Sermons on Philippians 2:5-7

Philippians 2:5-7 Interpretation:

Finding Purpose in the Everyday: Embracing the Mundane (RevivalTab) offers a unique analogy by comparing Jesus to the "manufacturer's prototype" for humanity, drawing on the Greek word "?????" (typos) from Romans 5 to explain that Adam was a "type" or mold, but Jesus is the perfected prototype. The sermon uses the analogy of a smartphone manufacturer to argue that just as only the manufacturer knows how a phone works best, only God knows how humans are meant to function, and Jesus is the model for that. The passage in Philippians 2:5-7 is interpreted as Jesus being the perfect human, fully God and fully man, who "emptied himself" to show us the intended way to live. The sermon also weaves in the metaphor of the "Like Mike" Gatorade commercial, suggesting that just as people wanted to be like Michael Jordan, Christians are called to be like Christ, but for deeper reasons: it's best for us, best for the world, and our true purpose.

Shepherding Leadership: Serving Others in Christ's Name (Commonplace Church) provides a notable linguistic insight by referencing the Greek term "kenosis" (???????), which means "emptying," directly connecting it to Philippians 2:5-7. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' act of "emptying himself" is the model for Christian leadership and service, and that true Christian leadership is defined by a willingness to pour oneself out for others, not by seeking personal gain or status. The sermon also highlights the importance of posture over practice, using the example of Jesus washing feet as a metaphor for humble service, rather than a literal command.

Living Out Love: The Essence of Discipleship (Kuna United Methodist Church) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 as a call to "pour out and fill up," using the image of the cross's horizontal bar to represent the rhythm of self-giving (pouring out) and spiritual renewal (filling up). The sermon frames Jesus' self-emptying as both a model for discipleship and a practical method for Christian living, emphasizing that pouring out for others must be balanced by receiving from God and the community. This cyclical process is presented as essential to living out the Christian vocation.

Embracing Humility: Serving Like Jesus in Love (fbspartanburg) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 through the lens of Jesus' foot washing in John 13, emphasizing that Jesus' humility and willingness to serve—even to the point of washing Judas's feet—demonstrates the radical nature of his self-emptying. The sermon challenges listeners to see themselves as servants rather than masters, and to love others as Jesus loved, even those who betray or hurt us. The passage is used to underscore the necessity of humility and the relinquishing of pride in order to follow Christ's example.

Embracing Jesus' Love: A Call to Impact (Church of the Harvest) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 by emphasizing the radical selflessness of Jesus’ incarnation, using the vivid analogy that Jesus’ choice to become human was like a person choosing to become an ant or a cockroach. This metaphor is used to highlight the immense humility and self-emptying (kenosis) of Christ, who, though co-equal with God, did not use his divine status for personal gain but instead embraced the lowliest form of servanthood. The sermon underscores that this mindset is the model for Christian relationships, calling believers to practice selfless love, steadfastness, and a servant’s heart in all interactions.

Embracing Humility: The Power of Serving Others (Pastor Rick) offers a detailed, practical interpretation of Philippians 2:5-7, breaking it down into three actionable principles: (1) not demanding what one thinks one deserves, (2) actively seeking ways to serve others, and (3) doing what is right even when it is painful. The sermon draws out the countercultural nature of Jesus’ humility, especially in the context of American rights and entitlement, and uses the phrase “I don’t demand what I think I deserve” as a test of Christlikeness. The preacher also uses the example of a CEO cleaning a competitor’s bathroom to illustrate the heart of a servant, directly tying this to the kenosis of Christ in Philippians 2.

Finding Balance in Christian Living: The Walk (Kuna United Methodist Church) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 through the metaphor of a Celtic cross with four quadrants, representing the balance between loving God and loving people, and between pouring out and filling up. The sermon references Paul’s exhortation to “adopt the attitude that was in Christ who poured himself out,” and uses this as a foundation for a life of balanced discipleship. The unique insight here is the application of the kenosis (self-emptying) of Christ as a model for both giving and receiving within Christian community, emphasizing that both are necessary for unity and spiritual health.

Embracing Christ: The Call to Humble Service (Crazy Love) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 as a radical call to humility, emphasizing that Jesus, though fully God, chose to "empty himself" and take on the form of a servant. The sermon highlights the Greek concept of "kenosis" (self-emptying), though not by name, by focusing on Jesus making himself "nothing." The preacher uses the analogy of Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13, noting that Jesus, fully aware of his divine authority, chose to serve rather than be served. This act is presented as the ultimate model for Christian humility and service, challenging listeners to "get over yourself" and pour out their lives for others, just as Jesus did.

Embodying Christ's Humility: The True Meaning of Christmas (Crazy Love) offers a unique interpretive angle by connecting the Incarnation to the humility of Christ in Philippians 2:5-7. The sermon, especially through the testimony of Alyssa, a blind worship leader, uses the metaphor of the manger as the lowest, most humble place, emphasizing that God chose to enter the world in the most undignified circumstances. The preacher draws out the idea that true adoration of Christ is not just about worshiping him in song or service, but about adopting his mindset of self-emptying and serving "the least of these" as if they were Christ himself. The analogy of treating every needy person as if they were the infant Jesus in the manger is a vivid, fresh application.

Transforming Relationships: The Honor Game (Andy Stanley) provides a novel interpretive metaphor by framing Philippians 2:5-7 as the foundation for "the honor game," a competitive but positive approach to relationships where the goal is to "out-honor" others. Stanley draws on the Greek text, noting the phrase "giving honor, one another, going before," and interprets it as a call to be the first to put others first, just as Jesus did. He emphasizes that Jesus, though "in very nature God," never used his status for personal advantage but instead treated others as more important, modeling the "inverted pyramid" of the kingdom of God.

