Phil 2 picks right up on walking in a manner worthy of Christ (1:27) and standing firm in unity (1:27). Paul asserts that "if" the readers have been saved, be unified (2:1-2). This is to be accomplished by considering others before yourself (2:4-5). Paul's argument supporting this is found in the "self-emptying of Christ," where Christ humbled Himself (thinking more highly of glorifying the Father by serving others). Paul asserts then that this was not for naught...but God exalted Christ above everything (2:9-11). In 2:12-13, Paul is stating that the "working out" of salvation is serving others here (earth) and hoping in the exaltation to come there (heaven).
He gives more examples of this kind of humility in serving others: Timothy in 2:19-22; and Epaphroditus (2:25-27); even himself, (2:28). In other words, Paul presents the suffering of living in this world while longing for the next world as "normative" in the Christian experience. This is a challenge to the readers to embrace service and (even) suffering over self-preservation, and self-sufficiency.
2:29-30 close it out with a great nugget for me. Paul tells the readers to hold men like Epaphroditus in high regard. In other words...men like him who have put it all on the line for the greater good and higher calling...are worthy of respect and even emulation.
Proverbs 20. My takeaway today is v.13. "Do not love sleep or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food."
Some in this age today think that having faith in the Lord means sitting back and waiting on Him to provide. There is certainly a "wait" element of our Christian life. There is also a work element of our Christian life. In other words, God may choose to provide through our efforts. God never intended for us to "sleep and slumber" our way through life waiting on a handout.
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