Phil 2_6_11 The Cradle Cross and Crown

(The Cradle) (a) 6 Who, being in the form of God (exact likeness) , (b) thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, (c) and was made in the likeness of men: (The Cross) 8 (a) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, (b) and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (The Crown) 9 (a) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (b) 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Vs. 6,9,11 God X 3

Vs. 6,7,8,9,10,11 Jesus (Who, Him, Himself) X 8

Vs. 6,7 Form X 2 Contrast and comparison Form of God - Form of a servant

The Cradle Vs.6-7

Jesus, preincarnate God who has always been laid aside His glory to become a man. Born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago laying aside His rights as God to become the servant of the world.

Form of God – Exact likeness (6)

present tense verb Being - (to exist)

Form (Essence) – Intrinsic nature

Intrinsic - belonging naturally

Nature – permanent existence

Form of a servant –

Not Robbery – (1x in bible) (Something to be grasped)

No reputation – emptied Himself of His divine privileges / laid aside His rights as God

**** Laid aside His divine attributes ****

Omnipotence?

Omniscience?

To become a Servant – (doulos) A SLAVE

Made in the likeness of man – Incarnation

Illustration: Did you hear about the king whose glory surpasses all possible comprehension? His riches were so vast that there wasn’t a number ascribed to the amount. But, His subjects were all wicked, everyone did what pleased their greedy appetites. One day He takes his crown off and lays it in the seat of His throne and tells His subjects “Today I am laying aside my royal privileges as King and I am making myself a slave to the common people”

Have you heard it? It’s a true story! I read it in the pages of my bible.

This is our reason for celebration this time of year!

Hypostatic union

The Cross Vs. 8

Humbled Himself – Son of Power became the Son of Meekness

Hung on a tree – even

Illustration: Continue the story from above – king humbled Himself and willingly died for His subjects at the hands of His subjects.

The Crown Vs. 9-11

He humbled Himself and God exalted Him

To the Glory of God the Father – heaven, earth, and under the earth

Illustration: Continue story. King who became servant who offered Himself a Ransom – who returned to His Glory and put His crown on His head again.

Concluded Application: Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.

Confess Jesus Christ is Lord (1st of the list)

Not consider equality with God – Idolatry

Emptied himself becoming a servant – Shed Pride and serve those around us

Becoming obedient to the point of death – Obey God