Mutual Submission: The Key to Lasting Relationships (Andy Stanley) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 as the relational blueprint for mutual submission, especially in marriage. He highlights the Greek structure of related passages (Ephesians 5), but when discussing Philippians 2, he focuses on the idea that Jesus, though God, "made himself a nobody" for the sake of others. The sermon uses the metaphor of a "submission competition," where each partner strives to put the other first, mirroring Christ's self-emptying love. Stanley stresses that Christian relationships should be marked by a continual deferring to one another, rooted in the example of Christ's humility and sacrificial service.

Embracing Peacemaking: True Blessings in God's Kingdom (One Church NJ) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 as a model for peacemaking in the face of persecution. The preacher draws a direct line from Jesus' willingness to "make himself nothing" and enter into the brokenness of humanity to the Christian's call to step out of comfort and make peace, even when it is costly. The analogy of Jesus "getting dirt under his fingernails" by entering the world is used to illustrate the depth of Christ's humility and the practical implications for believers to prioritize relationship and grace over comfort, correctness, or retaliation.

Transforming Minds: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ (MLJTrust) offers a linguistic and theological analysis of Philippians 2:5-7, focusing on the Greek words for "conformed" and "transformed." The sermon draws a parallel between Christ "being made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7) and the Christian's call not to "masquerade" as something they are not. The preacher explains that Jesus' outward appearance as a man was not an expression of his inner deity, but a chosen form for the sake of redemption. Conversely, Christians are called to let their true, transformed nature shine through, rather than conforming to the world. This is a nuanced, identity-focused interpretation.

Expanding Through Emptying: The Power of Compassion (Become New) offers a unique psychological and relational interpretation of Philippians 2:5-7, focusing on the paradox that true personal expansion comes through self-emptying. The sermon draws an analogy between Jesus' kenosis ("he emptied himself") and the process of making space within oneself for another person’s dreams, pain, and life. Rather than engaging in technical debates about what divine attributes Christ may have set aside, the preacher suggests the passage reveals a deep truth about personhood: that genuine growth and expansion of the self begin with the emptying of the self for the sake of others. This is illustrated through the metaphor of overlapping circles representing the internalization of another person into one’s own sense of self, paralleling Christ’s self-emptying as the ultimate act of making space for humanity.

Work as Worship: Embracing Discipleship in Daily Tasks (Become New) provides a notable linguistic insight by referencing Jerry Hawthorne’s translation of the Greek in Philippians 2:6-7. The sermon highlights that the best rendering is not "even though he was God, he took upon the form of a servant," but rather "exactly because he was God, he took upon the form of a servant." This reframes the passage to mean that servanthood is not in spite of divinity but is the truest expression of it. The analogy used is that one is never more like God than when serving, making service the highest imitation of Christ’s mindset.

Embracing the Easy Yoke Through Service and Humility (Become New) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 through the lens of spiritual formation and the discipline of service. The sermon draws on Dallas Willard’s distinction between acts done as spiritual discipline and those done out of love, suggesting that service as a discipline is a means to train away arrogance and self-preoccupation, echoing Christ’s self-emptying. The preacher uses the metaphor of "the golden key" or "golden ticket" of the Kingdom to describe service, and references the example of Jesus, who, though having all power, chose to serve rather than be served, thus embodying the passage’s call to humility and self-giving.

Theological Insights on Christ's Presence in the Eucharist (Ligonier Ministries) offers a detailed theological and linguistic analysis of Philippians 2:5-7, focusing on the Greek term "kenosis" (emptying). The sermon critiques the 19th-century "Kenotic Heresy," which claimed that Christ emptied himself of divine attributes such as omniscience and omnipresence. Instead, the preacher, following B.B. Warfield, insists that the passage refers to Christ’s setting aside his prerogative to glory and reputation, not his divine nature or attributes. The sermon uses the technical language of Chalcedonian Christology to argue that each nature (divine and human) retains its own attributes, and that the "emptying" is about humility and self-abasement, not a loss of divinity.

Understanding the Identity and Nature of Jesus (Ligonier Ministries) also addresses Philippians 2:5-7, particularly the question of whether Christ "emptied himself" of divine attributes in the incarnation. The sermon explicitly rejects the idea, labeling it a 19th-century innovation, and affirms that Christ did not set aside his deity or assume a fallen human nature. The preacher explains that the passage is about Christ’s humility and willingness to take on human nature for the sake of salvation, not about a change or loss in his divine essence.

Embracing the Humanity and Mission of Christ (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) offers a unique interpretation of Philippians 2:5-7 by emphasizing the paradox that Christ "made himself nothing by taking something"—specifically, the nature of a servant. Begg highlights that Paul does not say Christ emptied himself by subtraction, but by addition: he took on servanthood and human likeness. This is a nuanced linguistic insight, focusing on the Greek verb "???????" (to take), and how Christ’s humility is revealed not in what he gave up, but in what he took on. Begg also uses the perspective of the angels as a metaphor, imagining their astonishment at the Creator lying in a manger, then suffering in Gethsemane, and finally being crucified—each step a further descent into humility and hiddenness (using the theological term "??????" for the hiddenness of Christ). This approach frames the passage as a cosmic drama of humility, with Christ’s identity obscured beneath layers of humiliation, culminating in the cross.

Transforming Community Through Selfless Service and Love (Daystar Church) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 as a call for believers to "empty themselves" in imitation of Christ, specifically applying the passage to the act of serving others. The sermon draws a direct line from Christ’s self-emptying to the believer’s call to servanthood, using the phrase "have you emptied yourself?" as a practical challenge. The interpretation is metaphorical, urging listeners to follow Christ’s example of humility and sacrificial service, even to the point of death if necessary. The sermon does not delve into Greek or Hebrew, but it does uniquely connect the passage to the idea of being "planted" in the church and community, suggesting that self-emptying leads to flourishing and fruitfulness.

