腓立比書 2 Philippians 2
- 馬克牧師
- Jun 1
- 8 min read
這一講我們一起來讀《腓立比書》第2章。上一章我們提到保羅說的一句非常震撼的話：
「我活著就是基督，我死了就有益處。」
這句話展現出他對生命與死亡完全釋懷、坦然的態度。他已經生無所懼，死無遺憾，這是一種極為成熟的屬靈心態，也成為我們信仰上的榜樣。
接著進入第2章，保羅用更溫柔卻真摯的語氣，繼續勸勉教會。他指出教會內部正在面對的其中一個危機——分裂。
這不是空泛的擔憂，因為在第4章，保羅特別提到兩位姐妹的名字：友阿蝶與循都基。很可能這兩位是教會中的重要同工，甚至是領袖人物。但她們之間的矛盾與分歧，已經嚴重到保羅必須親自點名、請求她們和好。
這讓我們看到一個事實：教會的分裂，特別是領袖之間的分裂，會對整個教會造成極大的傷害。
所以保羅在第2章一開始就提醒我們：
「不可結黨，不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀；只要存心謙卑，各人看別人比自己強。」
這段經文講得非常實際。我們常看到領袖之間比較誰帶得好、誰做得多、誰的影響力比較大。這些比較、這些想要榮耀的心態，若沒有處理好，很容易讓人偏離事奉的初心，進而帶來教會的裂痕。
而保羅在第5節說了一句關鍵的話：
「你們當以基督耶穌的心為心。」
這句話提醒我們，教會的合一、彼此的謙讓，不是出於人為的控制，而是來自對基督榜樣的效法。
接下來的第6節到第11節，是非常關鍵的一段經文。
我們看見耶穌基督本有神的形象，與神同等，祂本來就是神，擁有至高的地位。但祂卻選擇降卑自己，來到這個世界，不是以王者的身份，而是取了奴僕的樣式，親自成為人的樣子，甚至順服至死，死在十字架上。
這段話是保羅對教會所有領袖的一個深刻提醒：
你們既然是教會的領袖，難道看不見我們主耶穌的榜樣嗎？祂是真正的王，卻選擇成為僕人，親身示範什麼是真正的領導者。若我們認真思考這一點，又怎能高舉自己？又怎能將自己的榮耀看得比服事神、服事人更重要？
所以，身為領導者，我們要常常以基督的心為心，虛己、順服、甘心服事。這才是屬神的領袖該有的樣式。
從第12節到第17節，保羅延續這樣的主題，進一步勉勵信徒要活出光明的生命。他說：
「你們要在彎曲悖謬的世代中，作神無瑕疵的兒女，好像明光照耀。」
這句話讓我們聯想到耶穌說過的：「你們是世上的光、是地上的鹽。」
保羅提醒信徒，我們的生命應當在這世代中發光，成為榜樣，帶出影響力。而這樣的生命是什麼樣子呢？
他說：「凡所行的，都不要發怨言、起爭論，使你們無可指摘，誠實無偽。」
換句話說，我們不是只在教會裡講道理，而是把信心活出來，在生活中展現出來。
然後保羅分享了他身為牧者、宣教士的心情。他說，若他為信徒的信心被澆奠在祭物上——換句話說，即使為此犧牲，他也喜樂，並願意與大家一同歡喜。
這讓我們回想起他在第一章說的：「生是基督，死是益處。」對保羅而言，活著與否並不是他最關心的，他最在意的是信徒們是否能夠活出誠實、無畏、合神心意的生命。只要弟兄姊妹的信心能夠成長，他就感到滿足和喜樂。這就是一位真正牧者的心腸。他不求自己的榮耀，只求會眾的進步。
從第19節到30節，保羅提到兩位重要人物，分別是提摩太和以巴弗提。
首先他說，他打發提摩太去看望腓立比的弟兄姊妹。提摩太不只是他的助手，更是他屬靈的兒子，是他最信任的同工之一。
保羅形容提摩太為人純潔、無私，全心只為基督和福音的緣故而活。他在初代教會中，是極為關鍵的第二代領袖。保羅甚至曾囑咐他「不可叫人小看你年輕」，可見他的重要性與潛力。保羅願意差派他，是因為知道他能真誠地關懷教會，也能忠心地傳遞使徒的教導。
接著，保羅提到另一位弟兄——以巴弗提。他是腓立比教會派來照顧保羅需要的人，是一位忠心、勇敢的同工。
保羅不僅稱他為「我的弟兄、與我一同做工、一同當兵的」，也說他是「你們所差遣的，也是供給我需用的」——這是極高的肯定與尊重。
但以巴弗提在事奉過程中染病，甚至病得幾乎要死。保羅特別感謝神憐憫他，使他恢復健康，現在要將他送回腓立比，讓弟兄姊妹知道他平安，也因此得安慰。
保羅還強調，他親自寫信，清楚交代這一切，是要讓大家知道：
這不是以巴弗提失職，而是他忠心到底，為福音冒險的結果。
這一段讓我們看見，教會中有像提摩太這樣的年輕領袖，也有像以巴弗提這樣忠心的僕人，他們各按恩賜、忠心擺上，都是神國不可或缺的重要角色。
他更進一步囑咐：「你們要歡歡喜喜地接待他，並且要尊重這樣的人。」
為什麼？因為以巴弗提為基督的工作，幾乎致死，不顧性命。
這裡的原文有「冒險」、「賭上生命」的含義。也就是說，他把自己的性命完全押在了這份使命上。
保羅對這樣的信心與忠誠深感敬佩，也提醒我們：教會應當尊敬那些願意為主擺上、為福音冒險的僕人。他們是我們當學習的榜樣，是與保羅一樣、為主捨己的工人。
今日屬靈反思
今天的經文教導我們，教會面對最大的危機不一定是外在的逼迫，更可能是內在的衝突。因著人的驕傲和自高，很可能從一開始的謙卑服事變成了互相攀比，互相攻擊。我們當以基督的心為心，至高上帝的兒子都謙卑虛己，那麼我們一介罪人又怎麼有資格要求榮耀呢？
感謝各位的聆聽，下一講我們繼續來查考腓立比書第三章的故事，感謝各位的聆聽，願上帝保守你們。
Today, we’re diving into Philippians Chapter 2 together. In the previous chapter, we encountered one of Paul’s most striking statements:
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
This line reveals Paul's complete freedom from fear of death and his deep peace about life. He had nothing left to cling to in this world and no regrets if he were to depart—it’s a profoundly mature spiritual mindset, and a model for us all.
