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Fell on Good Ground · Intermediate · Lesson 16
Humility and the Mind of Christ
Learning topic: Humility and the Mind of Christ. Suggested pace: 30–45 minutes, with optional deeper study.
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Read in context
Paul calls a church he loves to unity through humility, then points to Christ as the supreme pattern.
Learning goal: Explain the main passage in context, compare its related verses, and identify a faithful response.
Philippians 2:1-11 · KJV
Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What these verses teach
Looking to others’ interests challenges selfish ambition without erasing responsible self-care. Christ’s humbling involves taking the servant’s form and obeying unto death. The passage does not say He ceased to be divine; it places His servant obedience alongside His divine status and the Father’s exaltation of Him. Christian humility is therefore neither self-hatred nor a performance of lowliness. It is a willing use of strength for another’s good.
Help me to understand what I’ve just read
In plain language
Jesus shows that true greatness includes humble service. We can look after others without pretending that we have no needs of our own.
An everyday example
Choose to do a needed household task without making others praise you for it.
Check it against Scripture
Return to Philippians 2:1-11. Which words support this explanation? Read the full paragraph before drawing a conclusion.
Try saying it back: “This passage teaches me that …” Write one sentence in your own words, then compare it with the passage.
This is a prepared study explanation, not a live AI answer or a substitute for Scripture. It is always free and requires no account.
Dig deeper: Scripture alongside Scripture
John 13:3-17 · KJV
John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
John 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
John 13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
John 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
John 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
John 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
John 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
John 13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
John 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Why this connection matters: Jesus’ washing of feet shows authority expressed through service.
1 Peter 5:5-6 · KJV
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Why this connection matters: Humility toward others is joined with humbling ourselves under God’s hand.
Advanced explanation and study
How does Christ’s action challenge the assumption that status excuses service? Trace your answer through specific words in the main passage. Then compare the two supporting passages: identify what they clarify and where their immediate settings differ. A shared word alone does not establish an identical meaning; let each paragraph govern its use.
A careful study method
Observe who is speaking, to whom, and why. Separate what the text states from an inference you draw. Note whether you are reading narrative, poetry, teaching, or a promise to a named audience. Explain how your application follows the passage rather than replacing its original meaning. Where faithful Christians differ, describe the question fairly and return to what these verses clearly teach.
Reflect and respond
- What does this passage reveal about God’s character or work?
- How does Christ’s action challenge the assumption that status excuses service?
- Which verse challenges or encourages you, and why?
Live what you learn
Do a necessary task that receives little notice.
A prayer to begin
Lord Jesus, shape my attitude after Thy humble service.
This prayer and all explanations are original study helps, not additional Scripture.
Check what you remember
What attitude threatens the unity Paul seeks?
Read the answer
Strife and vainglory, or selfish ambition and empty pride. Reread Philippians 2:1-11 and identify the supporting words.
Chapter review
Read the full chapter containing Philippians 2:1-11. Summarize its main thought in your own words, then check that your lesson takeaway fits that larger setting.
Study together with a friend
Choose a time to read this lesson together, in person or by a phone or video call you already use. You can also read separately and discuss it afterward. Every study is free, and no account is needed to read.
- Read the main KJV passage aloud, taking turns if you wish.
- Each share one verse that stood out and explain why.
- Open the help section and compare its explanation with the passage.
- Discuss the deeper question and one practical response.
- Close with prayer if you are both comfortable.
Listen patiently and welcome honest questions. Keep Scripture distinct from personal opinions. Share only what you choose; personal account notes are not shared with your study partner.
Try the multiple-choice review
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