Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Deeper Dive
The passage portrays Christ’s example of humility, contrasting divine status with taking the form of a servant. Paul emphasises the symbolic act of Jesus emptying himself, suggesting an archetype for Christian conduct rooted in humility and obedience, culminating in divine exaltation. Following Jesus’ act of humility and obedience, the passage describes God’s response as one of exaltation, giving Jesus the “name that is above every name.” It reflects the early Christian theology of exaltation through self-giving, symbolising the notion of achieving honour through service and obedience. The passage suggests a universal recognition and submission to Christ’s authority. The bending of every knee both on earth and under it symbolises a comprehensive acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship, resonating with themes of divine lordship and eschatological fulfilment in Christian dogma.
Today, in a culture that glorifies status and power, this reminds us that true greatness is shown in humility and service, not self-promotion. In leadership, family, or community, true love often looks like sacrifice. We’re invited into a discipleship of surrender, where obedience may be costly but transforms the world. Further, believers are encouraged to understand that humility and faithfulness, though undervalued in the world, are honoured by God. It also reminds us of Christ’s ultimate lordship over politics, culture, and history.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Deeper Dive
The passage portrays Christ’s example of humility, contrasting divine status with taking the form of a servant. Paul emphasises the symbolic act of Jesus emptying himself, suggesting an archetype for Christian conduct rooted in humility and obedience, culminating in divine exaltation. Following Jesus’ act of humility and obedience, the passage describes God’s response as one of exaltation, giving Jesus the “name that is above every name.” It reflects the early Christian theology of exaltation through self-giving, symbolising the notion of achieving honour through service and obedience. The passage suggests a universal recognition and submission to Christ’s authority. The bending of every knee both on earth and under it symbolises a comprehensive acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship, resonating with themes of divine lordship and eschatological fulfilment in Christian dogma.
Today, in a culture that glorifies status and power, this reminds us that true greatness is shown in humility and service, not self-promotion. In leadership, family, or community, true love often looks like sacrifice. We’re invited into a discipleship of surrender, where obedience may be costly but transforms the world. Further, believers are encouraged to understand that humility and faithfulness, though undervalued in the world, are honoured by God. It also reminds us of Christ’s ultimate lordship over politics, culture, and history.
