2:2
If they have indeed received anything from Christ, then Paul calls on them to make his joy complete. Now why does he do this, rather than making Christ’s joy complete? I would suggest two reasons. One is the fact that Paul was well known to them, and they had a good relationship. The other is that Christ’s joy is already complete. He knows the end from the beginning. So Paul is urging them to be like-minded. They are to be united in every way, “having the same love, being one in spirit, and of one mind”.
2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit”. So how can Paul’s wishes be achieved? First we get a negative. Our fallen human nature’s first tendency is to seek the advancement of ourself, to look at things in the context of “me”. To consider my views and position as all important. To value ourselves above all else. Paul then gives the antidote to this,” in humility value others above yourselves”. This is a very practical point whenever we are facing trials. The tendency is to turn in ourselves. Now we should not neglect ourselves, but it is often good to try to focus on the interests of others. This will often help us overcome difficulties.
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