Embracing Christ's Humility and Exaltation in Service
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to exalt our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, and to delve into the profound truths found in Philippians 2:5-11. We explored the concept of serving with the mindset of Christ, emphasizing the importance of humility, sacrifice, service, submission, and suffering. These are the very elements that Jesus embodied during His earthly ministry. We reflected on the dual aspects of Christ's journey: His humiliation and His exaltation.
The humiliation of Christ is vividly described in verses 5-8, where Paul contrasts Jesus' eternal deity with His human life. Jesus, though equal with God, did not cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death on the cross. This act of ultimate humility and sacrifice is the foundation of our faith.
In verses 9-11, we see the exaltation of Christ. God highly exalted Jesus, giving Him a name above every name. This exaltation is rooted in three historic events: the resurrection, the ascension, and the coronation of Christ. Through these events, Jesus was exalted over sin, death, the grave, time, space, and every name that is named. The exaltation of Christ is not just a future reality but a present truth that demands our acknowledgment and worship.
We are reminded that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This universal acknowledgment of Christ's lordship is a call to humble ourselves and recognize His sovereignty now, while we are still in the age of grace. To confess Him now is to receive His grace; to confess Him later is to face His judgment.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility and Sacrifice: Jesus Christ, though equal with God, chose to humble Himself and take on human form, becoming obedient to death on the cross. This ultimate act of humility and sacrifice sets the standard for how we should live our lives, prioritizing service and submission over personal glory. [01:19:17]
2. Exaltation Through Obedience: The exaltation of Christ is a direct result of His obedience and humility. God highly exalted Him, giving Him a name above every name. This teaches us that true exaltation comes from God and is a reward for our faithfulness and humility. [01:23:54]
3. Universal Worship: The exaltation of Christ means that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This universal worship underscores the absolute and total lordship of Christ, which will be acknowledged by all creation, both in heaven and on earth. [01:26:23]
4. Present Reality and Future Realization: The exaltation of Christ is both a present reality and a future realization. We are called to acknowledge and affirm His lordship now, understanding that this acknowledgment will be universal in the future. This dual aspect calls us to live in a way that reflects Christ's lordship in our daily lives. [01:27:24]
5. Call to Evangelize: The universal lordship of Christ does not imply universal salvation. We are called to evangelize and make disciples, sharing the message of Christ's lordship and the necessity of personal faith in Him. This is our responsibility as believers, to ensure that others have the opportunity to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. [01:42:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:12:03] - Opening Prayer
[01:13:35] - Introduction to Philippians 2:5-11
[01:14:39] - Reading of the Scripture
[01:16:19] - Serving with the Mindset of Christ
[01:17:40] - Baptism Testimony
[01:19:17] - Humility and Sacrifice of Christ
[01:20:47] - Hypostatic Union Explained
[01:22:31] - Exaltation of Christ
[01:23:54] - God’s Response to Christ’s Humiliation
[01:25:02] - The Name Above Every Name
[01:26:23] - Universal Worship
[01:27:24] - Present Reality and Future Realization
[01:28:32] - Exalting the Savior
[01:30:54] - Resurrection, Ascension, and Coronation
[01:33:20] - The Name Above Every Name Explained
[01:35:37] - The Lordship of Christ
[01:37:22] - Every Knee Shall Bow
[01:39:11] - Every Tongue Shall Confess
[01:42:04] - Call to Evangelize
[01:45:50] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:51:04] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:5-11 (NKJV)
### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:5-8 say about Jesus' attitude and actions during His earthly ministry? How did He demonstrate humility and sacrifice? [01:19:17]
2. According to Philippians 2:9-11, what are the three historic events that signify the exaltation of Christ? [01:29:19]
3. What does the phrase "every knee should bow" and "every tongue confess" in Philippians 2:10-11 imply about the universal acknowledgment of Christ's lordship? [01:37:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' willingness to humble Himself and become obedient to death on the cross set a standard for Christian behavior? [01:19:17]
2. What does it mean that God "highly exalted" Jesus and gave Him a name above every name? How does this exaltation relate to Jesus' obedience and humility? [01:23:54]
3. How should the present reality and future realization of Christ's exaltation influence the way believers live their daily lives? [01:27:24]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to humble yourself in a difficult situation. How did that experience shape your understanding of humility and sacrifice? [01:19:17]
2. In what ways can you practice humility and service in your daily life, following the example of Christ? Are there specific areas where you struggle with this? [01:19:17]
3. How can you actively acknowledge and affirm Christ's lordship in your life today? What practical steps can you take to ensure that His exaltation is evident in your actions and decisions? [01:28:32]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of evangelizing and sharing the message of Christ's lordship. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear this message. How can you approach them with the gospel this week? [01:42:04]