Obedience and Humility: The Legacy of Philip (SermonIndex.net) provides a notable interpretation by connecting Philippians 2:5-7 to the life of Philip the Evangelist. The sermon highlights that the "mind of Christ" is one of "no reputation" and servanthood, drawing a parallel between Christ’s humility and Philip’s willingness to serve tables despite his spiritual gifts and reputation. The preacher emphasizes that Christ, though equal with God, "made himself of no reputation," and this same mindset enabled Philip to accept humble tasks. The analogy is extended to modern ministry, arguing that true greatness in the kingdom is found in embracing lowly service, just as Christ did.

Embracing the Burden: Servant Leadership in Ministry (SermonIndex.net) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 as a threefold descent into humility: Christ became a man, then a bondservant (slave), and then died a criminal’s death. The sermon stresses that this was not an act or performance, but a deep inner conviction—Christ was genuinely convinced he was sent to be a servant. The preacher draws out the Greek nuance that "bondservant" (??????) means "slave," and applies this to Christian leadership, insisting that elders and ministers must see themselves as slaves with no rights or expectations, just as Christ did. This interpretation is both linguistic and practical, urging authenticity in humility rather than performative servanthood.

Building a Christ-Centered Family: Unity, Love, and Prayer (SermonIndex.net) interprets Philippians 2:5-7 as a profound call to model both unity and submission within the family, drawing a direct analogy between the unity of Christ with the Father and the unity that should exist between husband and wife. The sermon uniquely emphasizes that Jesus’ refusal to cling to equality with God, and his voluntary descent to the status of a servant, is not just a theological truth but a practical pattern for family life. The preacher highlights that Christ’s submission was not forced but chosen out of love, and this voluntary submission is to be mirrored in the way spouses relate to each other. The analogy of Christ not just stepping down one level (e.g., to an angel) but all the way to the lowest human status is used to challenge listeners to see their own acts of submission as comparatively small, yet deeply significant. The sermon also draws a distinction between submission as the world sees it (begrudging, oppressive) and submission as Christ modeled it (joyful, loving, and voluntary), urging listeners to seek the joy of submission rather than viewing it as a burden. There is a notable metaphorical use of “building a cathedral” to describe the process of Christlikeness being formed in the believer’s life, suggesting that the daily, sometimes mundane, acts of humility and submission are part of a grand, divine construction project.

Philippians 2:5-7 Theological Themes:

Finding Purpose in the Everyday: Embracing the Mundane (RevivalTab) introduces the theme that following Christ's example is not only for the benefit of others or the world, but is also the path to personal fulfillment, joy, and peace. The sermon uniquely frames the imitation of Christ as the means to access the "internal blessings" promised in Scripture, not just external fruit. It also presents the idea that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future hope but something to be enacted in the mundane, everyday moments ("the water") of life, making purpose accessible in the ordinary.

Shepherding Leadership: Serving Others in Christ's Name (Commonplace Church) develops the theme of "kenosis" as the heart of Christian leadership, arguing that true greatness in the church is found in self-emptying for the sake of others. The sermon also explores the idea that leadership is not about personal recognition or power, but about elevating the name of Jesus and serving from a posture of humility. The plurality of leadership and the necessity of community are also highlighted as safeguards against the abuse of power.

Living Out Love: The Essence of Discipleship (Kuna United Methodist Church) presents the theme that discipleship is a dynamic process of pouring out and filling up, rooted in the example of Christ's self-emptying. The sermon adds the facet that this rhythm is not just for individual piety but is essential for empowering others and building unity within the body of Christ. The cyclical nature of giving and receiving is framed as both a spiritual necessity and a practical method for sustaining Christian mission.

Embracing Humility: Serving Like Jesus in Love (fbspartanburg) introduces the theme that humility is the defining mark of Christian discipleship, and that true love is demonstrated by serving even those who are undeserving or hostile ("washing Judas's feet"). The sermon also emphasizes that accepting Jesus' service (his cleansing) requires relinquishing pride, and that the willingness to serve others is both a command and a sign of genuine faith.

Embracing Jesus' Love: A Call to Impact (Church of the Harvest) introduces the theme of Jesus’ self-emptying as a model for radical, selfless love, and frames the incarnation as an act of unimaginable humility—likening it to a human becoming an insect. This fresh angle challenges listeners to reimagine the scale of Christ’s humility and to see their own acts of service as participating in this same downward movement.

Embracing Humility: The Power of Serving Others (Pastor Rick) adds a nuanced facet by connecting the refusal to demand one’s rights with the imitation of Christ, especially in a culture obsessed with entitlement. The sermon also introduces the “Mother Teresa principle,” arguing that true self-esteem and honor come from service, not status, and that humility is the path to both happiness and spiritual reward.

Finding Balance in Christian Living: The Walk (Kuna United Methodist Church) presents the theme of spiritual balance, arguing that the kenosis of Christ is not just about pouring out but also about the courage to be vulnerable and to receive. The sermon uniquely frames stagnation in any quadrant (pouring out or filling up) as a spiritual danger, naming sins like gluttony, narcissism, and martyrdom as imbalances that the Christlike mindset corrects.

Embracing Christ: The Call to Humble Service (Crazy Love) introduces the theme of "kenosis"—the self-emptying of Christ—as the ultimate act of love and humility, and insists that true Christian love is measured not by words but by sacrificial action, especially toward those in need. The sermon challenges the cultural pursuit of power and authority, contrasting it with Christ's voluntary embrace of servanthood.

