Last week we took note of the blessings of unity (v. 1) and the demand of unity (v. 2). Today we complete this section, which also should be considered in light of verses 5-11. Most of that discussion will need to wait on account of limited space.
THE SELFLESSNESS OF UNITY (vv. 3-4)
The third point that should be noted is relative to the selfless spirit necessary for unity in Christ. Paul gives what may be the greatest key to unity in the church (or anywhere else)… humility! He addresses this matter both from the negative and positive perspective. Let’s briefly consider both.
- The Negative perspective (v. 3)
In the first part of verse 3 Paul tells us what NOT to do. The attitude or way of thinking mentioned here WILL NOT LEAD TO UNITY! Thus it is critical for the Philippians, and you and I, to get this fixed in our minds! An arrogant spirit cannot build the church! This is not the “one mind” of verse 2 or the “mind of Christ” of verse 5.
Paul says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition, or conceit…” Here is the culprit for factions and divisions. James asks the question, “What causes fights and what causes quarrels among you?” (4:1). He goes on to say that they are caused by selfish desire and covetousness (see v. 2).
Remember back to Philippians 1:17 where Paul indicated some preached for “selfish ambition.” They did it for what their own corrupt hearts could get out of it. Such hearts naturally breed factions and useless discord.
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Selfish ambition and conceit forms a great barrier to unity of the church that our Lord prayed for in John 17:20-23. Let us put away every arrogant and selfish thought and so tear down any barrier it might cause in the body of Christ!
(2) The Positive Perspective (vv. 3-4)
Instead of the Philippians having an arrogant and selfish spirit about them, Paul indicates they should humbly “count others more significant than yourselves” (v. 3). Rather than being “high-minded,” the Christian is to be “low-minded.” Christ describes Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt. 11:28).
This does not mean that the Christian is to think poorly of himself. God’s people are told: “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt. 22:39). The next guy (or gal) is not more important than we are, but they should be esteemed as if they were. In order to accomplish this mission the Christian must separate his thoughts from himself. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but the value of such an attitude is worth more than its weight in gold to the unity of the church!
While it is natural and needful to take care of one’s own needs, the child of God is to “look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (emp. mine). When Christians “prefer to defer” to others (especially one another), strong bonds are naturally built and unity is forged within the body of Christ. Perhaps only the Word of God itself (see Rom. 1:16) has more drawing power to a lost world than the unity of God’s people!
Daren Schroeder
