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Philippians 2:5-11
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, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This week's passage is one of the greatest texts on Christ and His nature in all of scripture. The majority of this passage is widely recognized as an early Christian hymn that Paul uses to ground his call for the Philippians to walk in humility. He begins by calling the believers to shape their lives and thinking around a humility that counts others more significant than themselves—because of the humility of the Savior. Since we are one with Him, we are capable and called to have the humility that He had. Christ did not fight to stay at God's right-hand in glory, but instead suffered the humiliation of taking on man's nature and experiencing persecution even to His own death for our interests and sake. Not only are we united with Christ in His humility, but also in His exaltation. Since we are one with Him, we are called to walk in humility now trusting God that we will be exalted with Him on that final day (Matthew 23:12).
Review & Apply
What does Paul mean by "have this mind among yourselves"? Do you think he is calling us to accumulate knowledge or adjust our attitude?
Cults will make hay with Jesus being in the "form" of God. What is often missed is that He also appeared in the "form" of man, which indicates that "form" means something along the lines of "nature" or "essence" in this context. How could this understanding aid you in defending the deity of Christ. What other ways could you defend the deity of Christ?
Do verses 9-11 imply that everyone will be saved? Why or why not?
What is the connection between our union with Christ and our ability to grow in humility? How can this encourage us to pursue humility and holiness?
What are the rights that you cling to? How does Jesus giving up His rights as a member of the Godhead change your perspective?
Do you believe that suffering leads to glory and humility leads to exaltation? This is the motivating factor for experiencing suffering and humbling circumstances with joy—that one day we will be lifted up to be with Jesus, free from sin and the stain of this broken world. How can this eternal hope shape your view of suffering now?
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