The Depth of Christ's Humility and the Cross

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound mystery and beauty of the Incarnation and the Cross, as expressed in Philippians 2:5-11. The passage reveals the humility and obedience of Jesus, who, though in the form of God, did not exploit His equality with God but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. This act of humility was not imposed upon Him by any earthly authority but was a voluntary decision by the Son of God, highlighting the depth of His love and commitment to humanity.

The Cross is not merely a symbol of Jesus embracing full humanity; it is a multifaceted demonstration of God's justice and love. The death of Jesus on the cross was not just a moral example but a necessary act of justice. It was a divine response to the problem of sin, which is deeply rooted in the human condition. Sin is not just a transgression or a rebellion against God; it is a bondage from which we need deliverance. The Cross addresses this by being both a just payment for sin and a means of delivering us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light.

The analogy of a presidential pardon helps us understand why God did not simply issue a blanket pardon for sin. A pardon might forgive the consequence but does not address the root problem of sin. The Cross, however, is a just act that satisfies the demands of justice while also transforming and delivering us from sin's power. This is why the Incarnation and the Cross are central to the Christian faith—they reveal the depth of God's love and the extent of His justice.

The ancient Christmas hymns capture this truth, celebrating not just the birth of Christ but His mission to save us from our sins. As we reflect on the Incarnation, we are reminded that we needed more than just a pardon; we needed deliverance and transformation, which is made possible through the justice of the Cross. This leads us to rejoice in the full narrative of Christ's coming, from the manger to the Cross, and ultimately to the empty tomb.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Voluntary Humility of Christ: Jesus' decision to humble Himself and become obedient to death on a cross was a voluntary act of love, not imposed by any earthly authority. This highlights the depth of His commitment to humanity and His willingness to embrace the full human experience for our sake. [03:45]

2. The Cross as Justice, Not Pardon: The Cross is a demonstration of God's justice, not merely a pardon for sin. It is a just payment for the sins of humanity, satisfying the demands of justice while also providing a means of deliverance from sin's power. [21:46]

3. The Multifaceted Purpose of the Cross: The Cross serves multiple purposes, including demonstrating God's love, justifying us before God, reconciling us to Him, and delivering us from the domain of darkness. Each facet reveals a different aspect of God's redemptive plan. [08:27]

4. The Problem of Sin and the Need for Deliverance: Sin is not just a legal issue but a bondage that requires deliverance. The Cross addresses this by transferring us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light, offering true freedom and transformation. [26:51]

5. The Incarnation's Connection to the Cross: The Incarnation is not just about Jesus' birth but His mission to save us from our sins. The manger leads to the Cross, where the divine and human sacrifice meets to provide justice and deliverance, culminating in the victory of the empty tomb. [31:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:18] - Introduction to Philippians 2:5-11
- [03:45] - The Voluntary Humility of Christ
- [04:57] - Jesus' Obedience and Sinlessness
- [05:37] - The Human Experience of Death
- [06:56] - The Unique Death on the Cross
- [08:27] - The Multifaceted Purpose of the Cross
- [15:28] - The Cry for Justice
- [20:02] - Why Not a Presidential Pardon?
- [21:46] - The Cross as Justice, Not Pardon
- [23:45] - The Divine and Human Sacrifice
- [24:34] - The Problem of Sin
- [26:04] - Deliverance from the Domain of Darkness
- [29:10] - The Christmas Hymns and the Cross
- [31:51] - The Incarnation's Connection to the Cross

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:5-11

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:5-11 reveal about the nature of Jesus' humility and obedience? How is this demonstrated in His actions? [02:18]
2. According to the sermon, why is the Cross described as a demonstration of God's justice rather than merely a pardon for sin? [21:46]
3. How does the sermon explain the multifaceted purpose of the Cross, and what are some of the different aspects mentioned? [08:27]
4. What analogy is used in the sermon to explain why God did not simply issue a blanket pardon for sin? How does this analogy help us understand the necessity of the Cross? [20:02]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the voluntary humility of Christ, as described in Philippians 2:5-11, challenge our understanding of leadership and authority? [03:45]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Cross addresses the problem of sin beyond just forgiveness? How does this relate to the concept of deliverance? [26:51]
3. How does the sermon connect the Incarnation to the mission of Jesus to save humanity from sin? What significance does this connection have for understanding the full narrative of Christ's coming? [31:51]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between justice and love in the context of the Cross? How are these two attributes of God balanced in the act of the Cross? [23:45]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to humble yourself in a situation. How can Jesus' example of voluntary humility inspire you to embrace humility in your daily life? [03:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for deliverance from sin's power. What are some areas in your life where you feel in bondage, and how can you seek deliverance through Christ? [26:51]
3. How can the understanding of the Cross as a demonstration of justice and love influence the way you view forgiveness and reconciliation in your relationships? [21:46]
4. Consider the analogy of a presidential pardon used in the sermon. How does this analogy challenge your perception of justice and mercy in your own life? [20:02]
5. The sermon highlights the multifaceted purpose of the Cross. Which aspect of the Cross resonates most with you, and how can it impact your faith journey? [08:27]
6. How can the connection between the Incarnation and the Cross deepen your appreciation for the Christmas season and its significance in the Christian faith? [31:51]
7. In what ways can you actively participate in God's redemptive plan, as revealed through the Cross, in your community or church? [23:45]