Now, as we move into Chapter 2, Paul continues his exhortation to the church, but in a gentler, more heartfelt tone. He highlights one of the major threats facing the church: division.
This concern isn’t theoretical. In Chapter 4, Paul specifically names two sisters:
Euodia and Syntyche.
These women were likely key workers or even leaders in the church. Yet their conflict had escalated to the point where Paul had to personally urge them to reconcile.
This shows us something important: division, especially among leaders, can cause great damage to the entire church.
That’s why Paul opens Chapter 2 with this urgent reminder:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.”
This is incredibly practical. We often see leaders comparing who is more effective, influential, or respected. If unchecked, this desire for recognition can steer us away from our original calling and harm the unity of the church.
Then, in verse 5, Paul gives us a crucial command:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
This kind of unity and humility can’t be forced—it comes from following Jesus' example.
Verses 6 through 11 are a central and powerful passage.
Here we see Jesus, who was in very nature God, and equal with God. Yet He chose to humble Himself—not arriving as a king, but taking the very nature of a servant. He became human, and even more, He obeyed to the point of death—death on a cross.
Paul is using this to urge every church leader:
If our Lord—the true King—became a servant and showed us what leadership really looks like, then how could we ever exalt ourselves? How could we think our own glory is more important than serving God and others?
Therefore, as leaders, we must adopt the mindset of Christ: humble ourselves, be obedient, and serve willingly.
That is what it means to be a leader in God’s eyes.
From verses 12 to 17, Paul continues in this theme and encourages believers to shine with integrity. He writes:
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing… so that you may become blameless and pure… then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
This echoes Jesus’ words: "You are the light of the world, the salt of the earth."
Paul is reminding us that our lives should radiate light in a crooked and depraved generation. And how do we do that?
By living without complaints or quarrels. By being sincere and blameless. In short, it’s not just about what we say in church—it’s about how we live out our faith daily.
Paul then shares his heart as a pastor and missionary. He says that even if his life is being poured out as a drink offering—meaning if he has to give everything—it brings him joy, as long as the faith of the believers continues to grow.
It brings to mind his words from Chapter 1: "To live is Christ, to die is gain."
To Paul, whether he lived or died was secondary. What mattered most was that his spiritual children lived with courage and sincerity, in line with God’s will. That brought him the greatest joy.
That’s the heart of a true shepherd—seeking not his own glory, but the growth of his congregation.
Then from verses 19 to 30, Paul highlights two key figures: Timothy and Epaphroditus.
First, he says he is sending Timothy to visit the Philippians. Timothy isn’t just a helper—he’s Paul’s spiritual son and most trusted coworker.
Paul describes Timothy as pure-hearted and selfless, fully dedicated to Christ and the gospel. He was a crucial second-generation leader in the early church. Paul even once told him, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” That shows how much he believed in him.
Paul could send Timothy because he knew he would sincerely care for the church and faithfully pass on the apostolic teachings.
Next, Paul talks about Epaphroditus, a brother from the Philippian church who had been sent to help meet Paul’s needs. Paul calls him “my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier.” He also says he was their messenger and minister to his needs—an incredibly high commendation.
During his service, Epaphroditus became gravely ill—almost to the point of death. But God had mercy on him and restored his health. Now Paul was sending him back to the Philippians, not only so they would know he was well, but also to bring them comfort.
Paul makes it clear that this wasn’t a failure on Epaphroditus’ part. On the contrary—it was proof of his faithfulness and willingness to risk everything for the gospel.
Paul continues:
“Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him.”
Why? Because Epaphroditus, for the work of Christ, came close to death, risking his life.
The original Greek carries the sense that he “gambled his life” for the mission. He staked everything on serving the Lord.
Paul deeply respects this kind of faith and courage, and he challenges the church to do the same—to honor and learn from such people. They are examples for us, fellow servants who, like Paul, are willing to sacrifice everything for the Lord.
Spiritual Reflection
Today’s passage teaches us that the church’s greatest danger may not come from outside persecution, but from internal conflict. Pride and self-promotion can easily turn humble service into competition and division.
We are called to have the same mindset as Christ. If the Son of God Himself humbled and emptied Himself, how can we, as sinners, claim glory for ourselves?
Thank you for listening. In our next session, we’ll continue with Chapter 3 of Philippians. May God bless and keep you all.
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