Philippians 2:3:
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
“Lowliness” is the same Greek word translated “humility.” That which is done through “strife,” which is basically selfish ambition or vain glory, is not done with humility to God. (Remember, Proverbs 28:25 told us “he that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife….”) Nothing should be done this way. Our concern is always to please God. He wants us to rid ourselves of selfishness and have humility of mind to Him.
Philippians 2:5:
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
We can think as Jesus Christ thought!
Philippians 2:7 and 8:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
He had no selfish concerns, no strife and vain glory. “No reputation” means he emptied himself of self- interests. He humbled himself by being obedient even unto the death of the cross. We should not forget that in the garden of Gethsemane he prayed three times saying, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Did Jesus Christ want to go through the torture and death that was coming? No, he did not. So he prayed for God’s help three times. God sent an angel to minister to him, preparing him to do what was necessary to be done. We, too, can pray for God’s help to do His will. We need His help even to be humble. His will is so much better than ours. God, help us to be humble.
Because of Christ’s determination to do the will of God, we today are redeemed. God now lives in us and helps us to do His will and good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13:
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.