5. The concept of universal worship means that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. How does this future reality impact your sense of urgency in sharing your faith with others? [01:37:22]
6. Consider the dual aspects of Christ's journey—His humiliation and exaltation. How can you balance the call to humble service with the assurance of future exaltation in your own spiritual walk? [01:22:31]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset that consistently acknowledges Christ's sovereignty and lordship, especially in moments of personal challenge or suffering? [01:27:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Humility of Christ
Jesus Christ, though equal with God, chose to humble Himself and take on human form, becoming obedient to death on the cross. This ultimate act of humility and sacrifice sets the standard for how we should live our lives, prioritizing service and submission over personal glory. Jesus' humility is not just a historical fact but a living example for us to emulate. His willingness to relinquish divine privileges and embrace human limitations, even to the point of death, calls us to a life of selfless service and genuine humility.
In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul vividly describes this humility, urging us to adopt the same mindset. Jesus' life was marked by a series of downward steps: from divine glory to human form, from human form to servanthood, and from servanthood to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This downward journey is the foundation of our faith and a model for our daily lives. We are called to empty ourselves of pride, ambition, and self-centeredness, and to serve others with the same love and humility that Jesus demonstrated. [01:19:17]
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a specific situation where you can choose humility over pride today. How can you serve someone in a way that reflects the humility of Christ?
Day 2: Exaltation Through Obedience
The exaltation of Christ is a direct result of His obedience and humility. God highly exalted Him, giving Him a name above every name. This teaches us that true exaltation comes from God and is a reward for our faithfulness and humility. Jesus' journey from humiliation to exaltation is a powerful reminder that God's ways are not our ways. While the world may seek power and recognition through self-promotion, God's path to exaltation is through humble obedience and faithful service.
In Philippians 2:9-11, we see that because of Jesus' obedience, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him a name above every name. This exaltation is not just a future promise but a present reality that we are called to acknowledge and live by. As we follow Jesus' example of humility and obedience, we too can trust that God will lift us up in His perfect timing. Our focus should not be on seeking our own glory but on faithfully serving God and others, knowing that true exaltation comes from Him. [01:23:54]
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking recognition or validation from others? How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval through humble obedience?
Day 3: Universal Worship
The exaltation of Christ means that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This universal worship underscores the absolute and total lordship of Christ, which will be acknowledged by all creation, both in heaven and on earth. The reality of Christ's lordship is not limited to a select few but extends to all of creation. This truth calls us to live in a way that reflects our acknowledgment of His sovereignty and to share this message with others.
The universal acknowledgment of Christ's lordship is a powerful reminder of His ultimate authority and the future reality that awaits us. As believers, we are called to bow our knees and confess His lordship now, while we are still in the age of grace. This acknowledgment is not just a verbal confession but a lifestyle that reflects His lordship in every area of our lives. We are also called to share this truth with others, inviting them to recognize and worship Jesus as Lord. [01:26:23]
Isaiah 45:23 (ESV): "By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'"
Reflection: How does the reality of Christ's universal lordship impact the way you live your daily life? What changes can you make to ensure that your life reflects His sovereignty?
Day 4: Present Reality and Future Realization
The exaltation of Christ is both a present reality and a future realization. We are called to acknowledge and affirm His lordship now, understanding that this acknowledgment will be universal in the future. This dual aspect calls us to live in a way that reflects Christ's lordship in our daily lives. The present reality of Christ's exaltation means that He is already reigning as Lord, and we are called to live under His authority and guidance.
The future realization of Christ's exaltation reminds us that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess His lordship. This future reality should motivate us to live faithfully and to share the message of Christ's lordship with others. As we live in the tension between the present and the future, we are called to be faithful witnesses of His lordship, demonstrating through our lives what it means to follow Jesus. [01:27:24]
1 Peter 3:22 (ESV): "Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him."
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects the present reality of Christ's lordship? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate His authority in your life?
