Chapter 2

Unity through Humility

1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic?
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.
        3 Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.
4 Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.

Christ's Humility and Exaltation

5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.
7 He made himself nothing;[1][Or He laid aside his mighty power and glory. ] he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form.[2][Greek and was born in the likeness of men and was found in appearance as a man. ]
8 And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.
9 Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Shine Brightly for Christ

12 Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.