The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ

 

Summary

In this series, we delve into the profound work of Christ, exploring the intricate relationship between His person and His work. While these aspects can be distinguished, they are inseparable, as the work of Jesus reveals much about His divine nature. Our exploration begins not with His birth, but in eternity past, with the covenant of redemption—a divine agreement within the Godhead. This covenant, unlike others made with humanity, involves the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a Trinitarian work of creation and redemption. The Father initiates the plan, the Son accomplishes it, and the Holy Spirit applies it to us.

The ministry of Jesus on earth begins with His descension, leaving His heavenly glory to incarnate as a man. This incarnation is not a metamorphosis but an addition, where the divine nature takes on human form for the purpose of redemption. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, captures this profound mystery in what is known as the kenotic hymn. This hymn emphasizes Jesus' transition from exaltation to humiliation and back to exaltation, a pattern seen throughout His life.

Jesus' incarnation is marked by humility, as He takes the form of a bondservant, obedient even to death on the cross. Yet, this humiliation is not without purpose. It leads to His exaltation, where God bestows upon Him the name above every name, affirming His Lordship. This exaltation is a fulfillment of Jesus' prayer for the restoration of His glory, a glory He shared with the Father from the beginning.

The kenotic hymn serves as an exhortation for believers to emulate Christ's humility. It reminds us that participation in His exaltation requires identification with His humiliation. Our baptism symbolizes this duality—marked by both His death and resurrection. The name above every name is not merely "Jesus," but the acknowledgment of His Lordship, compelling every knee to bow and every tongue to confess His sovereignty.

Key Takeaways:

- The covenant of redemption is a divine agreement within the Godhead, highlighting the Trinitarian nature of creation and redemption. The Father initiates, the Son accomplishes, and the Holy Spirit applies this work, demonstrating the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity. [02:42]

- Jesus' incarnation is an addition, not a subtraction, where the divine nature takes on human form. This profound mystery underscores the purpose of redemption, as the eternal Word becomes flesh, joining divine and human natures without diminishing either. [07:29]

- The kenotic hymn in Philippians 2 illustrates the pattern of humiliation and exaltation in Jesus' life. His willingness to empty Himself and take on the form of a servant leads to His ultimate exaltation, a model for believers to emulate in humility. [09:09]

- Jesus' exaltation is a response to His perfect obedience and humility. God restores His glory, affirming His Lordship, and compelling all creation to acknowledge His sovereignty, fulfilling the divine plan established in eternity. [20:12]

- The name above every name signifies Jesus' Lordship, not merely His earthly name. This acknowledgment of His divine authority calls for worship and submission, aligning with the glory of God the Father and completing the cycle of humiliation and exaltation. [21:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Distinction Between Person and Work
- [01:18] - Covenant of Redemption
- [02:07] - Trinitarian Work of Redemption
- [04:03] - Descension and Incarnation
- [05:51] - The Significance of Incarnation
- [06:46] - The Word Became Flesh
- [08:21] - The Kenotic Hymn
- [10:31] - Humiliation and Exaltation Pattern
- [12:08] - Glimpses of Glory
- [14:26] - Emulating Christ's Humility
- [16:44] - Kenotic Theory and Divine Nature
- [18:16] - Jesus as a Bondservant
- [20:12] - Exaltation and Restoration of Glory
- [21:41] - The Name Above Every Name

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:5-11
- John 1:1-14
- Romans 1:1-4

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does the "covenant of redemption" refer to, and how is it distinct from other covenants mentioned in the Bible? [02:42]

2. How does the Apostle Paul describe Jesus' incarnation in Philippians 2, and what is the significance of the term "kenosis"? [09:09]

3. According to the sermon, what pattern is evident in Jesus' life, as described in the kenotic hymn? [10:31]

4. What does the phrase "the name above every name" signify in the context of Jesus' exaltation? [21:41]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of the covenant of redemption enhance our understanding of the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity? [03:18]

2. In what ways does the kenotic hymn in Philippians 2 serve as a model for believers to emulate Christ's humility? [14:26]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between Jesus' humiliation and His subsequent exaltation? [20:12]

4. What implications does Jesus' exaltation have for believers in terms of acknowledging His Lordship and sovereignty? [22:35]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the concept of the covenant of redemption. How does understanding the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in redemption impact your personal faith journey? [03:18]

2. The kenotic hymn calls believers to emulate Christ's humility. What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate humility in your interactions with others? [14:26]

3. Jesus' life exemplified a pattern of humiliation followed by exaltation. Can you identify a situation in your life where embracing humility might lead to a greater purpose or outcome? [10:31]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus' Lordship. How can you actively submit to His authority in areas of your life where you may be resistant? [21:41]

5. Consider the duality of Jesus' incarnation as both divine and human. How does this mystery encourage you to approach your own spiritual and earthly challenges? [07:29]

6. The sermon highlights the significance of Jesus' obedience and humility. In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of obedience to God's will in your daily decisions? [19:20]

7. Reflect on the idea that every knee should bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord. How can you incorporate this acknowledgment into your worship and daily life? [22:35]

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Covenant of Redemption
The covenant of redemption is a profound divine agreement within the Godhead, highlighting the Trinitarian nature of creation and redemption. This covenant, unlike any made with humanity, involves the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a unified work. The Father initiates the plan, the Son accomplishes it, and the Holy Spirit applies it to us. This divine collaboration demonstrates the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's plan for humanity. Understanding this covenant helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the intentionality behind our redemption. [02:42]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does knowing that your redemption was planned before the foundation of the world impact your understanding of God's love for you today?


