Philippians 2:1-8 Study This is one of the most important sections in the book of Philippians and perhaps in all of Scripture. People can rob us of our joy. Paul was facing his problems with people at Rome as well as with people in Philippi, and it was the latter who concerned him the most. When Epaphroditus brought a generous gift from the church in Philippi, and good news of the church’s concern for Paul, he also brought the bad news of a possible division in the church family. Apparently, there was a double threat to the unity of the church; false teachers coming in from without and disagreeing members within. A servant mind-set however is not natural and must be developed through the principles outlined in this chapter. Since the believers at Philippi are “in Christ,” this ought to encourage them to work toward unity and love, not division and rivalry. In a gracious way, Paul is saying to the church, “Your disagreements reveal that there is a spiritual problem in your fellowship. There can be no joy in the life of the Christian who puts himself above others. The secret of joy despite circumstances is the single mind. The secret of joy despite people is the submissive mind.