The Incomparable Christ (Philippians [2]1-11)
The Incomparable Christ
Text: Philippians 2:1-11
Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)
Date Preached - (12/13/98)
Introduction: Paul writes from a Roman prison cell, where he is subject to almost every level of human authority. Yet, he writes of a greater Authority.
Among the recipients of this letter in Philippi were the Jailer and his family, Lydia the seller of purple, and a formerly demon-possessed young lady.
This letter was of importance to them as an encouragement, since they would soon experience suffering and persecution.
Phil 1:28-29
Was Christ sufficient for Paul in the worst of conditions? Absolutely!!
No one compares to Christ!!!
People say “put Christ back into Christmas” and “there would be no Christmas without Christ”. Who’s worried about Christmas, There would be no life without Christ!!!
I like Christmas, but I am not as concerned about having Christmas or not as I am about having Life (spiritual) or not!!
Christ is incomparable in every way!
I. Incomparable in His Equality vs.6
Men spend their lives grasping for greatness.
Even the disciples disputed among themselves who should be the greatest. (Mark 9:34)
People compare themselves against others to determine greatness.
II Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
A. In the Form of God
Form = The very essence or nature.
He is God!!!!
Isaiah 44, 45, & 46 (Look Up Verses)
B. Thought it not robbery to be equal with God.
Robbery = Seize, grasp, attain, prize to be won.
(Tie this though in with verse 4)
Equal – Plural, lit. Equalities
He is equal with God in every divine attribute.
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
Give some examples:
Omniscience – John 2:24-25 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Omnipresence – John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
Omnipotence – Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
He is Creator, Redeemer, Sovereign. He is the great I AM, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
LOOK UP Isaiah 43:10-11 & Isaiah 45:21
II. Incomparable in His Emptying vs.7-8
“Made himself of no reputation.”
Kenosis (Theological term)
Not emptied of Godhood.\
He temporarily laid aside the independent exercise of the divine attributes.
This was a voluntary action. Indicating he had the authority to do so, and thus the authority or right to the divine attributes in the first place.
This is explained in the following verses. Let Scripture explain itself.
A. Form of a Servant (Essence - Nature)
Bond-Servant
Mark’s Gospel (Different perspective in each of 4 Gospels)
B. Likeness of Man (Similitude – Resemblance)
He was a man. But not entirely like you and I, Because He was God.
C. Fashion as a Man (Appearance – Perception)
III. Incomparable in His Example vs.5
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
A. Humility vs.3 & 8
How could God humble himself?
His humility different from ours, but an example nonetheless.
In His humility, He subjected Himself to shame and ignominy on the cross for our sins.
Whereas we ought to be kept humble because of our own sins.
LOOK UP & Read Galatians 6:1-3
B. Servitude vs.4
Leadership is serving.
Matthew 20:26-28 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
C. Sacrifice vs.8
He Gave!!!
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
IV. Incomparable in His Exaltation vs.9-11
Read Hebrews 1:9-10 & Revelation 19:11-16
A. Exalted Position vs.9
Highly exalted
B. Exalted Name vs.9
C. Exalted in Worship vs.10-11
Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Conclusion: