Condescending Christ

The first , in Christ, can choose to become last.

Philippians 2:5–8 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-

Explanation:

Translation Issue:

“though he was in the form of God” or “because he was in the form of God”

Bc Jesus was God he laid down his authority and took on the vocation of a servant.

Notice in this text how Jesus lowers himself. (did not count equality something to be held on to, made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, born in the likeness of men, in human form he was obedient to death, even death on a cross)

Illustration

Jesus washes the feet of his disciples ()

Jesus washes the feet of his disciples ()

Argumentation

Application

Application

Will you choose humility or humiliation?

The last , in Christ, will become first.

Philippians 2:9–11 ESV

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 1:9–11 ESV

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Explanation

The Father exalts Jesus to the place of honor and glory

God has highly exalted him

Bestowed on him the name that is above every other name (his own name) - Jesus is God!

OT Context

Every being will praise and honor the King. God the Father has functionally ( given to the Son his name.

So that every knee will bow and tongue confess

Illustration

Philippians 9-11

Argumentation

In Christ - every death has a resurrection! When ever you let go of self (pride) and choose to lower yourself to love others there is always a resurrection.

This takes place fully in a time to come - yet it has already happened. Jesus does have the name above every other name.

When ever we praise Jesus here - we are echoing the praise that is already his in Heaven.

Some will bend the knee not out of joy but from a place of anger (as conquered)

Application

One Small Step: Ask yourself: “What is the trajectory of my heart? Do I seek glory or am I willing to be called a slave?”