Every Knee and Every Tongue

Philippians 2:1-11

Reading Philippians is like reading the “best of” series by Paul. I enjoy all the “one-liners” he expounds upon. This passage is not any different.

Verses one and two give the church mission. Every mission, however, must have conditions.

• Any encouragement from being united in Christ – Does Christ mean anything to you? This is a deep thought. What about your salvation encourages you? When is the last time you took time to examine your relationship with Jesus? Is there anything about this relationship that still appeals to you or have you grown cold?
• Any comfort from His love – Does the love of Jesus move you? Is your heart warmed by His love? How are you stirring up this love? Are you sharing it on a regular basis with others who need it?
• Any fellowship with the Spirit – (Uh-oh Pentecostal preacher alert!) How aware are you of the Spirit’s work in your life? Just look at the evidence given to the Apostles in Acts 2:4; Acts 4:11; Acts 5:1-11; Acts 10:44-48 – need more? How about the fact that the gifts and work of the Spirit did not stop with the Apostles. I know this due to the fact that perfection has yet to return to earth (namely Jesus; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Paul spends a great deal of time on the fruit of the Spirit and the spiritual gifts. I could continue but I am not arguing for Pentecostal faith but fellowship with the Spirit. If He is active you will see the fruit of His labor in your life. His unites the church in His work through you.
• Any tenderness and compassion – The Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary says it better than I – ““Tenderness” refers to sensitivity to others’ needs or feelings; “sympathy” means feeling the sorrow of another person and desiring to help alleviate it. Such concern for one another unifies a body of believers.

Here’s the “if-then” statement. If the Philippians had these in their hearts, then Paul’s joy would find completion in their being like-minded, having the same love, and being one in spirit and purpose. The Spirit is our Comforter and Counselor and produces a mind or group mindset that is dependable and able to pull together through any tough times. Having the same love opens the church members to equally receive love and give love – all through Christ Jesus.

Finally, Paul’s joy is completed in the church being of one spirit and purpose. Churches fail in their mission when people do not have direction and when too many people have directions (if you know what I mean). When the church is of one spirit (they prayed and know the Spirit’s leading) and purpose (following the commission of Christ), the church exudes joy and compassion and tenderness.

Verses 3 and 4 clarify this purpose by showing that we are all on an equal playing field before God. Do nothing out of selfish ambition because selfish ambition will run over people. Don’t be run over but consider people as having input – you will never know the great ideas until you know the ideas of others. In the same manner, remember that your interests are not the same as everyone else. You may have common interest with someone, but you will not have that with everyone. Be considerate and learn how to use each other’s interest to grow the church and grow in faith.

Jesus gives the prime example of selfless love. He was sitting at the right hand of the Father in all glory and all honor. He knew that we could never be equal with God (our first sin destroyed that possibility – even before then it wasn’t possible). He left that nature and humbled Himself. He became a man – He became a servant. He was even obedient to death – death that comes only to those who sin. He, who was without sin, lowered Himself to be able to die. Death was a punishment, and He did not consider it unworthy of His passion for us.

Now His name is forever glorified above every other name. Every knee shall bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, to His name. Beyond that, the same shall confess that He is Lord – to the glory of God. Unfortunately, some will recognize it too late and still have to confess it. Satan and his underlings understand this already – and they tremble.

• How is your relationship with Jesus? Have you tended to it lately? Do you tend to it daily?
• Have you complained about church lately? Were you doing this because the church is not of one mind or because you were not of one mind with the church?
• How can we help a church that needs to refocus its mannerism on humility towards others?
• How interested are you in getting your own worship style in place at church? Is it just your interest? (I’ve been guilty of this one)