Philippians 2

Encouragement, Love, Fellowship, Tenderness, and Compassion - Paul lists these as what the Philippians, and actually all believers, already have.    And his joy would be complete if UNITY would follow.   The rest of the passage focuses on HUMILITY, for it is what is needed for UNITY (not selfish ambition nor empty conceit; but, looking out for the interests of others).    He then, in a beautiful and poetic passage on Christology, points to Christ as the ultimate example of HUMILITY for them to emulate.     These verses describe Christ's Deity, Incarnation, and Exaltation - as He gave up His rights and privileges as God for a time, to become fully Man (never losing his Deity), and being willing to be obedient to the point of death on the cross.  And vs 9-11 is glorious in the exaltation of Christ, to whom every knee will bow and every tongue will acknowledge as Lord!

Given Christ's example, Paul encouraged the Philippians to continue in obedience as they "worked out their salvation" while God works in them through their sanctification and gives them the motivation "to will and to act".    When done with reverence for God and without grumbling or arguing, they would be able to shine as lights in this dark world, holding out (and onto) the word of life, the gospel.    Paul said he and the Philippians could mutually "be glad and rejoice" if their ministry served together as a sacrifice and offering to God.

Paul then tells them his plans to send Timothy to them, and maybe even accompanying him if released from imprisonment.  His description of Timothy shows him to be an example of humility, talked about earlier in the chapter.  Paul also wants to send Epaphroditus, their messenger, back to them; encouraging them to honor people like him, who risked his life for the work of Christ, by becoming sick to the point of death when in Rome helping Paul.