Philippians 2:1

The apostle introduced his comments on submissiveness by giving his readers four incentives. He stated each one in a conditional clause that he introduced with the word "if." He assumed each one to be true for the sake of his argument (a first class condition in Greek). The translators have supplied the verb that Paul did not state. The NASB has "there is," but the NIV gives a better sense of Paul’s meaning with "you have." We could read each of the four clauses, "Since you have . . ."

The first reason Christians can and should be submissive to God and to one another is that Jesus Christ has exhorted (Gr. parakalesis) us to do so. His teachings while on the earth, as well as those that followed through His apostles after He returned to heaven, specifically Paul, encourage us to be humble. Jesus’ personal example during His earthly ministry also encourages us similarly.

Second, Paul’s love for the Philippians, which came as a comforting gift from God, should impel them to respond positively to his request also.

Third, the fellowship that the Holy Spirit creates should also make Christians submissive (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:13; Ephesians 4:3). It seems best to take this reference as including both our participation in the Spirit and the common life that He has created for us. [Note: Kent, p. 121; William Hendricksen, New Testament Commentary: Exposition of Philippians and Exposition of Colossians and Philemon, p. 98, footnote 73.] We should probably regard the genitive as both objective and subjective rather than just objective. The former incentives also come from being in Christ and from love. Another option is just our participation in the Spirit. [Note: Martin, pp. 48-49, 91.]

Fourth, the tenderness (affection) and compassion, or the affectionate sympathy, of God and Christ toward the Philippians would make unity normal and expected for this congregation.