JOY EXEMPLIFIED: HUMILITY EXALTED

Philippians 2:5–11 NKJV

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Main Idea: God desires for all believers to humble themselves.

Key Question: Do you trust God enough to humble yourself?

1. We must have the mind of Christ (v. 5)

Philippians 2:5 NKJV

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

1 Peter 4:1 NKJV

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

T.S. To learn to have the mind of Christ, we must learn from the humility of Christ.

2. We must learn from the humility of Christ. (v. 6-8)

Philippians 2:6–8 NKJV

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

His attributes; eternal John 1:1; omnipresent Mt. 28:20; omniscient Jn 16:30; omnipotent Jn 5:19; immutable Heb. 1:12

His offices; creator Jn 1:3; sustainer Col. 1:17;

His activities; forgives sin Mt. 9:2; raises the dead Jn 11:25; executes judgment

His acceptance of worship Mt. 14: 33; 28:9; John 20:28-29

Mark 10:45 NKJV

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

John 13:3–5 NKJV

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

T.S. A greater understand of the humility of Christ helps us appreciate the exaltation of Christ.

3. We must remember the exaltation of Christ. (v. 9-11)

Philippians 2:9–11 NKJV

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

Isaiah 45:23–24 NKJV

I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him.

Revelation 5:13 NKJV

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”