The Christ hymn in Philippians : soteriological or ethical? The Christ hymn (Philippians 2 : 6-11) presents Jesus as the supreme example of humble, self-sacrificing, self-denying, self-giving service. The apostle Paul urges the Philippians to practise such conduct in their relation to one another. Hence, although this hymn is unquestionably an ethical poem, it may also be considered as soteriological in character. This hymn was composed for christological and soteriological reasons, but Paul's motive is in the first place not to give an instruction in doctrine, but to reinforce instruction in Christian living. The hymn, therefore, presents Christ as the ultimate model for moral action. Paul uses Christ's life and death as an example for Christians to follow.