Philippians 2:5-10

Introduction

Read Philippians 2:5-10

Philippians 2:5–10 ESV

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

What is the greatest act of humility you have ever seen/experienced? I think George Washington’s refusing to become king was one of the greatest acts of humility for all time.

Humility is beautiful, and pride is ugly.

D. A. Carson once said that the cross can be viewed from five perspectives: (1) God’s perspective, (2) Christ’s perspective, (3) Satan’s perspective, (4) sin’s perspective, and (5) humanity’s perspective.

In this passage, we get Christ’s perspective.

This is probably an early hymn sung by the early church. I once had a lady who took great issue with that point. She said, If the word of God came first, doesn’t that steal from the Word that the Holy Spirit inspired.

Explanation

Philippians 2:5–6 “5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,”

This passage is translated in several ways: some of you read your version and what it says.

He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. What in the world does that mean? Isn’t he God?

Jesus had all of the rights of God, but but He did not count them as something to hold onto.

Grasp (harpagmos) - is used to refer to a rightful spoil of war. If you conquered an area, you leveraged what you had conquered to benefit yourself.

Jesus will not use his deity in a way that elevates himself.

Jesus did not surrender his deity, but he surrendered his right to be treated like a deity.

Have this mind among yourselves.

A Jesus outlook will produce a Jesus outcome.

A Jesus attitude will result in Jesus actions.

A Jesus mind will be seen in Jesus manners.

Philippians 2:7–8 “7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Jesus gave up his high reputation as God to take a low reputation upon Himself - a servant of fallen man.

Jesus humility came in three parts

Humble Renunciation

Jesus laid aside his rights. He renounced them.

We must do the same.

Humble Incarnation - The Second Adam

Adam was made in God’s image, while Jesus wwas and is the very essence of God.

Adam wanted to be like God, and Jesus took on the likeness of man.

Adam wanted to exalt himself, while Jesus empties himself.

Adam was discontent being God’s servant. Jesus assumed the form of a slave.

Adam arrogantly rejected God’s word in sinful disobedience, while Jesus humbly submitted to God’s word in perfect obedience.

Adam succumbed to temptation, while Jesus overcame temptation and crushed the tempter.

Adam brought the curse on the world, while Jesus removed the curse on the world.

. Adam was condemned and disgraced, while Jesus was exalted by the Father.

Humble Crucifixion - Jesus died for our sins.

Bryan Chappell - African chief entering a cave to pull a man out of the cave.

Jesus took off his robe of glory and status to take our sins upon Himself.

Philippians 2:9–10 “9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,”

John Piper - What title did Jesus not have before he was resurrected that He DID have once he was resurrected? Messiah. Jesus’ messainic Lordship was not attained until he returned.

Why is the exaltation of Christ important for us today?

Invitation