Sermons on Philippians 2:6-8
The various sermons below interpret Philippians 2:6-8 by focusing on the themes of humility and the nature of Christ. They commonly emphasize Jesus' divine nature and his choice to take on human form without exploiting his equality with God. The Greek term "morphe" is highlighted to convey Jesus' internal consistency as God, while "doulos" underscores his role as a servant. The sermons use analogies such as Jesus moving from power to servitude and not being like superheroes to illustrate his humility and obedience. They collectively portray Jesus' incarnation as an addition to his divine nature, not a subtraction, and emphasize his ultimate act of humility and service through his death on the cross. The hymn-like structure of the passage is also noted for its theological depth, emphasizing Christ's preexistence and voluntary humility.
In contrast, the sermons diverge in their thematic focus and application. One sermon emphasizes God's glory, viewing the cross as a means to reconcile all things to himself, while another highlights unity within the body of Christ, urging believers to consider others more important than themselves. Some sermons focus on humility as a divine gift necessary for receiving guidance and strength, while others emphasize sacrificial love, encouraging believers to adopt a mindset of humility and service in their relationships. The theme of obedience is also variably highlighted, with some sermons linking Christ's humility directly to his obedience to God. These differences offer a range of insights into how believers can emulate Christ's humility and apply it to their lives.
Philippians 2:6-8 Interpretation:
Living for the Glory of God Alone (CSFBC) interprets Philippians 2:6-8 by emphasizing the Greek term "morphe," which means internal consistency, to explain that Jesus, in his very nature, is God. The sermon highlights that Jesus did not exploit his equality with God but emptied himself by taking on human form. Augustine's perspective is used to illustrate that the incarnation was an addition, not a subtraction, of Jesus' divine nature. The sermon uses the analogy of Jesus moving from a position of power to one of servitude, emphasizing his humility and obedience even to death on a cross.
Imitating Christ: The Power of Humility and Unity (Living Hope Church) interprets the passage by focusing on the hymn-like structure of Philippians 2:6-11, which emphasizes Christ's preexistence and his voluntary humility. The sermon highlights that Jesus, though in the form of God, did not grasp at equality with God but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. The sermon uses the metaphor of a hymn to convey the theological depth of Christ's humility and exaltation.
Embracing Christ's Humility: A Call to Serve (Harvest Worship CenterTaylor, MI) interprets the passage by emphasizing the humility of Christ, who, despite being in the form of God, did not cling to his divine privileges. The sermon highlights that Jesus took on the humble position of a servant and became obedient to death on a cross, illustrating the ultimate act of humility and service.
Embracing Humility: The Path to Divine Guidance (Las Lomas Community Church) interprets Philippians 2:6-8 by emphasizing Jesus' choice to not use his divine status for personal gain. The sermon highlights that Jesus, though equal to God, lived a human life, experiencing growth and learning like any other person. The analogy of Jesus not being like Superman or other superheroes is used to illustrate that his abilities were exercised through his relationship with the Father, not through inherent superpowers.
Embracing Humility: The Heart of Christlike Love (Lakeshore Christian Church) interprets Philippians 2:6-8 by focusing on Jesus' humility and his decision to take on the nature of a servant. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus, being in very nature God, did not exploit his equality with God but instead humbled himself to serve humanity. The Greek term "doulos" is mentioned, highlighting Jesus' role as the lowest servant, which underscores the depth of his humility.
Philippians 2:6-8 Theological Themes:
Living for the Glory of God Alone (CSFBC) emphasizes the theme of God's glory, explaining that the cross was meant for God's glory alone. The sermon discusses how Jesus' sacrifice reconciles all things to himself, ultimately pointing to his glory. The theme of humility is also highlighted, as Jesus' actions serve as the ultimate example of humility and obedience.
Imitating Christ: The Power of Humility and Unity (Living Hope Church) focuses on the themes of humility and unity within the body of Christ. The sermon emphasizes that Christ's humility serves as a model for believers, calling them to live in unity and humility, considering others more important than themselves.