Embodying Christ's Humility: The True Meaning of Christmas (Crazy Love) adds the theme that adoration of Christ is inseparable from practical service to others, especially the marginalized. The sermon uniquely applies the Incarnation as a call to see and serve Christ in "the least of these," making the worship of Jesus a lived reality in acts of compassion and justice.

Transforming Relationships: The Honor Game (Andy Stanley) presents the theological theme of "competitive humility," where believers are called to "out-honor" one another as a reflection of Christ's self-giving love. The sermon reframes humility not as passivity but as an active, even competitive, pursuit of honoring others above oneself, rooted in the example of Jesus.

Mutual Submission: The Key to Lasting Relationships (Andy Stanley) develops the theme of mutual submission as the relational outworking of Christ's humility. The sermon emphasizes that Christian relationships, especially marriage, should be characterized by a continual, reciprocal deferring to one another, not out of mere politeness but as a direct imitation of Christ's self-sacrifice.

Embracing Peacemaking: True Blessings in God's Kingdom (One Church NJ) introduces the theme that peacemaking, especially under persecution, is a direct participation in the humility and self-emptying of Christ. The sermon uniquely applies Philippians 2:5-7 to the challenge of responding to hostility with grace, prioritizing relationship over being right, and stepping out of comfort to make peace.

Transforming Minds: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ (MLJTrust) offers the theme that sanctification is not primarily about behavioral modification but about a transformation of character and identity. The sermon draws a sharp distinction between outward conformity (as Christ "conformed" to human likeness) and inward transformation, urging believers to let their true, renewed nature be expressed in their conduct.

Expanding Through Emptying: The Power of Compassion (Become New) introduces the theme that self-emptying is the foundation of true personhood and relational expansion. The sermon uniquely applies the kenosis of Christ to everyday relationships, suggesting that making space for others within ourselves paradoxically leads to our own growth and fulfillment, mirroring the self-giving love of Christ.

Work as Worship: Embracing Discipleship in Daily Tasks (Become New) presents the distinct theological theme that servanthood is not a diminishment of divinity but its highest expression. By emphasizing that "because he was God, he took the form of a servant," the sermon reframes Christian service as the most godlike activity, challenging cultural notions of greatness and power.

Embracing the Easy Yoke Through Service and Humility (Become New) adds the theme that service, modeled after Christ’s self-emptying, is both a spiritual discipline and a path to freedom from resentment and pride. The sermon highlights the paradox that those in lower positions can find joy and liberation through service, and that even those in power need the discipline of service to avoid arrogance, directly connecting this to the mindset of Christ in Philippians 2.

Theological Insights on Christ's Presence in the Eucharist (Ligonier Ministries) introduces the theme that the kenosis of Christ is not a relinquishing of divine attributes but a voluntary renunciation of status and reputation. The sermon insists on the immutability and continuity of Christ’s divine nature, using the passage to refute theological errors that conflate or confuse the natures of Christ.

Understanding the Identity and Nature of Jesus (Ligonier Ministries) brings a nuanced theme by connecting Philippians 2:5-7 to the doctrine of the communication of attributes (communicatio idiomatum), explaining how the works and sufferings proper to each nature are attributed to the one person of Christ. The sermon also ties the passage to soteriology, emphasizing that Christ’s humility and incarnation are essential for salvation.

Embracing the Humanity and Mission of Christ (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) introduces the theme of Christ’s humility as addition rather than subtraction—his self-emptying is not about what he left behind, but about what he took on (servanthood, human likeness, and the curse of death). This reframes humility as active engagement with the world’s suffering, not withdrawal. Begg also explores the emotional and psychological reality of Christ’s humanity, arguing that his full embrace of human emotion legitimizes the emotional struggles of believers and calls for a relational, vulnerable Christianity.

Transforming Community Through Selfless Service and Love (Daystar Church) adds the theme that self-emptying in the likeness of Christ is the path to true flourishing and fruitfulness. The sermon uniquely ties the concept of being "planted" in the church to the mindset of Christ, suggesting that humility and service are not just moral duties but the means by which God multiplies blessing and transformation in the community.

Obedience and Humility: The Legacy of Philip (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme that the "mind of Christ" is fundamentally about relinquishing reputation and embracing any form of service, no matter how lowly. The sermon adds the facet that this humility is the key to being used by God in unexpected and miraculous ways, and that passing on this mindset to one’s family is a spiritual legacy.

Embracing the Burden: Servant Leadership in Ministry (SermonIndex.net) develops the theme that genuine humility is not performative but rooted in identity—being a servant or slave is not an act, but a settled conviction. The sermon also introduces the idea that the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit are most authentically experienced in those who have taken the lowest seat, echoing the downward trajectory of Christ’s humility.

Building a Christ-Centered Family: Unity, Love, and Prayer (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme that the unity between Christ and the Father is not only a theological mystery but a practical template for marital and familial unity. The sermon adds a fresh facet by insisting that this unity is a “birthright” for Christian couples, something to be actively guarded against the “wedges” of daily conflict, suspicion, or outside interference. Another distinct theological theme is the reframing of submission: rather than a negative or oppressive concept, submission is portrayed as a joyful, Christlike act that brings deep personal fulfillment and harmony to the family. The preacher insists that the joy of submission is a “birthright” for believers, and that the only misery comes from resisting this divine pattern. The sermon also introduces the idea that Christ’s descent to servanthood is a model for voluntary, loving submission in the home, and that this is not about erasing individuality or voice, but about choosing unity and humility for the sake of love and the glory of God.

Philippians 2:5-7 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Finding Purpose in the Everyday: Embracing the Mundane (RevivalTab) provides a historical insight by referencing the Greek word "?????" (typos) in Romans 5, explaining its meaning as a "replica, die cast, hollow mold, impression," and how this concept shapes the understanding of Jesus as the "second Adam"—the perfected prototype for humanity. The sermon also briefly touches on the cultural context of Jesus' incarnation, noting that he did not come as a Roman emperor but as a servant, which subverted expectations of messianic power.

