Bible Students

What is humility? Many definitions have been offered throughout human history, though I believe the biblical definition is what should be most considered. The humble are who God shows favor to (James 4:6), and who He lifts up (James 4:10). God hears those who are humble (2 Chronicles 7:14). Jesus says in Luke 14:11 that those who humble themselves will be exalted, and those exalted will be humbled (ASV). The Bible clearly shines favorably on those who will be humble. Paul, as will likewise be shown, views the humble favorably throughout the book of Philippians. 

The book of Philippians has a clear interwoven theme of humility. While Paul touches on the divinity and humanity of Christ, he can not do so without talking of humility. While speaking of submission, citizenship in heaven, and being in one Spirit, Paul can not help but include humility as a main theme. This is because Paul’s theology, the theology of Christ’s coming, death, and resurrection, is centered on the humility of Christ, expressed more explicitly in the Philippian poem, chapter 2:6-11. He writes, 

“Who [Christ], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:6-11, NIV). 

This is the center of Paul’s theology of humility. Christ, being God, humbled Himself to be like man. Therefore, man has no excuse to not humble himself to the level of other men. In other words, Christ, being high above men, came down to be humbled before men. Therefore, man, being not above other men, must humble himself before men. This will be explored throughout the paper. Paul will touch on his own humility, the humility of Christ, and the worthlessness of the flesh. 

Beginning in chapter one, Paul introduces himself. His theology of humility comes forward even in his introduction, likely penned intentionally to touch on the later ideas of humility. In the first eight verses, Paul uses language that reflects genuine (humble) love for the church of Philippi, love that can not come about from a proud heart. He uses words and phrases such as, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus…to all God’s holy people…together with the overseers and deacons…I always pray with joy because of your partnership…all of you share in God’s grace with me…” (Philippians 1:1-7, NIV). Paul will continue to describe his love for the church, as well as his sharing with them in Christ. In fact, here is a short survey of Paul’s language demonstrating humility in love and unity with the church in the remaining part of chapter one:

“…[you are] filled with the fruit of righteousness…Christ will be exalted in my body…it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body…I know that you stand firm in the one Spirit…you are going through the same struggle you saw I had…” (Philippians 1:9-30).

Paul in chapter one identifies himself as a servant in Christ, humbling Himself, as well as a servant with the other church members in Philippi. He speaks to leaders and lay-members alike, placing them on the same level. He says Christ will be exalted in his body, showing he had humbled himself before Christ. He stays for the sake of the Philippians. He has trust in the church, knowing they will stand firm in one Spirit. Additionally, he sees the church as going through the same trial he had, identifying with them in their struggle. 

In chapter two, Paul uses the following language regarding the church members:

“…being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and of one mind…in humility value others above yourselves…[looking] to the interests of the others…hold firmly to the word of life…send Timothy to you soon…I also may be cheered when I receive news about you…Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier…you sent to take care of my needs…honor people like him.” (Philippians 2:1-30)

Paul throughout this chapter is exhorting the Philippians to have the humility of Christ. He explains that they should be like-minded, have the same love, bein one Spirit, and of one mind (not proud about their own ideas or status, but humbly agreeing with the gospel). Here he also uses the actual word “humble” for the first time in his letter. He tells them explicitly to have humility and put others above themselves. Paul explains that they should hold firmly to the word of life, which in order to do they must understand they themselves do not have the life they need, but rather another (dependance on Christ for salvation is key for humility, for that salvation does not come from within). He mentions his partners Timothy and Epaphroditus, who he calls co-workers, and clearly cares for (not seeing himself as far above them). Lastly, Paul thanks the church for taking care of his needs through Epaphroditus. One must be sincerely humble to accept another taking care of their needs. 

Additionally, Paul describes Christ’s humility in the previously mentioned poem (Philippians 2:6-11). He uses the following language (NIV) to articulate this humility:

“…[Christ is] in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God…made Himself nothing…taking the very nature of a servant…appearance as a man…humbled Himself…obedient to death…God exalted Him…every knee should bow…every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:6-11).

Here, Paul clearly expounds on the humility of Christ, which all of the Philippians are to actualize in their own lives. He says, in essence, that Jesus, in the nature of God, came humbly as a man. He humbled Himself to His death, and it is because of this humility that God will highly exalt Him. Paul explains that humility is both the example of Christ and what God desires in His children. Additionally, with Christ as the representative of all Christians, Paul suggests that whatever humility the Philippians demonstrate will actually be turned into exaltation by God at the resurrection (see also 1 Corinthians 15). 

Paul continues his theme of humility when focusing on the current corruption of the flesh and the future incorruption of the resurrected body as he travels through chapter three. He uses the following phrases to suggest implicitly and explicitly the theme of humility:

“…we who serve God in Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh…if someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more…I consider everything a loss…worth of knowing Christ Jesus…[righteousness comes] through faith in Christ…All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things…their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven… [Christ] will transform out lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:1-20).

Paul does several things in this chapter. First, he identifies himself again with his audience, and then draws a contrast between the flesh and the Spirit. In essence, Paul expounds that the flesh (personal works, pride, etc) is not able to save, nor be exalted, but rather the Spirit can do both. In explaining this, Paul makes his audience to depend not on themselves, but on the Spirit. He explains that their power is not fleshly, not a part of themselves, but is spiritual, gained only by depending on the Spirit. 

Lastly, in chapter four, Paul re-surveys all of his previous workings of humility. He touches on his own humility, the humility of Christ, and the worthlessness of the flesh. He does so through the following phrases:

“I plead with…be of the same mind in the Lord…my coworkers…in the book of life…I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me…him who gives me strength…you sent me aid more than once…received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent…the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philippians 4:1-23).

In Paul’s final chapter, he touches on all three of the previous ideas. First, he calls the audience to all be united (not prideful regarding themselves, but humble and connected). He identifies co-workers (again touching on his own humility as an example), shows their dependence on God and not themselves by mentioning the book of life, and then tells them he rejoices over (loves) them. His love is sacrificial, even, and Paul clearly values this church (showing his own humility). He accepts aid from Epaphroditus, thanks him and the sending church, and asks that God’s grace be with them. Again, Paul can not accept help without humility. He identifies himself with the church as a fellow needer of grace, and wishes good on them. 

This brief survey of humility throughout Philippians makes clear that this is a central theme on Paul’s mind. The theme of humility is so central to the book that without it, the entire theology and application of Philippians would be lost. Paul’s humility, Christ’s humility, and the worthlessness of the flesh all tie together to show the Philippians how humility is the crowning jewel of the Christian, and that in order to follow Christ truly, they must follow in His humility. 

Bibliography

Barker, Kenneth L. eds John R. Kolenberger III. The Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Corporation, 1994..

Barton, Bruce, Philip Comfort, Grant Osborne, Linda K. Taylor, and Dave Veerman. Life Application New Testament Commentary. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers.

Elwell, Walter A., eds Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1998.

Keener, Craig S.. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 1993.

McGee, J. Vernon. Thru The Bible: 1 Corinthians through Revelation. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson.

Wiersbe, Warren. The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 2. Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, 1989. 

Zuck, Roy B., eds John F. Walvoord. The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament. Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, 1983.