Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Php 2:9 Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
One of the most beautiful attributes that one can possess is humility! There is an absolute beauty in humility! When we look at the life of Jesus Christ, we find the ultimate example of exaltation through humility. The Apostle Paul tells us that we should have that same mindset in Phil 2:5. When we look at the example of Christ, we find a wonderful example!
The Bible says in Phil 2:6, that although Christ was in the form of God, he thought it not robbery to to be equal with God. In other words, although he was the Son of God, and although he was with God. He did not take it lightly. He knew who he was, but yet, he submitted himself to the Father’s will. The Bible says he made himself of no reputation in Phil 2:7.
This is something that many people have not yet learned. We live in a society and time, where everybody wants to be at the top. I mean there is nothing wrong with being at the top of your game, in whatever you do, but understand that humility is the highest form of exaltation.
Although the LORD was in the form of God, which means the shape, appearance and likeness. He took on the form of a servant, made in the likeness of men. (Phil 2:7). Don’t miss this! He took on the form of a servant, although he was part of the Godhead! (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
We can learn something from this, because although we have positions of authority, titles, degrees, and the accolades of men, we should maintain a spirit of humility.
The Bible says that although he was in the form of God, he came into the earth realm as a man, and humbled himself. This speaks volumes, because there are not to many people who are willing to come down to a low place, to follow the path of humility like Christ.
Jesus told the disciples something so profound in Matt chapter 23.
Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Notice, the same thing he told his disciples, is the same path that he followed himself. He took the form of a servant, and humbled himself in Phil 2:8.
The Bible also says that he became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phil 2:8)
Paul tells us in Rom 5:19 – For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Isn’t that amazing! by Adam’s disobedience, many were made sinners. By Christ’s obedience, many were made righteous. Can you imagine what obedience will do in your life, and in the life of others?
Christ’s death, or sacrifice was the the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Today, I don’t think we really know the power and value of sacrifice. What do I mean by sacrifice? I mean the willingness to give up something, or to release something of value, for the benefit of someone else.
What I mean is the dying of yourself, the emptying of yourself through humility, following the example of Christ. Of course, the ultimate sacrifice was Christ’s death at the cross!
A good question to ask is? What is it in your life that needs to die? Could it be self righteousness, an attitude, pride, anger or unforgiveness. Believe me, we all have something in our lives, that we could surely give up, that will help us to be a better example for Christ.
Now, when we put all the words together that describe Christ, they are: No reputation, servitude, humility, obedience, and sacrifice. Now understand, it wasn’t that he didn’t have a reputation, or that he wasn’t a servant, or had pride, and was disobedient. The revelation is that he left his heavenly abode and did all these things for you and me! He gave us the perfect example.
As a result God exalted him to the highest place!
Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
People of God, humility is an exalter. Pride and self will bring you low. Let us follow the example of the Apostle Paul, who said, let his mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus! In doing so, God will promote and bless your life, high and above measure!
God bless, Pastor Quinn