Embracing Humility: Serving Like Jesus in Love (fbspartanburg) offers cultural context about foot washing in the ancient Near East, explaining that it was a task reserved for the lowest servant, often not even a Jewish servant, and that feet were considered especially unclean and even insulting to show. The sermon references modern Middle Eastern customs (such as the insult of showing the bottom of one's feet) and the symbolic act of Iraqis hitting Saddam Hussein's statue with shoes to illustrate the depth of humility in Jesus' act of washing feet.

Finding Balance in Christian Living: The Walk (Kuna United Methodist Church) provides historical context by referencing the origins and meaning of the sacraments, particularly the Lord’s Supper, as instituted by Christ at the Passover meal before his crucifixion. The sermon explains the communal and grace-filled nature of the sacraments in early Christian practice, and connects this to the outpouring of God’s love and presence, which is central to the kenosis described in Philippians 2:5-7.

Embracing Peacemaking: True Blessings in God's Kingdom (One Church NJ) provides detailed historical context by describing the political and social realities of first-century Israel under Roman occupation. The preacher explains that Jesus' audience knew real, systemic persecution, not just personal discomfort, and that his call to peacemaking was radically countercultural in a context of oppression, loss of freedom, and identity crisis. The sermon also explains the different Jewish sects (Essenes, Pharisees, Zealots) and their typical responses to persecution, highlighting how Jesus' teaching offered a distinct alternative to isolation, judgmentalism, or violent resistance.

Transforming Minds: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ (MLJTrust) offers a historical-linguistic insight by analyzing the Greek terms for "conformed" and "transformed," and by referencing the use of these terms in other New Testament passages (e.g., the Transfiguration, 2 Corinthians 3:18). The sermon also situates Paul's teaching within the broader context of Greco-Roman moral philosophy, contrasting Christian transformation with mere ethical reformation.

Theological Insights on Christ's Presence in the Eucharist (Ligonier Ministries) provides extensive historical context by situating the interpretation of Philippians 2:5-7 within the debates of the 5th-century Council of Chalcedon and the later 19th-century Kenotic controversy. The sermon explains how the church historically rejected both the idea that Christ’s natures were mixed (Monophysitism) and the idea that he set aside his divine attributes (Kenoticism), insisting that the passage must be read in light of these doctrinal boundaries.

Understanding the Identity and Nature of Jesus (Ligonier Ministries) offers detailed historical background on the development of Christological doctrine, referencing the controversies of the early church (e.g., Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Apollinarianism) and the formulation of the Chalcedonian Definition. The sermon explains how the language of "emptying" in Philippians 2 was debated and ultimately clarified to mean a taking on of human nature without loss of divinity, and not the assumption of a fallen nature or the abandonment of divine attributes.

Embracing the Humanity and Mission of Christ (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) provides historical context by describing how, in first-century Jewish culture, there was nothing in Jesus’ appearance or social standing that would have marked him as divine. Begg also references the cultural expectations of religious orthodoxy, which despised Jesus for his involvement with sinners and outcasts, highlighting how radical Christ’s incarnation and humility were in that context.

Obedience and Humility: The Legacy of Philip (SermonIndex.net) offers historical insight into the role of slaves and stewards in the ancient world, explaining that serving tables was considered a lowly task even for those with spiritual gifts and reputation. The sermon also references the persecution of the early church and the social dynamics of ministry roles, illustrating how humility was countercultural and essential for the spread of the gospel.

Embracing the Burden: Servant Leadership in Ministry (SermonIndex.net) provides cultural context by explaining the status of slaves in the first-century Greco-Roman world. The preacher notes that slaves were considered property with no rights, and that the Greek term "??????" (doulos) used in Philippians 2:7 signifies a total relinquishment of status and privilege, which would have been shocking and countercultural for early Christian leaders to emulate.

Building a Christ-Centered Family: Unity, Love, and Prayer (SermonIndex.net) provides a brief but pointed historical context by referencing the status of bondservants or slaves in ancient times, particularly in India, to illustrate the depth of Christ’s humility. The preacher explains that in the ancient world, slaves had no rights, could not question their masters, and were at the very bottom of the social hierarchy. By emphasizing that Jesus chose to become “lower than all of us,” the sermon situates Philippians 2:5-7 within the cultural reality of first-century servitude, making Christ’s humility and self-emptying even more striking and challenging for modern listeners.

Philippians 2:5-7 Cross-References in the Bible:

Finding Purpose in the Everyday: Embracing the Mundane (RevivalTab) references several passages to expand on Philippians 2:5-7: Genesis (creation of man in God's image), Romans 5 (Adam as a type of Christ), Hebrews 2:14 (Jesus partaking in flesh and blood), John 15:11 (abiding in Christ leads to fullness of joy), Matthew 6:33 (seeking the Kingdom of God), and John 13:15 (Jesus giving an example to follow). Each passage is used to reinforce the idea that Jesus is both the model and the means for living the life God intended, and that following his example brings both personal and communal transformation.

Shepherding Leadership: Serving Others in Christ's Name (Commonplace Church) draws on John 10:11-15 (Jesus as the Good Shepherd), Psalm 23 (the Lord as shepherd), Ezekiel 34 (God as shepherd seeking the lost), John 21 (Jesus commissioning Peter to "feed my sheep"), Matthew 16 (Jesus rebuking Peter), Luke 15 (parable of the lost sheep), John 13 (Jesus washing feet), and Philippians 2:10-11 (every knee bowing to Jesus). These references are used to build a comprehensive picture of servant leadership, the shepherding role of Jesus, and the call to humility and self-emptying.

