Christian Life Church
May 17, 2023 - 7pm
PHILIPPIANS 2 KENOSIS (VERSE 5-11) PHILIPPIANS 2 HIGHLY EXALTED (VERSE 5-11)
Locations & Times
Christian Life Church Columbia
2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Wednesday 6:30 PM
PHILIPPIANS 2 MAY 17, 2023
KENOSIS (VERSE 5-11)
SCRIPTURE
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11, ESV
THE SELF-EMPTYING OF GOD
It’s important to remember that Jesus is in every way equal with God the Father and did not forsake His deity to become human.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15, NLT
“In the Christian story God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity… But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift, he must almost disappear under the load before he incredibly straightens his back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
1/ Jesus stepped down from certain divine rights and privileges.
Jesus gave up the right to call on heavenly assistance.
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Matthew 26:53-54, NIV
Jesus gave up the right to be worshiped and honored.
Jesus gave up the right of glory.
Jesus gave up the privilege of omniscience.
Jesus’ human mind had access to the divine mind but was selective in accessing it.
“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” John 1:48, NIV
Jesus gave up the privilege of omnipotence.
Jesus gave up the privilege of omnipresence.
2/ Jesus stepped down into humanity.
Jesus took on the emotions of man.
Jesus took on the frailty of man.
Jesus took on the warfare of man.
Jesus took on the natural limitations of man.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52, NIV
Jesus took on the appearance of man.
(Jesus) had to be made like (people), fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17, NIV
“[This emptying] placed Him indeed on the creaturely level in regard to the reality of human experience of growth, and human capacity for suffering. But never for one moment did it, could it, make Him other than the absolute and infallible Master and Guide (and God) of His redeemed (people).” Handley C.G. Moule
3/ Jesus stepped down into servanthood.
“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:28, NIV
Jesus served people on an eternal level.
Jesus served people on an earthly level.
Jesus…rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. John 13:3-5, ESV
4/ Jesus stepped down into humility.
Jesus was born in a humble time.
Jesus was born into a humble family.
Jesus was born in a humble town.
Jesus was born in a humble place.
Jesus lived in a humble manner.
Jesus died a humble death.
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11
5/ Jesus stepped down into death, even death on a cross.
PHILIPPIANS 2
HIGHLY EXALTED (VERSE 5-11)
SCRIPTURE
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11, ESV
THE EXALTATION OF JESUS CHRIST
“…one may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness, then glancing in mid-air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the deathlike region of ooze and slime and old decay; then up again, back to colour and light, his lungs almost bursting, till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping precious thing that he went down to recover.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
1/ Jesus’ name will be exalted because of His love, obedience, and sacrifice.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10, NIV
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross… Hebrews 12:2, NLT
2/ Jesus’ name will be exalted higher than ever before.
Jesus could never become more glorious! But He could become more glorified!
Jesus was exalted in His life.
People exalted Christ because of His miracles, works, teachings, and kindness.
Jesus was exalted in His resurrection.
When they saw Him (after the resurrection), they worshiped Him. Matthew 28:17, NIV
Jesus was exalted in His ascension.
While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped Him. Luke 24:51-52, NIV
Jesus is exalted in His Church.
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19, NIV
Throughout Scripture, the personal exaltation of God has included words and works.
“If you love Me, keep My commands.” John 14:15, NIV
Jesus is exalted in His heaven.
And instantly I (John) was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled His throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the One Who always was, Who is and Who is still to come.” Whenever the the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.” After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 4:2-11, NLT & Revelation 7:9-12, NLT
3/ Jesus’ name will cause every person to bow their knees.
There is a difference between forced submission and an involuntary response.
4/ Jesus’ name will cause every person to confess His lordship.
Even in salvation, we are to believe, but then to confess.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10, NIV
KENOSIS (VERSE 5-11)
SCRIPTURE
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11, ESV
THE SELF-EMPTYING OF GOD
It’s important to remember that Jesus is in every way equal with God the Father and did not forsake His deity to become human.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15, NLT
“In the Christian story God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity… But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift, he must almost disappear under the load before he incredibly straightens his back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
1/ Jesus stepped down from certain divine rights and privileges.
Jesus gave up the right to call on heavenly assistance.
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Matthew 26:53-54, NIV
Jesus gave up the right to be worshiped and honored.
Jesus gave up the right of glory.
Jesus gave up the privilege of omniscience.
Jesus’ human mind had access to the divine mind but was selective in accessing it.
“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” John 1:48, NIV
Jesus gave up the privilege of omnipotence.
Jesus gave up the privilege of omnipresence.
2/ Jesus stepped down into humanity.
Jesus took on the emotions of man.
Jesus took on the frailty of man.
Jesus took on the warfare of man.
Jesus took on the natural limitations of man.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52, NIV
Jesus took on the appearance of man.
(Jesus) had to be made like (people), fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17, NIV
“[This emptying] placed Him indeed on the creaturely level in regard to the reality of human experience of growth, and human capacity for suffering. But never for one moment did it, could it, make Him other than the absolute and infallible Master and Guide (and God) of His redeemed (people).” Handley C.G. Moule
3/ Jesus stepped down into servanthood.
“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:28, NIV
Jesus served people on an eternal level.
Jesus served people on an earthly level.
Jesus…rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. John 13:3-5, ESV
4/ Jesus stepped down into humility.
Jesus was born in a humble time.
Jesus was born into a humble family.
Jesus was born in a humble town.
Jesus was born in a humble place.
Jesus lived in a humble manner.
Jesus died a humble death.
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11
5/ Jesus stepped down into death, even death on a cross.
PHILIPPIANS 2
HIGHLY EXALTED (VERSE 5-11)
SCRIPTURE
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11, ESV
THE EXALTATION OF JESUS CHRIST
“…one may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness, then glancing in mid-air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the deathlike region of ooze and slime and old decay; then up again, back to colour and light, his lungs almost bursting, till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping precious thing that he went down to recover.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
1/ Jesus’ name will be exalted because of His love, obedience, and sacrifice.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10, NIV
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross… Hebrews 12:2, NLT
2/ Jesus’ name will be exalted higher than ever before.
Jesus could never become more glorious! But He could become more glorified!
Jesus was exalted in His life.
People exalted Christ because of His miracles, works, teachings, and kindness.
Jesus was exalted in His resurrection.
When they saw Him (after the resurrection), they worshiped Him. Matthew 28:17, NIV
Jesus was exalted in His ascension.
While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped Him. Luke 24:51-52, NIV
Jesus is exalted in His Church.
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19, NIV
Throughout Scripture, the personal exaltation of God has included words and works.
“If you love Me, keep My commands.” John 14:15, NIV
Jesus is exalted in His heaven.
And instantly I (John) was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled His throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the One Who always was, Who is and Who is still to come.” Whenever the the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.” After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 4:2-11, NLT & Revelation 7:9-12, NLT
3/ Jesus’ name will cause every person to bow their knees.
There is a difference between forced submission and an involuntary response.
4/ Jesus’ name will cause every person to confess His lordship.
Even in salvation, we are to believe, but then to confess.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10, NIV