In the first part of this series, we saw that God designed work as part of his "very good" world. Next, we looked at the ways in which humanity's rebellion against God sowed various kinds of brokenness within the domain of work. We now turn our attention to the way in which Jesus' life, death, and resurrection begin to correct the effects of our sin by looking at Philippians 2, which many scholars believe to contain one of the oldest hymns of the early church (v.6-11). As you read the passage and reflect on the questions provided, may Christ's redemptive work breath new life into your own work on campus.
Philippians 2:1-15 (NIV)
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.
Questions for Reflection
- What stands out to you about Jesus in this passage?
- How does the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus contrast with the actions of Adam & Eve in Genesis 3?
- How do you see relationships restored in this passage?
- How do the aspects of Jesus celebrated in this passage speak to the realities of your workplace? What do they call you to step away from or repent of? In what areas do you think God is inviting you to become more Christ-like in?
