Philippians 2:1-30
2:1 Paul beseeches every believer of this philosophy of life, this faith, to do 9 things:
2:2
1) To be like-minded: to have in your mind the same objectives as our purposeful creator
2) To exhibit the same love: to have in your heart the same compassion as our solicitous creator
3) To be of one accord: to live purposefully in consistent harmony
4) To be of one mind: to be unwavering in expressions of the mind (thought, speech and action)
2:3
5) To live selflessly: to promote, sustain, inspire, protect, create, defend the well-being of others
6) To live truthfully: to allow clarity, wisdom and objectivity their rightful dominion
7) To be humble: to increase self-value by devoting yourself to others
8) To build others up: to construct self-value, opportunity, happiness and justice for the downtrodden
2:4
9) To love our (figurative) neighbor as we love ourselves: Mark 12:31, because it is the most simple way to compassionately, symbiotically navigate life.
2:5-7 The Messiah came not as an authoritarian but as a worker. He came not to distinguish Himself from humanity but to unite Himself with humanity. He came in humility with selfless, tireless purpose.
2:8 He came to sojourn on earth in order to gather, inspire and heal despite the threat of adversity. Paul encourages us to set the same directives for ourselves while we sojourn here.
2:9-11 At the culmination of this life on earth, all life will confront the manifestation of truth, wisdom, love and Spirit. All life will in awe discover truth.
2:12-13 In all moments of life we must work on our beliefs, our character, our temperament, our behavior, our words and develop our faith. God is constantly working in and with us; it is essential that we participate in our own edification.
2:14 In order to be productive and progressive work without complaint. Complaining and argument are wasteful, regressive and wholly unproductive. God implores you to stay focused, serene.
2:15 Be a light in a world filled with darkness. Do not let yourself become rankled by frustration, anger, evil, negativity, or chaos. When we work in every moment to be more compassionate and truthful, we distinguish ourselves from the murky host of expressions and actions which corrupt the world and taunt humanity.
2:16 With a firm grip on your faith, have joy in Creation. Have joy for the souls who have existed and do exist to ensure justice among humanity. In example, our author: Paul. Through Paul's dedicated and impassioned work and words, our lives are changing. Our faith is growing; our souls are lighting up. Yet even sprinkled around us are kindhearted souls. Be so grateful for their work that you cannot help but join them.
2:17-18 Paul is perfectly content, thrilled even, to be a vessel for God's compassion. Paul's humility and faith allow him to recognize and revel in the blessed opportunity of dedicating himself to humanity for God. What greater, more productive impact can be made in the world than what God has planned?
2:19-20 Paul informs the Philippians of apostle Timothy's impending arrival. Paul trusts Timothy's faith and his motivations (remember: observe and analyze before trusting anything or anyone).
2:21 Search for sincerity and authenticity in people, institutions and ideas. Do not let corrupt or selfish motives manipulate, distract, derail or deceive you.
2:22-23 Paul informs the Philippians of Timothy's sincerity, having served with him and his father as apostles. Still, you are cautioned and advised to make your own observations about people.
2:24 Paul speaks of his own visit to the Philippians. God's children spread out in order to fulfill their own specific purposes and make the most comprehensive impact on the world. Paul hopes that amid the working, they might be able to join together in faith and joy and friendship.
2:26-27 News from Paul of a beloved of the Philippians, Epaphroditus (a confirmation of his well-being despite ailment). God takes care of His children. We worry about our loved ones because we value them and that is understandable but take comfort in the fact that God protects.
2:28-29 Receive with gladness the kind and hardworking souls of our world. Their work is essential and is given entirely selflessly.
2:30 The metaphor here is directly relation to Matthew 16:25 and Luke 17:33: when you give (devote) your temporary, earthly life to God, you inherit infinite, Spiritual life. Epaphroditus was not obsessed or even concerned with his own life, procuring wealth, power, fame or property. He was determined and concerned with doing God's work and thereby earned the greatest wealth there is: God's love, life and protection.