Living Out Love: The Essence of Discipleship (Kuna United Methodist Church) references Matthew 22 (the Great Commandment), Mark 12, Luke 10 (the lawyer and the Good Samaritan), John 13 (the new commandment to love as Jesus loved), John 17 (Jesus' prayer for unity), and Philippians 2:5-11. These passages are woven together to present a holistic vision of Christian life as loving God and neighbor, pouring out and filling up, and seeking unity with God and others.

Embracing Humility: Serving Like Jesus in Love (fbspartanburg) references John 13 (foot washing and the new commandment), Mark 10:45 (the Son of Man came to serve), and Philippians 2:5-7. The sermon uses these passages to illustrate the radical humility and love of Jesus, and to challenge listeners to imitate his example, especially in serving those who are difficult to love.

Embracing Jesus' Love: A Call to Impact (Church of the Harvest) cross-references John 13:14, where Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, to reinforce the theme of servanthood and humility found in Philippians 2:5-7. The act of foot-washing is presented as a tangible example of Christ’s self-emptying love, and believers are challenged to follow this example in their own relationships.

Finding Balance in Christian Living: The Walk (Kuna United Methodist Church) references John 17 (Jesus’ unity prayer) and John 13 (Jesus washing Peter’s feet) to expand on the themes of unity, vulnerability, and communal love. The sermon also references Luke 6 and 7, illustrating how Jesus modeled the balance of filling up (prayer and worship) and pouring out (preaching, healing, and community-building), thus embodying the mindset described in Philippians 2:5-7.

Embracing Humility: The Power of Serving Others (Pastor Rick) references Proverbs 7:2 (“guard my words as your most precious possession”) to encourage scripture memorization as a spiritual discipline, and alludes to the “Way Up Is Down” principle found throughout the Gospels (e.g., Mark 10:43-45), reinforcing the idea that humility and service are the true paths to greatness and honor in God’s kingdom.

Embracing Christ: The Call to Humble Service (Crazy Love) references 1 John 3:16 to reinforce the call to lay down one's life for others, connecting the self-emptying of Christ in Philippians 2 to the practical outworking of love in the Christian community. The sermon also draws on John 13 (Jesus washing the disciples' feet) as a narrative embodiment of Philippians 2:5-7, and Matthew 25 (the parable of the sheep and the goats) to emphasize that serving "the least of these" is serving Christ himself.

Embodying Christ's Humility: The True Meaning of Christmas (Crazy Love) references Matthew 25 to illustrate that honoring Christ is inseparable from serving those in need, and John 13 to reinforce the example of Jesus washing feet as the model for Christian service. The sermon also alludes to the story of the woman anointing Jesus' feet (Luke 7) as an example of humble adoration.

Transforming Relationships: The Honor Game (Andy Stanley) cross-references Romans 12:10 ("Honor one another above yourselves") as a parallel to Philippians 2:5-7, and uses the Gospels to illustrate Jesus' pattern of treating others as more important than himself. The sermon also references the broader "one another" commands in Paul's letters.

Mutual Submission: The Key to Lasting Relationships (Andy Stanley) cross-references Ephesians 5:21-33 to show the parallel call to mutual submission in marriage, and Mark 10:45 ("the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve") to reinforce the servant-heartedness of Christ. The sermon also references 2 Corinthians 3:18 and the story of Peter in the Gospels to illustrate the practical implications of Christlike humility.

Embracing Peacemaking: True Blessings in God's Kingdom (One Church NJ) references Hebrews 12:2-3 to highlight Jesus' motivation in enduring the cross ("for the joy set before him"), and Luke 23:34 ("Father, forgive them") as the ultimate example of prioritizing relationship over being right. The sermon also alludes to Romans 12:19 ("vengeance is the Lord's") to encourage believers to leave justice to God.

Transforming Minds: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ (MLJTrust) references Matthew 17 (the Transfiguration) and 2 Corinthians 3:18 to illustrate the concept of transformation, and Ephesians 4 to show the process of putting off the old self and being renewed in the mind. The sermon also alludes to the story of Moses' shining face in Exodus as an example of transformation through communion with God.

Expanding Through Emptying: The Power of Compassion (Become New) references the Old Testament story of David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9), using it as an example of kindness and self-emptying for the sake of another, paralleling the kenosis of Christ. The sermon also alludes to the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39) and the metaphor of a seed dying to bear fruit (John 12:24), reinforcing the theme of self-giving as the path to true life.

Embracing the Easy Yoke Through Service and Humility (Become New) references Jesus’ statement that he "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45), directly connecting this to the mindset described in Philippians 2:5-7. The sermon also alludes to Jesus’ ministry being characterized by interruptions and acts of service (e.g., healing the blind, lepers, tax collectors, and prostitutes), illustrating the practical outworking of kenosis.

Theological Insights on Christ's Presence in the Eucharist (Ligonier Ministries) references Philippians 2:5-7 directly, as well as the broader biblical teaching that "in Christ dwells the fullness of the godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9) and that Jesus is "like us at every point except at the point of sin" (Hebrews 4:15). The sermon uses these passages to support the argument that Christ’s emptying was not a loss of divinity but a humble assumption of humanity.

Understanding the Identity and Nature of Jesus (Ligonier Ministries) references Acts 20:28 ("God’s blood"), 1 Corinthians 2:8 ("crucifying the Lord of glory"), and Hebrews 4:15, using these passages to illustrate the communication of attributes and the mystery of the incarnation as described in Philippians 2:5-7.

Embracing the Humanity and Mission of Christ (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) references John 17, where Jesus prays that his followers would be sent into the world as he was, reinforcing the incarnational mission implied in Philippians 2:5-7. Begg also alludes to the Gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ emotional life (e.g., the weeping at Lazarus’ tomb, the agony in Gethsemane) to support the reality of Christ’s humanity and servanthood.

