Joyous Emulation!

  

 

 

Rejoice in the Lord- 6 6

TITLE: Joyous Emulation!

TEXT: Philippians 2:5-11

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To encourage believers to emulate the humility of Christ.

TEACH: When they were little, my boys loved to emulate their dad. They would try to match what I was wearing or copy my actions. They wanted to be like Dad. As believers, we are called to imitate our Heavenly Father by following the example of Christ. Just as my boys looked to me as their role model, we look to Christ as the perfect example of how we should live our lives. 

 

Christ’s life was a beautiful display of humility, love, compassion, and selflessness. He showed us how to love our neighbors, forgive our enemies, and serve others humbly. By walking in His footsteps and emulating His character, we reflect the image of our Heavenly Father and showcase the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives. 

 

TEMPLATE: Structure Breakdown of Text

A: (v.5) Introduction- Call to have the same mind as Christ, setting the stage for the hymn.

   B: (v.6) Christ’s pre-existence and equality with God, emphasizing His divine status.

     C: (v.7) Christ’s emptying Himself, taking the form of a servant and coming human.

      D: (v.8) Christ’s humility in obedience, even to death on a cross.

    C: (v.9) God’s exaltation of Christ, reversing the previous humiliation.

  B: (v.10) The universal recognition of Christ’s Lordship, mirroring His equality with God.

A: (v.11) The confession of Jesus Christ as Lord, echoing the initial call for unity and humility. 

 

Notice that the structure points to Christ’s humiliation unto death on the cross as the key theme of the passage.

 

TRUTH: This passage is a well-known passage in the New Testament. It is often referred to as the “Christ Hymn.” It is found at the center of Paul’s letter to the Philippians and is considered a central theological and ethical teaching passage.

 

Contextually, Philippians 2:5-11 is part of a larger section in which Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who emptied himself and took on the form of a servant despite being in the form of God.

 

The Hymn describes Christ’s humility, obedience, and ultimate exaltation by God. It highlights the self-emptying nature of Christ’s incarnation and his willingness to humble himself for the sake of humanity. The passage serves as a powerful theological reflection on the nature of Christ’s identity and mission, emphasizing the importance of humility and sacrificial love in the Christian life. “Unity is not possible without humility. Therefore, Paul writes to reinforce this thought in the hearts of believers. And what better way to reinforce this thought than by reminding the Philippians of the attitude and conduct of Him to whom they are united in faith?” (Moses Silva, Baker Exegetical Commentary, 2005). 

 

The Bible emphasizes humility as a key characteristic of a faithful follower of Christ. The following are some reasons why humility is important.

 

1.        Imitating Christ

2.        Relationship with God

3.        Relationship with Others

4.        Spiritual Growth

5.        Witness to the World

 

So, what steps must we take to emulate Christ’s humility?

 

I.                             Step One: Embrace the Mind of Christ (2:5)

Explanation: The phrase Τοῦτο φρονεῖτε" in Greek, transliterated as (Touto phroneite) conveys the idea of having the same mindset or attitude. Just as a group of musicians plays in harmony, believers are called to think and act in unity and accord with one another.

 

We need to understand the nature of Christ’s humility, which can only be done in reference to the incarnation. Christ, who was entirely God, took on human flesh and entered the world as a humble servant. His humility involved setting aside his divine privileges and voluntarily limiting His divine attributes to experience human life and limitations (Jn. 1:14; 2Cor. 8:9).

 

The subject of the incarnation was the second person of the Trinity. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. However, we should also remember that each of the divine members of the Trinity was actively involved in the incarnation of Christ. This is not something that merely happened to Christ but was created in His mind and carried out by His will. The pre-existent Son of God assumed human nature and took to Himself human flesh and blood, a miracle that surpasses our limited knowledge. It shows that the infinite does enter finite relationships.

 

Next, we need to address the necessity of the incarnation. The reason for the incarnation is that sin entered the world. The reformers believed that the incarnation was necessary because of the fall of man. It was God’s plan from the beginning.

 

We need to answer the question: What change did the incarnation effect? When we are told that the Word became flesh, this does not mean He ceased to be what He was. The verb egeneto in John 1:14 does not mean that the divine logos changed into flesh and thus altered His essential nature, but simply that He took on that particular nature.

 

Lastly, before proceeding to the next step, we must discuss the supernatural conception of the incarnation. We believe that Christ's human nature was conceived in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. It was only through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that the virgin birth was even possible. This was the first step in His humiliation, and this is the mind we must embrace. (Louis Berkhof, Christ in the State of Humiliation).  

 

John Calvin: “The humiliation of Christ is the most profound mystery of divine love.

