The “Christ Hymn” of Philippians 2 has been described as the core, the summary, or the “master narrative” of Paul’s gospel.? Do you recall other places in his letters that might bear out that claim? Are there elements of Paul’s teaching that you from other letters that are missing here?
How do you react to the image of Christ presented in the Christ hymn? Are there elements of that image that are problematic?
How useful is it to keep in mind the Roman context of this chapter when thinking about what Paul is trying to say?
Applying the Text:
Is there “fear and trembling” in your reaction to this or other scripture? How might our reaction to images of Christ, especially in a Western context, changed over the centuries?
Paul stresses that we must “be of one mind” with Christ. What does that look like in your daily life? What are some challenges to this practice?