As Paul wrapped up the first chapter to his letter to the believers in Philippi, he encouraged them to stay positive and have a good attitude in the midst of struggles. As he begins the second chapter, he describes just what that kind of attitude looks like.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 2:1-2:

Paul’s focus as he begins this section of his letter is both encouragement and unity. If the Philippians have the same priorities as Paul does, then they should be striving towards the same goals. Since the Philippian church was facing opposition from external sources, which Paul mentioned in the previous chapter, in verse 27, these believers needed to draw themselves together for the sake of the gospel.

Since his focus is unity, he gives in this passage four motivations that the Philippians need to share. The old NIV doesn’t translate the word “therefore,” although it is there in the Greek. The newer NIV gets this right. That word links this text back to the struggles the Philippians were facing from without, and the connection is that they needed to focus on unity from within.

The four motives in verse 1 are followed by four results in verse 2. Let’s look at each in turn:

Back in verse 27, Paul encouraged the Philippians to conduct themselves in a worthy manner. In these final two verses of chapter one, the reason for that becomes very clear.

You can see it for yourself in Philippians 1:29-30:

The Philippian believers needed to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But why? Paul explains why here. It is because they will experience the same struggles that Paul is facing.

Let’s look at these verses phrase by phrase.

For it has been granted to you – It is no accident that the Philippian believers will experience persecution and suffering. God has ordained it. The word “granted” is rooted in the same word as grace. Paul is making a bold statement here: the Philippian believers have been graced with the opportunity to believe, and to suffer because of it. That indicates that suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs. As uncomfortable as it may be, it serves a very important purpose in the life of the believer, both in Philippi and today.

On behalf of Christ – This identifies the Philippian believers with Jesus, as it does for us. We are not only called to suffer with him, but for him.