Lesson: Philippians 2:5-11;
Golden Text: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
INTRODUCTION.The human mind is easily influenced by the flesh making the mind untrustworthy. Since the mind directs our thoughts and behaviors, it follows that those who would reflect Christ would do well to take on the mind of Christ.In verses 1-4, not a part of our printed text, Paul addressed the issue of pride with his readers.Then in our text he presents humility or humbleness as the clear antidote to the problem of pride.This week’s lesson not only defines humility; it also presents the supreme example of humility, Jesus Christ Himself.
II. WILLING TO LOSE (Philippians 2:5-8)
A. Jesus gave no thought to robbery (Philippians 2:5-6).
1. (vs. 5). In this verse Paul clearly stated that the attitudes of believers should mimic or copy those of Christ. He said “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” The words “this mind” refers back to the idea of humility and humbleness expressed in verses 3-4. The fact that our mind or thought process should mimic Christ indicates that He provides a standard that helps us realize that continual spiritual growth is necessary even though we can never be just like Christ in this life. However, that does not release us from God’s expectation that we try.
2. (vs. 6). Here, Paul begins to explain the mind of Christ that we are to imitate. Referring to Christ and his humility he said “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” The word “form” does not refer to a body or shape but to the essential attributes or nature. Christ was, is, and always will be God. His nature and God the Father’s nature are one and the same. Jesus is everything His Father is and just as much God as the Father (see Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). Having the very nature of God Himself, Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” The word “robbery” is based on a word meaning “to seize.” It should best be understood to mean something that is grasped and held onto. The complete thought presented in this phrase is that even though Jesus was deity, He didn’t consider His deity to be something to grasp or hold on to. In other words, in all humility, Jesus was willing to let go of who He was in order to become the Saviour of all humanity. When He took on human flesh, He laid aside His divine prerogatives, glory and power in order to be like us.
B. Jesus gave no thought to reputation (Philippians 2:7). This verse says “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Paul, in three statements presented the depths to which Christ’s humble attitude led Him. First, He “made himself of no reputation.” The Greek word for “no reputation” means “to make empty.” It indicates that Jesus emptied Himself. This emptying didn’t involve giving up His deity or any part of it. What Jesus did was relinquish the manifestations and privileges of His deity. Jesus voluntarily gave up the independent use of His divine attributes while on earth in order to fulfill God’s plan to provide salvation for the world. Second, Christ “took upon him the form of a servant.” The word “servant” in Scripture is often translated as “slave.” Just as Jesus is truly God, He also became a true Slave, with all the manifestations that go along with that status. He was a slave, or servant, to all mankind for He came “not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (see Matthew 20:28; Luke 22:27). His mission was complete servant-hood (see Mark 10:45). Third, Christ’s humility led Him to the depths of being “made in the likeness of men.” Although He remained deity, Jesus took to Himself a genuine human nature. No one looking at Him would see him as any privileged person. He walked this earth as a man with no special distinctions. The eternal Son of God became the Son of man as well, identifying with us so that He might bear our sins (see Hebrews 2:14-15). This alone was a great humiliation. To live as a man and associate with human weaknesses required of Jesus the utmost Self-denial.
C.Jesus gave no thought to pride (Philippians 2:8). Continuing his thought on Jesus’ humanity Paul said “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Here the word “fashion” refers to Jesus’ outer appearance not His nature (see vs. 6-7). He looked like a mere man and anyone meeting Him on the street wouldn’t think He was someone special (see John 1:46). As His contemporaries saw Him “in fashion as a man,” Jesus also “humbled himself” even more and “became obedient unto death.” As if becoming human wasn’t humiliation enough, Jesus submitted to death, the result of human sin. He didn’t have to die, since He was not a sinner. He died in man’s place in obedience to His Father’s will (see II Cor. 5:21). The phrase “became obedient unto death” may appear to mean that death had power over Jesus, but that is certainly far from the truth. Jesus, in obedience to do His Father’s will, freely submitted to death (see John 10:17-18). However, Christ’s death was no ordinary death. It was “the death of the cross” the most excruciating death possible. Crucifixion was the Roman method of executing criminals, but Roman citizens were exempt from it. It was extremely painful and humiliating, yet Jesus endured it for us. Note: At any point in His crucifixion, Christ could have drawn back and said, “Enough! I am not obligated to do any of this.”But in love and humility,He put our interests ahead of His own. This is the mind of Christ that should govern believers as we deal with one another. True humility puts no limits on what it will give.
III. GUARANTEED TO GAIN (Philippians 2:9-11)
A. Christ’s exaltation (Philippians 2:9). Paul concluded his lesson on humility by stating “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” The word “Wherefore” indicates that there is a direct connection between Christ’s obedience and His exaltation. This is a truth that Jesus Himself taught. In Luke 14:11 Jesus said “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” The height of Jesus’ exaltation is described by the words “highly exalted.” The Greek word for “highly exalted,” means “to elevate to the highest position possible.” This exaltation of Christ implies that He not only regained His original position (see vs. 6), but now has additional glory and power (see Ephesians 1:20-22). Part of Christ’s exaltation involved God giving Him “a name which is above every name.” Jesus’ name is exalted above every other name and therefore He deserves all our worship and praise. He alone stands above all power and authority. He is indeed exalted.
B. Universal submission (Philippians 2:10). In this verse Paul continues to say “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” No doubt Paul had the name “Jesus” in mind, for at that name every knee shall bend. How ironic it is that the very name associated with the Lord’s earthly humiliation will elicit homage from all His creatures. This recognition of Jesus will come from creatures in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. This includes angels, men, and fallen angels. The fact that the entire creation will bow at the name of Jesus does not mean that all intelligent created beings will be saved and voluntarily worship Him. It means that willingly or unwillingly they will one day acknowledge Jesus’ absolute lordship.
C. Universal confession (Philippians 2:11). In addition to universal submission, “every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”The Greek word for “confess” means to acknowledge or to agree with. The confession that will come from “every tongue” is not unto salvation but that “Jesus Christ is Lord.”This universal acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship is not intended ultimately to glorify Jesus Christ alone. The intent is “to the glory of God the Father.” When the crucified, risen, ascended, and conquering Christ is glorified, the infinite wisdom of the Father who gave Him will be praised as well (see I Corinthians 15:28).
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