The Example Of Christ

Philippians 2:5-11

Introduction:

We are continuing in our series, Joy In The Journey, and today is the 8th message in Philippians.

Today we are going to walk through Philippians 2 verses 5-11. The title of today’s message is: The Example Of Christ

Lets recap Philippians 2:1-4. It sets up today’s text.

Today’s passage shows us who Jesus is and how He lived with humility. We are called to live the same way—as humble servants.

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 2:5-11

Central Idea: Jesus modeled the life we’re called to live—serving with humility, obeying completely, and honoring Him in all we do.

Walk Through The Text:

POINT ONE: Jesus Came To Serve

Read Verse 5

The Philippians are to have this mind among themselves or have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Have the same mindset or attitude of Christ. Jesus Christ is our model for how to live and we are called to abide in Him.

Illustration: Talk about the old WWJD bracelets. This was used as a reminder to always think how Christ would react or speak in a specific situation.

Explain why Paul starts this passage out this way- Philippians 1:27-30 & Philippians 2:1-4

Read Verse 6

From the beginning of time, Jesus has always existed.

Read John 1:1-3.This should bring us to our knees. He did not lose his divine status nor became less Holy. He has always been fully God from the beginning of time.

One commentator said: “As God, he did not selfishly grasp hold of or tightly hold to his position as equal with God. Instead, he was willing to leave his high position in heaven temporarily and to give himself over to serving our needs. Although he set aside the rights and privileges of being God, he remained God.”

Read Verse 7

Another translation says: "But made Himself of no reputation."

He emptied Himself by leaving Heaven, being born in the flesh, and came not to rule but to serve. Fully man/fully God. His love for us drove Him to do this.

Taking the form of a servant- Greek word meaning Doulos, a bondsman or bondslave. The same word we see Paul introduce himself as in Philippians 1:1. It’s defined as “Someone who surrenders to the will of another and serves them.”

Look at how He was born (in a manger), how He cared for people when He was on earth, all of it reveals His true nature of caring for others more than He did Himself.

Pastor Skip Heitzig said this about Jesus’ servanthood: “So rather than thinking, I've got to climb the ladder, seeking to go higher and higher, Paul was saying, Like Jesus, bend lower and lower- so low that you can see to serve people.”

POINT TWO: Jesus Came To Obey

Read Verse 8

As a human, he could have been the greatest human ever. The greatest king to ever rule over the world. But decided to humble himself, so much so that He was obedient to death. Not just any death but death by Crucifixion on the cross. In the roman culture, this was the lowest and most humiliating way to die, and yet this is how He died. His blood had to be shed so that our sins would be forgiven.

Think about all the ways you have been selfish, focused on yourself. Just this past week.

Christ knew from your birth to death, all the ways you would sin, fall short, focus on yourself and not Him. AND YET HE STILL CHOSE TO DIE ON THE CROSS FOR YOU. He took the place for all who choose to surrender to Him as Lord and Savior and believe He died on the cross for them.

It was the greatest display of love that the world has ever known.

POINT Three: Jesus Came To Be Exalted

Read Verse 9

Because Jesus went to the cross obediently and died for us, God chose to highly exalt Jesus and bestowed on Him or gave unto him the name which is above every name. That name is LORD.

Exalted means to be lifted up with pride or to be raised to supreme majesty.

Read Isaiah 52:13 and Acts 2:33

Read Verse 10

In the name of Jesus Christ, every knee will bow before Him one day, in Heaven, and On Earth, and under the earth. That is when Jesus comes back one day, at that moment, those who are in Heaven, those who are on earth, and those under the earth (in hell), will bow.

That day is inevitable and knowing this, this is why the Philippians must continue to suffer for His sake. And have the same mind that Jesus did because there is still work to do. Lost people need Jesus and we can do something about that.

Read Verse 11

Every tongue will truly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, this will happen. Romans 14:9-11 emphasizes this (Read this verse). Even those who chose not to accept Him as Lord and Savior. There are inevitable destinations-

Read Romans 10:9. It's not just a prayer you say and then continue to live your life your way. Your heart has to recognize what we just read, what Christ did for us.

Application: Someone you know needs to hear the story of Jesus this week.

Applications:

1. Serve with the humility and love of Jesus this week

Where Do We Go From Here:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!