crucial here. Because of Jesus’ humility, because He willingly emptied Himself and obeyed to the point of death, God exalted Him. This is a pattern Paul wants us to see: humility leads to exaltation in God’s Kingdom. Jesus’ submission, His sacrifice, didn’t end in defeat; it ended in ultimate victory.
God gives Jesus “the name above every name.” This isn’t just any name—it’s the highest honor, the recognition that Jesus Christ is Lord. This name is not forced upon creation but offered as the rightful response to who Jesus is and what He has done. Paul writes, “So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This is a profound vision of the future, a picture of all creation finally acknowledging the truth of who Jesus is. Every knee will bow—not because they’re compelled, but because the greatness of Christ will be undeniable.
This vision serves as our motivation. Why do we strive for unity, humility, and service? Because we’re not just following a good example; we’re following the exalted Lord of all creation. Paul is reminding the Philippians—and us—that this life of selflessness and humility isn’t a path to nowhere. It’s the path that leads to glory, just as it did for Jesus. When we humble ourselves, we’re aligning with the way God’s Kingdom operates. And in due time, God promises to lift us up, just as He lifted up Christ.
So, what does this exaltation of Christ mean for us practically? First, it calls us to live with the end in mind. We’re not living just for today; we’re living in light of eternity. We’re preparing our hearts and lives for the day when we’ll bow before Jesus, not out of fear but out of love and reverence. When we keep our eyes on this ultimate reality, it changes how we view our daily choices. It gives us the courage to live differently because we know what’s coming. We’re not working to please people or to build our own legacy; we’re living for the honor of the One who is already victorious.
Second, Christ’s exaltation gives us the strength to pursue humility now. We know that in God’s Kingdom, humility is not the end of the road; it’s the beginning of true honor. And that should free us from the need to compete for recognition or to fight for our own way. When we humble ourselves, we’re actually preparing ourselves for the day when we will share in Christ’s glory. This truth allows us to let go of our pride, to let go of the need to be seen, and to focus instead on serving others as Christ did.
Finally, this passage calls us to live in worship. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. That’s the end goal—not just for us, but for all creation. And as a community of believers, we’re meant to be a preview of that future reality. When we come together in humility and unity, we’re giving the world a glimpse of what it will look like when Christ is fully recognized as Lord. Our unity, our humility, and our service to each other become acts of worship, pointing others to the greatness of Jesus.
So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we living with this vision in mind? Are we preparing our hearts for the day when we’ll stand before Christ? Are we pursuing humility, not because it’s easy, but because we know it’s the way of Christ, the way that leads to honor in God’s Kingdom? And are we living in a way that reflects His Lordship, showing the world that our lives are no longer our own—they belong to Him?
This is what it means to live as a community worthy of the gospel of Christ. It’s a life of humility, empowered by the example of Christ, and motivated by the promise of sharing in His glory. And as we keep our eyes on this exalted Lord, we find the strength and the courage to live in unity, to serve one another, and to reflect the heart of Jesus to the world around us.
Conclusion
As we look back over Paul’s words, we see a vision that’s not just challenging but beautiful—a picture of what the church was meant to be. Paul has called us to live “worthy of the gospel,” not as a set of rules to follow, but as a life we embrace together. He’s shown us that to be this kind of community, we must learn to stand firm with one purpose, love each other with genuine humility, and serve with a selflessness that mirrors Christ Himself.
Think back to that image of a group that just “clicks.” Paul shows us that, in the church, it’s not about natural chemistry or common interests; it’s about something much deeper. It’s about each of us committing to lift each other up, to let go of our pride, and to work together toward a purpose far greater than ourselves. This unity isn’t just about making church life smoother; it’s about reflecting the heart of Jesus to a world that needs to see Him.
But we can’t do this on our own. Paul brings us back to the foundation of it all—Jesus, who humbled Himself to the point of death and whom God has now exalted above all. It’s His example that we follow, and it’s His strength that makes it possible. When we walk in His humility, when we lean on His power, we become a community that truly reflects the gospel, a place where others can see the love of Christ in action.
So as we go from here, let’s ask ourselves: Are we willing to live this way? Are we willing to be a church that stands together, serves one another, and honors Christ above all? Because if we are, then we can become a community that is not only “worthy of the gospel” but a living testimony of the power and beauty of Jesus Himself. And that’s something worth giving our whole lives to.