Transforming Community Through Selfless Service and Love (Daystar Church) cross-references Matthew 13 (the parable of the sower), Psalm 92 (the righteous flourishing like a palm tree), Jeremiah 17 (trees planted by the water), and Luke 6:38 ("give and it will be given to you") to illustrate the principle that self-emptying and being "planted" in God’s house leads to fruitfulness, echoing the mindset of Christ in Philippians 2:5-7.

Obedience and Humility: The Legacy of Philip (SermonIndex.net) references Acts 6 (the appointment of deacons to serve tables), Acts 8 (Philip’s ministry in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch), 1 Corinthians 12:18 (God setting members in the body as he pleases), and Philippians 2:5-7 itself to show how the principle of servanthood and humility is woven throughout the New Testament narrative.

Embracing the Burden: Servant Leadership in Ministry (SermonIndex.net) references Matthew 20:28 ("the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve"), Romans 8:1 (no condemnation for those in Christ), Psalm 55:22 (cast your burden on the Lord), and 2 Corinthians 2 (the aroma of Christ) to reinforce the call to humility, servanthood, and spiritual authenticity found in Philippians 2:5-7.

Building a Christ-Centered Family: Unity, Love, and Prayer (SermonIndex.net) references several other biblical passages to expand on Philippians 2:5-7. John 17:21 is cited to highlight the unity between Jesus and the Father, which is then applied as a model for unity in marriage and family. John 1:1-3 is referenced to affirm the divinity and pre-existence of Christ, reinforcing the magnitude of his humility in becoming human. The sermon also alludes to Genesis 1 to underscore the creative power and unity of God, and to 1 Peter (implicitly, regarding wives winning their husbands by their conduct) to support the idea of humble, Christlike submission. John 6 and 7 are mentioned to illustrate Jesus’ delight in doing the Father’s will, further supporting the theme of joyful submission.

Philippians 2:5-7 Christian References outside the Bible:

Finding Purpose in the Everyday: Embracing the Mundane (RevivalTab) explicitly references David Foster Wallace's commencement address "This is Water," using the story of the fish who don't recognize the water they swim in as a metaphor for the unnoticed significance of everyday life. The sermon also mentions the book "Love Does" by Bob Goff, crediting it with shaping the preacher's understanding of purpose in the mundane. Both sources are used to reinforce the idea that purpose and Christlikeness are found in ordinary moments, not just in grand gestures or achievements.

Finding Balance in Christian Living: The Walk (Kuna United Methodist Church) explicitly references John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, noting his teaching on the importance of frequent communion as “spiritual sustenance” and an “outpouring of God’s grace.” The sermon also quotes Helder Camara, a Brazilian Catholic archbishop, to illustrate the tension between charity and justice: “When I feed the hungry, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are hungry, they call me a communist.” This quote is used to highlight the relational and sometimes controversial nature of pouring out love for others in the spirit of Christ’s kenosis.

Embracing Humility: The Power of Serving Others (Pastor Rick) references Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, as a modern Christian example of servant leadership, recounting a story where Cathy cleaned a competitor’s bathroom to illustrate the heart of a servant. The sermon also mentions Mother Teresa as a model of humility and service, coining the “Mother Teresa principle” to argue that true greatness comes from serving the least influential.

Transforming Minds: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ (MLJTrust) explicitly references "the lexicographers" and "the authorities on these matters" when discussing the Greek terms for "conformed" and "transformed," grounding the interpretation in scholarly linguistic analysis. The preacher also quotes an unnamed source: "Jesus demanded not a Reformation of behavior but a transformation of character," attributing this to a broader Christian tradition of sanctification teaching.

Work as Worship: Embracing Discipleship in Daily Tasks (Become New) explicitly references Jerry Hawthorne, a professor at Wheaton, for his translation and interpretation of the Greek in Philippians 2:6-7, which reframes the passage to mean that Christ’s servanthood is the direct result of his divinity, not in spite of it.

Embracing the Easy Yoke Through Service and Humility (Become New) repeatedly cites Dallas Willard, particularly his writings on the discipline of service and the principle of indirection in spiritual formation, applying these concepts to the interpretation of Philippians 2:5-7.

Theological Insights on Christ's Presence in the Eucharist (Ligonier Ministries) references B.B. Warfield, a Princeton theologian, who famously critiqued the Kenotic theory by saying the only "emptying" was of the brains of those who advocated it, reinforcing the orthodox interpretation of Philippians 2:5-7.

Understanding the Identity and Nature of Jesus (Ligonier Ministries) references several historical theologians and church fathers, including Cyril of Alexandria, Leo the Great (Tome of Leo), and the Westminster Larger Catechism, as well as modern scholars like Robert Letham, Stephen Nichols, and John McGuckin, all in the context of explaining the orthodox understanding of Christ’s nature and the meaning of kenosis in Philippians 2:5-7.

Embracing the Humanity and Mission of Christ (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) explicitly references Martin Luther and John Calvin, noting that both theologians had terms for the "hiddenness" of Christ on the cross (Luther’s "krupsis"). Begg also quotes the Scottish theologian Donald Macleod, who said that Christ went to the "outer limits of human endurance" emotionally, adding depth to the understanding of Christ’s suffering and humility.

Philippians 2:5-7 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Finding Purpose in the Everyday: Embracing the Mundane (RevivalTab) uses several detailed secular illustrations: the "Like Mike" Gatorade commercial as an analogy for the desire to imitate Christ, drawing parallels between cultural hero worship and spiritual imitation; the smartphone manufacturer analogy to explain why only God (the creator) knows how humans are meant to function; and David Foster Wallace's "This is Water" story to illustrate the unnoticed significance of daily life and the potential for purpose in the mundane. The sermon also shares a personal story about working at TGI Fridays and engaging a coworker in spiritual conversation, demonstrating how Christlike purpose can be lived out in ordinary settings.