Day 5: Call to Evangelize
The universal lordship of Christ does not imply universal salvation. We are called to evangelize and make disciples, sharing the message of Christ's lordship and the necessity of personal faith in Him. This is our responsibility as believers, to ensure that others have the opportunity to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. The reality of Christ's lordship and the future judgment should compel us to share the gospel with urgency and compassion.
As believers, we have been entrusted with the message of salvation and the responsibility to share it with others. The call to evangelize is not just for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. We are called to be witnesses of His lordship, sharing the good news of His death, resurrection, and exaltation with those around us. This call to evangelize is a reminder that while Christ's lordship is universal, salvation is personal and requires a response of faith. [01:42:04]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of Christ's lordship and salvation? How can you share the gospel with them in a loving and compassionate way today?
Quotes
1. "When you think about serving with a mindset like Christ, that simply says that you understand what sacrifice is. You understand what service is. You understand what submission is, but you also understand what suffering is. Because those are the very elements that Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior, endured on our behalf." [01:18:40] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The humiliation of Christ was fully compensated by God. In fact, it was totally reversed. Let me show you how. Verse 6 says, Because of that, verse 9 says, Verse 7 says that Jesus emptied himself. Because of that, verse 9 says that God has given him a name that is above every name. Verse 7 says that, Jesus took on the form of a servant. Because of that, verse 10 says that every knee shall bow at the name of Jesus. Verse 8 says that Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross. But thank God for verse 11 that says, Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." [01:25:02] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the bedrock of the Christian faith. It is the bedrock of our faith because the resurrection was God's validation of the person and work of Jesus Christ. God stamped his approval on the humiliation of Christ when he raised him from the dead." [01:29:19] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The lordship of Christ will not be denied. Have you ever been denied in life? Have you ever applied for something and you didn't quite get what you want? You may not have got it at all. And the reality is there was nothing you could do about it. Maybe it was a job you applied for and yet they denied. Maybe it was a house you applied for, a car, and they denied. Maybe it was some relationship you applied for. Help me, Jesus. They denied, they declined. But the lordship of God will not be denied." [01:35:37] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When a dignitary or celebrity enters a room, people stand. People applaud. They even cheer. But when Christ, if Christ were to walk in this room right now, you better not stand. You better get on your knee and bow. Because we're not able to stand before the God we serve, before Christ. Every knee should bow down before him. Don't you think you're good enough to stand and give God applause? No, no. You better get on your knees and give him glory and honor." [01:36:29] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The holy angels in heaven will bow before Christ. The glorified spirits of the redeemed will bow before Christ. The Christ followers on earth will bow before Christ. The unbelieving sinners in the world will bow before Christ. The devil, his demons, and all the lost souls in hell will bow before Christ. Every knee. Shall bow. The Lordship of Christ will not be defeated." [01:38:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The primary message of this hymn is to the church, humble yourselves, and God will exalt you. That's a word. Humble yourself and let God exalt you. Because if you exalt yourself, then God cannot exalt you. But if you humble yourself and allow God to move, he will exalt you." [01:42:58] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Philippians 2.9.11, 2.11, answers that the world is coming to a day when every being in the created universe will recognize Jesus Christ as Lord. No tongue will be silent. No knee will be unbowed. But we are still in an age of grace. That means the promise of Romans 10, and now it still stands. Now let me say it once again, if somebody's not sounding my voice, that has not received it, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be, you shall be saved." [01:43:47] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "To acknowledge him now is to receive his grace. To acknowledge him later is to suffer his judgment. Amen. you may bow and confess, but then you must bow and confess. Now you may be in joy. Then you will be in terror. Today you can confess him as Lord and Savior, but then he will only be Lord for you. Don't miss that. Confess him now. He'll be Lord and Savior. But if you're forced to confess him afterwards, because you have not received him, he will only be Lord, but not your Savior." [01:45:15] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you've already received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you can fulfill the purpose of the humiliation and exaltation of Christ. Verse 11 says, Every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. To the glory of God the Father. To the glory of God the Father. Wait until tomorrow to put off what you can do today, what you can do right now." [01:45:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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