 

II.                         Step Two: Empty Yourself (v.6-7)

Explanation: Paul wrote that Christ “existed in the form of God” (μορφῇ θεοῦ, morphē theou, who in the form of God existing). It conveys the idea of the form or nature of God. It represents the essence, character, and divine attributes of God. Just as a beautiful sculpture reflects the skill and artistry of the sculptor, the phrase captures God's perfect and unchanging nature, embodying His glory, holiness, and majesty.

 

Christ, being in God's very essence and nature, voluntarily chose to set aside the outward glory and privileges that rightfully belonged to him as God the Son. Paul continues about Christ: “He did not regard equality with God” (ἴσα θεῷ, ísa theōi). This phrase conveys the idea of equality with God. It represents a state of being on the same level or having the same status as God. Jesus is equal to God in essence, nature, and divine attributes.

 

However, He did not regard it as something to be held on to.” Despite His divine status, Christ did not consider His equality with God as something to be selfishly held onto or exploited for personal gain. But instead, “He emptied Himself (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν, heauton ekenōsen). The Greek word for ‘emptied’ (ἐκένωσεν) conveys the idea of Christ’s self-emptying or self-renunciation, where He willingly divested Himself of the use of His divine prerogatives to take on human form. He never divested Himself of His divine nature but willfully limited the manifestation of such nature during His earthly ministry. This is meant by “divest Himself of the use of His divine prerogatives.”

 

Paul wrote to the Colossi church, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

 

Imagine a cup filled to the brim with water, representing a person filled with pride. The cup is so full that there is no room for anything else. Now picture that person slowly pouring out the water from the cup, symbolizing emptying oneself of pride.

 

As the water empties from the cup, it represents letting go of pride, ego, and self-centeredness. With each drop that falls, the person becomes lighter, more open, and humble. As the cup empties, there is now space for other virtues to fill it, such as kindness, compassion, and humility. Just as the cup needs to be emptied of water to be filled with something new, we too must empty ourselves of pride to make room for growth, transformation, and a deeper connection with God and others. By emptying ourselves of pride, we create space for God’s grace to work in our lives and for the fruits of the Spirit to flourish within us.

 

Christ did not need to empty Himself of pride, but He emptied Himself of His divine privileges and prerogatives to take on flesh. Yet, we need to empty ourselves of all pride.

 

Andrew Murray: “The humiliation of Christ is the glory of the Christian.”

 

III.                      Step Three: Take on the Form of a Servant (v.7)

Explanation: The term “form of a servant” (μορφὴν δούλου, morphēn doulou). The phrase paints a vivid image of taking on the form of a servant. It represents Christ's transformation into a servant's likeness, like putting on a servant’s garments. Just as a servant humbly serves others, Christ willingly assumed the role of a servant.

 

Christ’s example of coming as a servant teaches us the importance of humility and selflessness. As Christ humbled Himself to serve others, we are called to do the same, putting the needs of others before our own and serving with a heart of love and compassion (Mark 10:45).

 

Christ’s willingness to sacrifice Himself for the sake of humanity demonstrates the depth of God’s love and the extent to which we are called to love others. One of the most iconic examples of Christ’s servanthood is when he washed His disciples' feet. This act, typically performed by a servant, demonstrated humility and love toward others. He came to serve. He also served with compassion by healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and bringing comfort to the afflicted.

 

Paul wrote that Christ came in the “likeness of Men” (ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων, en homoiōmati anthrōpōn, in the likeness of men becoming). By taking on human likeness, Christ-centered into the human experience, identifying our weaknesses, struggles, and limitations.

 

For example, Jesus was born a human. Second, Luke 2:52 says He “grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man.”  The Gospels record instances where Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, and fatigue, demonstrating his physical needs and limitations as a human being. He also displayed a range of human emotions, including weeping at the death of Lazarus and feeling compassion for those in need, revealing His empathetic and compassionate nature. Then there is the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, which affirms His full humanity, as He experienced and overcame temptation without sin, demonstrating His perfect obedience to God.

 

R.C. Sproul: “Christ’s servanthood was not a position of weakness but the epitome of strength and love.”

 

These acts were not merely gestures of kindness; they were manifestations of a deeper truth about the nature of God. In the Gospel of Mark (10:45), Jesus declares, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This statement underlines that servanthood, far from being a mark of inferiority, is the highest calling, anchored in sacrificial love.

 

In embracing servanthood, Christ displayed immense strength. His strength was not measured by physical might or social status, but by His ability to love without reservation, to forgive even those who wronged Him, and to put the needs of others before His own.

 

John Owen: “The Son of God took on the form of a servant that we might be transformed into the image of God.”

 

IV.                     Step Four: Obedience to the point of Death (v.8)

Explanation: Despite His divine nature, Christ chose to humble Himself by obediently following the Father’s will, even to the extent of facing death. His obedience exemplifies perfect submission and humility. Christ continued, “He became obedient unto death, even death on the cross.”