Embracing Jesus' Love: A Call to Impact (Church of the Harvest) uses the striking analogy of a human choosing to become an ant or a cockroach to illustrate the magnitude of Christ’s humility in the incarnation. This metaphor is designed to shock listeners into appreciating the vastness of the self-emptying described in Philippians 2:5-7.

Embracing Humility: The Power of Serving Others (Pastor Rick) provides several detailed secular illustrations: (1) the story of Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, cleaning a Taco Bell bathroom to model servant leadership; (2) the observation that people always look for themselves first in group photos, used to highlight innate self-centeredness; and (3) the critique of social media and technology for fostering narcissism and distraction, contrasting this with the Christlike practice of paying attention to others. These examples are woven into the sermon to make the humility and servanthood of Philippians 2:5-7 tangible and relatable in everyday life.

Finding Balance in Christian Living: The Walk (Kuna United Methodist Church) uses the metaphor of the Celtic cross and its four quadrants to illustrate the need for balance in Christian living, connecting the kenosis of Christ to both pouring out and filling up. The sermon also references the communal act of singing in church versus singing in a bar, using this as a secular comparison to highlight the unique, communal nature of worship as a means of “filling up” with God’s love. Additionally, the sermon discusses international food aid and debt relief as real-world examples of charity and justice, illustrating the practical outworking of Christlike love in global contexts.

Embodying Christ's Humility: The True Meaning of Christmas (Crazy Love) uses the personal story of Alyssa, a blind worship leader, as a secular illustration of undistracted, pure adoration. The preacher also uses the analogy of a birthday celebration to challenge the congregation's self-centered approach to Christmas, likening it to ignoring the birthday person at their own party. Additionally, the sermon humorously imagines taking his wife golfing for her birthday as an example of doing something for someone else that is really for oneself, illustrating the difference between true and false honor.

Transforming Relationships: The Honor Game (Andy Stanley) employs several secular illustrations: the "honor game" is contrasted with the "Hunger Games" from popular culture, and the concept is made relatable through stories about meeting famous people (e.g., President George H.W. Bush at church) and the natural human tendency to defer to celebrities or those in authority. The sermon also uses sports and board game analogies (e.g., dodgeball tournaments, Dutch Blitz, the "change game," "guilt game," "shame game") to illustrate unhealthy relational dynamics and the competitive nature of honor.

Mutual Submission: The Key to Lasting Relationships (Andy Stanley) uses the recurring secular phrase "happy wife, happy life" and the comedic trope of "yes, dear" as cultural shorthand for relational submission. The sermon also references the awkwardness of choreographed wedding dances and the dynamics of restaurant complaints to illustrate the practical challenges of mutual submission. The preacher humorously describes the "best day" as one where he offers to help his wife and she says she doesn't need anything, highlighting the self-serving tendencies that mutual submission seeks to overcome.

Embracing Peacemaking: True Blessings in God's Kingdom (One Church NJ) references Martin Luther King Jr. as a modern example of peacemaking in the face of violence, illustrating the transformative power of nonviolent resistance and its impact on American culture. The preacher also uses contemporary examples of feeling "persecuted" over minor inconveniences (e.g., a wrong coffee order at Starbucks) to contrast with real persecution, making the biblical teaching more accessible and relatable.

Expanding Through Emptying: The Power of Compassion (Become New) uses the story of Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement, as a detailed secular illustration of self-emptying compassion. The sermon recounts Saunders’ journey from personal pain to creating spaces of dignity and care for the dying, paralleling her self-giving love with the kenosis of Christ. The preacher also references a psychometric scale of "internalization of another self," a tool from psychological research, to illustrate the process of making space within oneself for another, drawing a direct analogy to Christ’s self-emptying.

Embracing the Easy Yoke Through Service and Humility (Become New) uses the film "Groundhog Day" as a detailed metaphor for transformation through service. The sermon describes how the main character, initially self-absorbed, finds true joy and salvation only when he begins to serve others—bringing coffee, helping strangers, and performing acts of kindness—mirroring the transformation that comes from adopting the mindset of Christ in Philippians 2:5-7. The preacher also references a poem, "Wife Takes a Vacation," to illustrate the beauty and necessity of holding another’s world, further connecting secular literature to the biblical theme of self-giving service.

Transforming Community Through Selfless Service and Love (Daystar Church) uses the story of Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker who rescued 669 Jewish children during the Holocaust, as a modern-day example of self-emptying service in the spirit of Philippians 2:5-7. The sermon details how Winton’s actions were unknown even to his own family until decades later, and how his humility and willingness to serve "for one" rather than being overwhelmed by the needs of "all" mirrors Christ’s sacrificial mindset. The story is used to inspire listeners to embrace humble service, even if it seems small or unnoticed, as a way of following Christ’s example.

Building a Christ-Centered Family: Unity, Love, and Prayer (SermonIndex.net) uses two detailed secular analogies to illustrate the message of Philippians 2:5-7. The first is the story of a construction site, where workers give mundane answers about their tasks (carrying bricks, carpentry), but one worker says, “We are building a cathedral.” This analogy is used to encourage listeners to see the larger, divine purpose in their daily acts of service and humility, suggesting that God is constructing something magnificent (Christlikeness) through their ordinary efforts. The second illustration involves holding a coin close to one’s eye, which can block out the sun; this is used to show how focusing on small problems or material concerns can blind us to the greater reality of God’s work and presence, paralleling how self-focus or pride can obscure the call to humility and submission found in Philippians 2:5-7.