Jesus Emptied Himself Philippians 2:6-8 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross

Introduction There are several misunderstandings about this passage. First – put this passage under the microscope Then – We will back away and see what it is teaching

MICROSCOPE We will look at the important words in Philippians 2:6-8 FORM – v. 6 (being in the form of God) & 7 (taking the form of a bondservant) The same word is used in Mark 16:12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country.

MICROSCOPE FORM ROBBERY v. 2 did not consider it robbery This is an error in translation Most translations say “a thing to be grasped” Jesus was not robbed He saw that he could let go

MICROSCOPE FORM ROBBERY EQUAL – 2 to be equal with God Somthing that is like another thing, the same, equal, in agreement

MICROSCOPE FORM ROBBERY EQUAL MADE – v. 7 but made Himself To make or become – Mark 1:7 “become fishers of men”

MICROSCOPE FORM ROBBERY EQUAL MADE EMPTIED – v. 7 of no reputation (KJV, NKJV) Greek word – To be void, of no value, to lower or reduce

MICROSCOPE FORM ROBBERY EQUAL MADE EMPTIED LIKENESS – v. 7 coming in the likeness of men To be alike in some aspect – Romans 6:5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

MICROSCOPE FORM ROBBERY EQUAL MADE EMPTIED LIKENESS FASHION – v. 8 And being found in appearance as a man Fashion (KJV) = manner, charater, figure, form – 1 Corinthians 7:31b For the form of this world is passing away.

BACK AWAY Sometimes we look too close and can't see the real message “We can't see the forest because all the trees are in the way.” What does Paul want the Philippians to understand and do ? Have the mind of Christ – v. 5 Focus on the cross – vs. 9-11

BACK AWAY Philippians 2:6-9 is not about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem This passage is about His cross V. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

BACK AWAY NOTICE : He humbled himself He was obedient unto death Death of the cross

BACK AWAY We must understand the sacrifice and suffering of Christ. He was over the angels Now he is in submission to human weakness He was immortal and eternal but became subject to death