TEXT: Philippians 2:5-11 (CSB) – “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The mark of this mind of Christ in us is humility We looked at the kenosis of Christ – the “emptying.” Not the emptying of His deity, but we could call it the humiliation of Jesus. Oh that we could grasp how high He was – and how low He came.
Today, we will see that after the seven downward steps, God the Father had seven upward steps to the exaltation of His Son. The Mind of Christ was Humiliation, and the reward was the Mind of the Father who exalted Him.
So, the first step – “For this reason God highly exalted him….” The supreme purpose of God is that Jesus is glorified. What makes this earth significant is that God came as a baby to grow to accept the cross. Man has dignity because of Jesus – therefore God has exalted Him.
Then came the second step – “and gave him the name that is above every name….” That reminded me that we must watch taking it in vain. God is going to raise it above every name! And He details this starting with –
The third step – “so that at the name of Jesus….” The name Jesus literally means Savior in the Greek language. We must remember that the human ship is a sinking ship. No human can be the rescuer. But, He is Emmanuel which means “God with us.” At Bethlehem – He came not as God. At Bethlehem – He didn’t come as an angel. He came as a man – and took our humanity upon Himself.
He IS Jesus (Savior)
Quickly, we will follow the steps. Here is the fourth upward step – “in heaven….”
And the fifth step – “and on earth and on earth…”
Followed by the sixth step – “and under the earth….”
· He is Lord! He is God!
· All heaven prostrates itself in worship before Him! They recognize their Lord.
· All earth prostrates before the reigning monarch
· All Hell prostrated before the God of all Creation!
Is this in reference to salvation? NO. It is in recognition of the Supreme Creator God! He is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings.
The final and seventh step – “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Not as Savior – but as Lord. This will increase the anguish of those in Hell.
He willingly took the seven steps down – and God raises Him up the seven steps to glory!
He willingly emptied Himself of His glory – God mightily exalts Him as Lord.
He willingly came down for you – God raises Him up for all.
So, today consider – what does He mean to you? Can you begin to grasp all that He left behind because He loves you? Can you turn your back willingly on that great love?
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