Downward Mobility

Introduction:

· Christmas according to Paul: Our Theology leads to worship – which is why songs have always played such a vital part in the life of the church

· This is as good as a CHRISTMAS SONG as you’ll find

THIS SONG SHOWS US HOW OUR THEOLOGY OF CHRISTMAS LEADS TO A NEW WAY OF THINKING, AND THEN A NEW WAY OF LIVING

I) A New Mindset (vs. 5)

A. God Calls us out of an OLD Way of Thinking…

i. The Problem: We are naturally self-centered people (Philippians 2:3-4)

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1. The context: a common theme is “me first!”

2. An Explanation: “Vain conceit” is a glory vacuum that we seek to fill

3. EXAMPLE: Taking credit for a group project OR, serving to be seen

ii. But God calls us to a different “mindset” (vs. 5)

1. We’re not just commanded to “think” but to have a “mind”

HERE’S WHERE PAUL TAKES US TO HIS THEOLOGY OF JESUS’ INCARNATION. THE RISK IS LOSING THE BEAUTY, SO I WANT TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THREE THEMES.

II) Jesus’ birth Gives Us A Picture of Humility (vv. 6-11)

A. Jesus Empties Himself For us: (vs. 7)

i. Jesus Empties Himself: He uses his position for giving, not grabbing (vs. 7)

1. Kenosis doesn’t mean that Jesus drains himself of his divine nature

2. ILLUSTRATION: Rain barrel: drained or made pointless if it rains

ii. In Emptying Himself, Jesus uses his position to serve (vs. 6)

1. So: What was “in vain”? His position wasn’t for self, but for others

2. APPLICATION: Jesus’ pattern is not to exploit but to serve

B. Jesus’ Metamorphosis: (vv. 7-8)

i. The Mystery of the Incarnation:

1. EXAMPLE: a caterpillar remains the same caterpillar, but a different form

2. Jesus retains his essence, but he takes on a different “FORM”

ii. Jesus takes on the form of a human (vs. 7b-8a)

1. …and a human: Jesus takes on the limits of human nature

2. The infinite son of God, worshipped by angels, agent of creation…an embryo

iii. Jesus changes his form into a slave: (vs. 7a, 8b)

3. …a slave: The lowest social standing,

4. As a slave, Jesus was obedient, even though obedience meant death

5. As a slave, Jesus is obedient to His father, for our benefit

C. Jesus’ Humiliation Is the Path towards Exultation (vv. 9-11)

i. Changing the Subject: God is the subject

1. Jesus takes the steps downward – but GOD takes him upward!

2. APPLICATION: The path to exultation for us is down (and for God, up!)

ii. Because of his humiliation, God exults Jesus to a place of “Lordship”

1. Slave à Master: Jesus is given a position of authority over all

2. Humble à Worshipped: Jesus’ name is worthy of worship & salvation

NOW, I SAID AT THE BEGINNING THAT THIS THEOLOGY MEANS A DIFFERENT WAY OF LIVING.

III) Living with A New Mindset

A. Having the Mind of Jesus Means serving Others

i. We serve others by putting their needs first

1. The way of Jesus is a way of serving, even with little recognition

2. EXAMPLE: Graduation Speeches (“change the world!”) vs. serving

3. APPLICATION: Caring for children at home; parents at the end of life

ii. We serve others by using what we have for their good rather than ours

1. Think of the resources You have: job; position; material goods -how can you serve others with it?

2. EXAMPLE:

B. …And Gifts us For A New Way of Thinking (vs. 5)

i. Returning to the beginning: God gives us what we need

1. BUT, God also gives us that mind: Our union with Christ assures us that we already have everything we need to think this way.

ii. Returning to the beginning: Shaped by our worship:

1. If “vain glory” leads us to seek significance for ourselves, Jesus emptying himself so that we might have a “glory” unlike anything else

Transition:

Conclusion

* “We become like what we worship.”