Free 30-Minute Youth Bible Study on Philippians 2 (Printable PDF)

What if the key to real popularity isn't climbing the ladder — but climbing down from it?

Philippians 2:1-11 (BSB): Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

ekenōsen (ἐκένωσεν)

(ekenōsen) — Literally 'to make oneself nothing' (from kenē, 'empty'). This is the heart of the Christological hymn (Philippians 2:7). Not the loss of deity but the restraint of divine privileges — living as a servant, not exercising royal prerogatives. This term became foundational in church Christology (the kenotic theory of Christ's person).

tapeinophrosunē (ταπεινοφροσύνη)

(tapeinophrosunē) — Greek: tapeinophrosunē — from tapeinos (low, humble) + phrēn (mind). A cardinal virtue in early Christianity (Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 5:5). In Philippians 2:3, Paul commands this as the attitude that 'considers others more important than yourselves.' It is not self-debasement but other-elevation — looking not to your own interests but to the interests of others.

Paul wrote this letter to a church he started in Philippi — the first Christian community in Europe. They were facing pressure to divide against each other, and Paul pulls no punches: the way you treat others proves whether you really understand who Jesus is. The centerpiece is a poem (verses 6-11) that describes how Jesus had every right to be honored — but chose to serve instead.

1. 1.

   Jesus is described as being in the 'form of God' — that means he really had God's nature. But then he 'emptied' himself. How is that possible? How do you 'empty' yourself without losing who you are?

   investigate
2. 2.

   Paul uses four different words for unity in just a few verses. Why the repetition? What's the difference between thinking the same way about doctrine versus being 'united in soul' — like, actually caring about the same things?

   investigate
3. 3.

   Paul says we should 'work out' our salvation while also saying 'God works in you.' Isn't that a contradiction — either we do it or God does? Or can both be true at once?

   investigate
4. 4.

   Paul tells these early Christians to be 'blameless' in a 'crooked generation.' That's like being asked to stand out without being obnoxious about it. How does that even work?

   investigate

The passage makes two radical claims: (1) Jesus, who had every advantage, chose to serve instead of being served — and that choice, not his status, is what makes him worthy of worship; (2) The same choice — looking to others' interests instead of your own — is what makes a group of teenagers a community that actually shines. Grumbling about each other kills that witness fast.