Philippians 2:4,5 - But also to the interests of others

2:4

So instead of looking to our own interests we look to the interests of others. I will say again that we do not neglect ourselves. We probably all know people who just wear themselves out by doing “too much”. It can also become an excuse for not facing up to issues in our own lives. However, we were created, and were saved, to be a blessing to others. So when we focus on the interests of others we are walking more in step with the Spirit.  We are “seeking first the kingdom of heaven”, and when we do this, other things are added unto us.

2:5

We now come to the introduction to the hymn of praise to Christ. This can be looked at in two ways. One is to look at as a declaration of the divinity of Christ, this approach makes 2:9-11. The other is to see it as Paul presenting Jesus as an example of humility, and as an example to follow. I don’t think we need to choose between the two. Christ is an example of humility, and if Christ, the Son of God, the one before whom every knee will bow, humbled Himself, then we too should be ready to humble ourselves.

There are also debates about whether Paul is taking words from an existing hymn, or whether they are Paul’s own words. There is undoubtedly a rhythmic quality to the words, but apart from that it is of limited importance as to whether they are the words of hymn or not.

Whatever the case, we are urged to have the same mindset as Christ. Jesus did not only show us what to do, He showed us the attitudes that we ought to have.