Day 2: The Mystery of Incarnation
Jesus' incarnation is an addition, not a subtraction, where the divine nature takes on human form. This profound mystery underscores the purpose of redemption, as the eternal Word becomes flesh, joining divine and human natures without diminishing either. The incarnation is not a metamorphosis but an addition, where Jesus leaves His heavenly glory to become a man. This act of humility and love is central to the Christian faith, as it reveals the lengths to which God will go to redeem His creation. [07:29]

John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Reflection: In what ways can you reflect the humility and love of Christ in your interactions with others today?


Day 3: The Kenotic Hymn and Christ's Humility
The kenotic hymn in Philippians 2 illustrates the pattern of humiliation and exaltation in Jesus' life. His willingness to empty Himself and take on the form of a servant leads to His ultimate exaltation. This pattern serves as a model for believers to emulate in humility. Jesus' life exemplifies the transition from exaltation to humiliation and back to exaltation, reminding us that participation in His exaltation requires identification with His humiliation. Our baptism symbolizes this duality—marked by both His death and resurrection. [09:09]

Philippians 2:6-8 (ESV): "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: What is one area of your life where you can practice humility today, following the example of Christ?


Day 4: Exaltation Through Obedience
Jesus' exaltation is a response to His perfect obedience and humility. God restores His glory, affirming His Lordship, and compelling all creation to acknowledge His sovereignty. This exaltation fulfills the divine plan established in eternity, where Jesus' prayer for the restoration of His glory is answered. Understanding this aspect of Jesus' life encourages believers to pursue obedience and humility, knowing that God honors and exalts those who follow His will. [20:12]

Hebrews 5:8-9 (ESV): "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."

Reflection: How can you demonstrate obedience to God's will in a specific situation you are facing today?


Day 5: The Name Above Every Name
The name above every name signifies Jesus' Lordship, not merely His earthly name. This acknowledgment of His divine authority calls for worship and submission, aligning with the glory of God the Father and completing the cycle of humiliation and exaltation. Recognizing Jesus' Lordship compels every knee to bow and every tongue to confess His sovereignty, inviting believers to live lives of worship and submission to His authority. [21:41]

Isaiah 45:23-24 (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.' Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to submit to Jesus' Lordship, and how can you take a step towards that submission today?

Quotes

"Now, in theology we make a distinction between the person of Christ and the work of Christ for various reasons. But even though that distinction is important to make, we must never let it become a separation because the person of Christ is intimately connected to His work. And we understand His work largely in part from the perspective of who it was who was doing that work." [00:00:07]

"In fact, it begins in eternity past in what we call in theology 'the covenant of redemption.' The people who listen to this radio program have told me many times that just like they enjoy listening to Rush Limbaugh rattling his papers on his desk, so the people enjoy the sound of the chalk scratching on the blackboard." [00:01:32]

"The covenant of redemption refers to a pact or an agreement that takes place in eternity within the Godhead. We distinguish the persons of the Godhead as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and we know when we look at the Old Testament record of creation that the entire Trinity, the whole Godhead is actively involved in bringing the universe into being." [00:02:42]

"The Father is the one who initiates the concept of redeeming a creation that He knows will be fallen. And so it is the Father who designs the plan of redemption. It is the Son who is given the assignment by the Father to accomplish that redemption, and of course, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to apply that work of redemption to us." [00:03:25]

"When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans at the very beginning of the epistle where he identifies himself as an apostle whose been called of God and set apart for the gospel of God, which he said was announced by the Old Testament prophets, and it regards Jesus who is born of the seed of David." [00:05:17]

"What we celebrate at Christmas is not so much the birth of a baby, as important as that is, but what's so significant about the birth of that particular baby is that in this birth we have the incarnation of God Himself. An incarnation means a coming in the flesh. We know how John begins His gospel, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.'" [00:06:20]

"The incarnation is not so much a subtraction as it is an addition, where the eternal second person of the Trinity takes upon Himself a human nature and joins His divine nature to that human nature for the purpose of redemption." [00:07:41]

"And the pattern that is found here in this passage is a pattern that… uh… that we see frequently in the life of Jesus, which is a pattern of humiliation and exaltation, that is to say, he begins in exaltation in glory in heaven, but he condescends to join us in our earthly predicament in order to redeem us." [00:10:50]

"Now, having said that, let's look once more at this hymn and analyze some of aspects of it in Philippians 2. The way this is used is an exhortation that the apostle is making to Christians, that Christians ought to emulate the humility of their Savior. Elsewhere, the apostle tells us unless we are willing to identify with the humiliation of Jesus, we will not be ever able to experience His exaltation." [00:14:30]

"In the 19th century, liberal scholars propounded a doctrine called the kenotic theory of the incarnation, and you may have heard it, the idea being that when Jesus came to this earth, He laid aside His divine attributes so that the God-man at least touching His deity no longer had the divine attributes of omniscience, omnipotence, and all the rest." [00:16:28]

"Therefore or wherefore hath God highly exalted Him. Do you remember when Jesus was in the upper room the night before His execution, the night that He established the Lord's Supper? And He went through that lengthy prayer, the high priestly prayer it is called. Do you remember one of the things that Jesus asked for in that prayer? He asked the Father to restore to Him the glory that He had with the Father from the beginning." [00:19:29]

"The name that is above every name is that title that belongs only to God, that title Adonai that refers to God as the sovereign one. That is the title that is revealed that belongs to Christ because of His humiliation. Because of His perfect obedience in the role of a slave, God moves heaven and earth to exalt His Son, gives Him the name that is above every name." [00:22:02]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 23, 2020. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?