Philippians 2:1-11 - Cameron Jungles - Wed PM, Dec. 18, 2013

“Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation” - Philippians 2:1-11 -

(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/Dec. 18, 2013)

 

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:1–11, NIV)

 

1. Because of his faithful, humble obedience, Christ was vindicated and exalted by God.

 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

(Phil. 2:9, NIV)

 

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. (Phil. 1:27–30, NIV)

 

2. The risen and exalted Christ is the Lord of the entire universe, and all will bow in submission before him.

 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9–11)

 

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. (Isa. 42:8, NIV)

 

"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone are deliverance and strength. '" All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But all the descendants of Israel will find deliverance in the LORD and will make their boast in him. (Isa. 45:22–25, NIV)

 

3. God the Father is glorified through Christ’s humiliation and exaltation.

 

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(Phil. 2:11, NIV)

 

Main Idea: Our Lord Jesus Christ showed us that the path to exaltation by God is through humble, obedient service.

 

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Lk. 14:11, NIV)

 

Implications:

Ø  Unity is achieved through self-giving, humility.

Ø  The path to vindication and exaltation is through humble, obedient service.

Ø  We glorify God when we live in humility & obedience.