 

The mention of death on the cross highlights the depth of Christ’s humility and self-emptying love. Crucifixion was a brutal and shameful form of execution reserved for the worst criminals. Yet, Christ willingly endured this humiliating death out of love for humanity and a passion for the glory of God.

 

Furthermore, it can be said that Christ humbled Himself unto obedience for several theological reasons:

 

1.        Redemption: Christ’s obedience and sacrificial death on the cross served as the ultimate act of atonement for humanity's sins. Through obedience, Christ fulfilled the Father’s plan of salvation, reconciling humanity to God and offering forgiveness and redemption to all who believe (Rom. 5:19).

 

2.        Defeat of Sin and Death: Through His obedience unto death, Christ conquered sin and death, triumphing over the powers of darkness and offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. His obedience on the cross secured victory over sin and death, bringing hope and salvation to humanity (1Cor. 15:57).

 

3.        Manifestation of God’s love: Christ’s obedience and self-emptying love on the cross reveal God’s love for humanity. By humbling Himself and becoming a servant, Christ demonstrated God’s unconditional love and grace, offering salvation to all who repent and believe in Him (Jn. 3:16).

 

4.        Fulfillment of Prophecy: Christ’s obedience and sacrificial death on the cross fulfilled the OT prophecies regarding the suffering Messiah who would bear the world's sins. Through His obedience, Christ fulfilled the Scripture and established the foundation for the new covenant of grace.

 

This verse vividly portrays the depth of Christ’s humility and obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. By willingly submitting to the Father’s will and enduring the shame and agony of crucifixion, Christ exemplified the epitome of self-emptying love and redemption for humanity.

 

J.I. Packer: “Christ’s obedience unto death on the cross is the pinnacle of selflessness and the ultimate expression of God’s grace.”

 

In embracing this understanding, we are encouraged to reflect on our own lives. How can we exhibit selflessness in our interactions? What does it mean to extend grace to others as we have received it? Packer’s reminder challenges us not only to appreciate the depth of Christ’s love but also to embody that spirit of sacrificial love in our daily lives.

 

D.A. Carson: “The obedience of Christ unto death is the supreme example of humility, love, and obedience that we are called to emulate.”

 

V.                         Step Five: Exaltation by God (v.9-11)

Explanation: The passage begins with the exaltation of Christ by God the Father. The verb (ὑπερύψωσεν, hyperypsōsen) Exalted carries the imagery of lifting or exalting to a higher position. It depicts raising someone to a position of honor, authority, and glory. Just as a king is lifted on a throne, God exalted Christ to the highest place of honor and power due to His obedience and sacrificial work on the cross.

 

It emphasizes the supreme honor and glory bestowed upon Christ by God as a result of His humiliation. Part of the exaltation is that He (Christ) has received a “name above every name.” Christ is given a name above every name, signifying His supreme authority and lordship over all creation. This name represents the exalted status and divine sovereignty of Jesus as the Son of God.

 

The exaltation of Christ will eventually lead to universal acknowledgment and worship. Every knee, whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, will bow before Jesus, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This universal homage reflects the universal lordship of Christ over all creation.

 

Confession of Jesus as Lord is a central tenet of the Christian faith. This acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship is a verbal declaration and a recognition of His authority, kingship, and divine nature. However, the ultimate purpose of Christ’s exaltation is the glory of God the Father.

 

From the believers’ perspective, Paul is not saying that ethics leads to exaltation, as if someone could humble themselves to God. Instead, Paul highlights Christ’s vindication as motivation for their own humble suffering. Humility, especially through suffering, leads to unity. The point is that those who are united to Christ are to live as He did.

 

John Piper: “Christ’s exaltation is the culmination of His redemptive work, where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess His lordship.”

 

When we reflect on the phrase "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess," we find inspiration in the promise of universal acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship. It is a powerful reminder that, regardless of the current state of the world, every person, every authority, and even the forces of nature will ultimately recognize His sovereignty. This brings hope amidst chaos, anxiety, and conflict. It assures us that justice will prevail and that the final chapter of history is written by the One who loves us most.

 

TAKE-AWAY:

 

1.        Embrace the Mind of Christ.

2.        Empty Yourself.

3.        Take on the Form of a Servant.

4.        Obedience unto Death.

5.        Exaltation by God.

 

TIE-UP: Are your eyes on your Heavenly Father? Are you seeking to emulate Him in every area of your life? If not, why? What changes do you need to make? Do you need to be more intentional about pouring out pride to make room for more godly virtue?

Work Cited

G. Walter Hansen, The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to The Philippians (Nottingham: Apollos, 2009).

 

Moises Silva, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Philippians (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005).

 

Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of New Testament Greek (Grand Rapids: WM. Eerdmans Publishing, 1974).

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