Embracing Christ's Humility: A Call to Serve (Harvest Worship CenterTaylor, MI) highlights the theme of humility, emphasizing that believers are called to have the same attitude as Christ, putting others before themselves. The sermon also touches on the theme of obedience, as Christ's humility is linked to his obedience to God.
Embracing Humility: The Path to Divine Guidance (Las Lomas Community Church) emphasizes the theme of humility as a divine gift and a necessary trait for Christians. The sermon discusses how Jesus' life exemplifies humility and obedience, encouraging believers to humble themselves before God to receive guidance and strength.
Embracing Humility: The Heart of Christlike Love (Lakeshore Christian Church) focuses on the theme of sacrificial love and humility. The sermon highlights how Jesus' humility and willingness to serve others, even to the point of death, is the ultimate example of love. It encourages believers to adopt a mindset of humility and service in their relationships.
Philippians 2:6-8 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Living for the Glory of God Alone (CSFBC) provides historical context by explaining that crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals in the Roman Empire, highlighting the depth of Jesus' humility in choosing such a death. The sermon also notes that Roman citizens, like Paul, could not be crucified, emphasizing the scandalous nature of Jesus' crucifixion.
Imitating Christ: The Power of Humility and Unity (Living Hope Church) mentions that the passage is a hymn, indicating its early use in Christian worship and its importance in expressing foundational Christian beliefs about Christ's nature and work.
Embracing Humility: The Path to Divine Guidance (Las Lomas Community Church) provides historical context about the cultural norms of Jesus' time, such as the use of caves as stables due to the limestone terrain. This insight helps illustrate the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth.
Embracing Humility: The Heart of Christlike Love (Lakeshore Christian Church) discusses the cultural practice of foot washing in Jesus' time, highlighting its significance as a task for the lowest servant. This context underscores the humility of Jesus' actions during the Last Supper.
Philippians 2:6-8 Cross-References in the Bible:
Living for the Glory of God Alone (CSFBC) references Colossians 1:16 to support the idea that all things were created through and for Christ, reinforcing the theme of God's glory. The sermon also alludes to Isaiah 42 and 45, where God declares that every knee will bow to him, connecting this to the exaltation of Christ in Philippians 2.
Imitating Christ: The Power of Humility and Unity (Living Hope Church) references John 1:1-3 to affirm the preexistence and divinity of Christ, supporting the interpretation of Philippians 2:6-8 as a declaration of Christ's divine nature and humility.
Embracing Humility: The Path to Divine Guidance (Las Lomas Community Church) references John 13:3-5, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet, to illustrate his humility and servanthood. This passage supports the message of humility and service as central to Jesus' mission.
Embracing Humility: The Heart of Christlike Love (Lakeshore Christian Church) references the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prays for God's will to be done, to highlight his obedience and humility. This cross-reference emphasizes the depth of Jesus' submission to God's plan.
Philippians 2:6-8 Christian References outside the Bible:
Living for the Glory of God Alone (CSFBC) quotes Augustine, who said, "Christ emptied himself not by losing what he was, but by taking to him what he was not," to explain the incarnation as an addition of human nature to Christ's divine nature.
Embracing Humility: The Heart of Christlike Love (Lakeshore Christian Church) references Andy Stanley's phrase "God in a bod" to emphasize the incarnation of Jesus as God taking on human form. This reference helps convey the profound nature of Jesus' humility and incarnation.
Philippians 2:6-8 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Living for the Glory of God Alone (CSFBC) uses the analogy of moving from a corner office to a janitor's closet to illustrate Jesus' humility in leaving his divine privileges to become a servant. This metaphor helps convey the depth of Christ's humility and the significance of his incarnation.
Embracing Humility: The Path to Divine Guidance (Las Lomas Community Church) uses the analogy of superheroes like Superman and Spider-Man to illustrate that Jesus' abilities were not inherent superpowers but were exercised through his relationship with the Father. This analogy helps clarify the nature of Jesus' humility and reliance on God.
Embracing Humility: The Heart of Christlike Love (Lakeshore Christian Church) uses the example of a pastors' conference to illustrate the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. The story of a pastor demanding immediate service at a hotel serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of pride and the need for humility in leadership.