DOWN FROM HIS GLORY
Philippians 2:1-11
Part One
The message of the cross is the message of redemption. The message of the trail leading to the cross is the message of love, humility and obedience. Both messages are contained in Philippians 2:1-11. As we look by faith to the cross we are saved. As we follow the trail to the cross we learn how to live in humility and harmony as God’s people. If there is anything the church needs today it is Spirit produced and Spirit maintained harmony in the ranks: less of self – more of others. We learn the importance of this in these eleven verses.
1. This involves
recognizing the common bond of interests that we share in Christ – vs. 1, 2. The qualities present in
Christ are transferred to His people.
This is the basis to make unity a reality. In verse two we see what makes Christianity different: believers
are to be of the same mind, same love, united in spirit,
with one purpose.
2. It involves putting your focus more on others and less on self
– vs. 3, 4.
This means that you are not promoting your own cause – not seeking to advance yourself at the expense of others. This is seen in political parties especially in an election year (and are we ever seeing it this year)! This means that you act in the reverse mentality of the world. The problems in the churches would diminish greatly if we put these principles into practice. Do we have something tangible (tried and tested) to measure our progress?
1. The great condescension in attitude and in acts – verses 5-8.
Verse five is a transition connecting the challenge to the pattern. Believers are commanded to have the same attitude as Christ. He is presented always as the believers’ example – in suffering (I Peter 2:21), in obedience (I John 2:6), in love (Ephesians 5:1,2), and in humility (Matthew 11:28-30; 20:26-28). As we follow His example, we become more and more like Him – and this takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight!
In verse six we see His attitude as God. Following His example necessitates knowing the nature of it. The Greek word relates not only to what you can see with the eye, (the likeness and appearance of man vv. 7-8), but the word refers also to the true inner nature of a thing. This statement is that Jesus Christ is essentially God. Manner of existence is what is emphasized here. He could never cease being who He is. He did change His manner of living. A king may take a lowly place among his subjects – and yet still be a king. We read in our history books how Peter, the Great - a Russian czar, dressed in common clothes and mingled with the common man, to see for himself how they looked at the king, without giving up his throne.
Verse seven tells of Christ’s attachment to the human race.
• He emptied Himself. The Greek word comes from kenosis – used in secular Greek of a man unloading a wagon – hence a wagon giving up its load. Jesus, in coming into this world is unloading certain things. Certainly not His deity. What then did He give up? (see Luke 9:58; John 5:19; 5:30). Certainly He gave up His privileges. Personally I believe He relinquished the independent use of His attributes. He once said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is some-thing He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”
• Taking the form of a servant. Jesus is not play-acting. He is complete God and complete man. As a perfect man He became the true servant of God. A servant follows orders. As a perfect servant, His only objective was to obey the wishes and commands of His Heavenly Father. The only person in history who ever had the right to assert His rights, waived His rights.
• Was made in the likeness
of man. The word means to be made
like something – a resemblance. His
mode of manifestation resembled what men are – yet He was what men are: A human being – but without sin (Hebrews
2:14-17)!
We will take up the remainder of this magnificent
passage in our next pen pulpit. God
bless. Love to you all,