Philippians 2:1-16  Paul's prayer is that the church would abound in love.. approve the things that are excellent.. and be "sincere and blameless" when Christ returns.  He tells them to rejoice in all circumstances.. because even in the struggles Christ is being made known, and that is worth rejoicing over! He reminded them to act in a "manner worthy of the gospel of Christ".. no matter what.. "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." 

In this chapter Paul continues to encourage them in their walk of faith.  "If.. " or  "Since.. there is any encouragement in Christ.. any consolation in love.. any fellowship of the Spirit.. any affection and compassion.. make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." (v1-2)  This is the foundation.. the source of worthy living.. Christ Jesus!  He gives us the courage, the love, the Spirit.. so that we can be united with one purpose.. He is the Vine and we must all be connected with Him so that we can grow together. 

We cannot do this if we are living selfishly or if we are conceited. We cannot do this if we are looking out only for ourselves.  We are called to a higher standard.. and a deeper humility.  It is the standard set by our Lord Jesus:

He stepped out of heaven and into a human form.. He "emptied Himself".  He became a man.. a humble man.. a "bond-servant".  "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (v6-8)  He is our ultimate example.. and we are encouraged in our walk to do the same.. 

Because Jesus obeyed.. "therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name."  Likewise, Paul says to the church, "obey".. "work out your salvation with fear and trembling.. " It will be worth it all!  " It is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure." 

With God's help and Christ's attitude of humility... we can walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.. we can do it without "grumbling or disputing".  We can do it as "blameless and innocent children of God".  We can do it in the middle of a "crooked and perverse generation".  We can be the light that the world needs to see. Let us hold fast to this word!

Father in heaven, You are God of heaven and earth and there is no other!  You alone are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.. of our love and devotion.. and of our obedience. We come before You with humble hearts.  We know that we cannot live in a way that is worthy of You.. unless we have Your Spirit in us.. making us over into the image of Jesus Christ our Lord.  May we have the attitude of Jesus.. help us to empty ourselves of self.. to courageously obey.. even to the point of death.. so that You are glorified in us.  Work in us.. the will and the work .. to do that which pleases You. We ask this in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ the Lord. amen.