Devotional

Day 1: The Depth of Christ's Voluntary Humility
Jesus' decision to humble Himself and become obedient to death on a cross was a profound act of love and commitment to humanity. This humility was not forced upon Him by any earthly power but was a voluntary choice, demonstrating the depth of His love for us. By taking on human form and experiencing the full range of human suffering, Jesus showed His willingness to embrace the human condition for our sake. This act of humility is a powerful reminder of the lengths to which God will go to reach us and transform our lives. [03:45]

Philippians 2:7-8 (ESV): "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: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions, following the example of Christ's voluntary humility?


Day 2: The Cross as a Just Act of Love
The Cross is not merely a symbol of pardon but a profound demonstration of God's justice. It was a necessary act to address the problem of sin, which is deeply rooted in the human condition. Sin is not just a legal issue but a bondage that requires deliverance. The Cross satisfies the demands of justice while also providing a means of deliverance from sin's power. This multifaceted purpose of the Cross reveals the depth of God's love and His commitment to justice. [21:46]

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: How does understanding the Cross as a just act of love change your perspective on forgiveness and justice in your own life?


Day 3: The Multifaceted Purpose of the Cross
The Cross serves multiple purposes, including demonstrating God's love, justifying us before God, reconciling us to Him, and delivering us from the domain of darkness. Each facet of the Cross reveals a different aspect of God's redemptive plan. It is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues to transform lives today. As we reflect on the Cross, we are reminded of the comprehensive nature of God's salvation and His desire to bring us into a relationship with Him. [08:27]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: What aspect of the Cross resonates most with you today, and how can you live out that truth in your daily life?


Day 4: Deliverance from the Bondage of Sin
Sin is not just a transgression or rebellion against God; it is a bondage from which we need deliverance. The Cross addresses this by transferring us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light, offering true freedom and transformation. This deliverance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of being transformed into the likeness of Christ. As we embrace this deliverance, we are invited to live in the freedom and light of God's kingdom. [26:51]

Romans 6:6-7 (ESV): "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel trapped by sin, and how can you invite God's deliverance and transformation into that area today?


Day 5: The Incarnation's Connection to the Cross
The Incarnation is not just about Jesus' birth but His mission to save us from our sins. The manger leads to the Cross, where the divine and human sacrifice meets to provide justice and deliverance, culminating in the victory of the empty tomb. This full narrative of Christ's coming reminds us of the depth of God's love and the extent of His justice. As we reflect on the Incarnation, we are invited to rejoice in the complete story of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. [31:51]

Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: How does the connection between the Incarnation and the Cross inspire you to live out your faith with greater purpose and joy today?

Quotes



The cross was the unique aspect of Jesus humbling Himself. It was not just that He took the form of a human. It was not just that He took the form of a servant. And it's not just that He was fully obedient to the perfect will of God. And it was not just that He experienced full humanity. [00:07:26] (19 seconds)


The cross is important because the cross is justice. You do realize the cross is justice and not a pardon. A pardon is simply saying this is wrong, you're guilty, but you don't have to pay the penalty. The cross is this is sin, but you don't have to pay the penalty. We are all sinners and Christ is paying the penalty. [00:21:11] (24 seconds)


It was a just payment for all of our sins. It's really an incredible picture when you think about it. So, why does God not forgive us? Why does God not just give a presidential pardon? Because of justice is the first thing. But the second thing, notice that coming out of Romans 3, He is both just and the justifier. [00:23:44] (23 seconds)


The problem is not that we just need to be forgiven, we need to be delivered from sin. A presidential pardon does not deliver us from sin. It may save us from the consequence, but it does not do what the angel said Jesus would do, which is to save His people from their sins. [00:27:08] (23 seconds)


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Transcript
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