The Cross Shaped God Philippians 2:6-8

that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; Acts 17:27 (NASB95)

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 2 Peter 1:4 (NASB95)

“Although He Existed in the Form of God” who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, Philippians 2:6 (NASB95)

“Although He Existed in the Form of God” who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, Philippians 2:6 (NASB95)

“Although He Existed in the Form of God” ALTHOUGH - He had the position, power, and rights of God as God NOT - He did not selfishly exploit His Divine rights and power BUT - He emptied himself, not of deity but of the exercise of those things that would prevent Him from being “in the likeness of men” and experiencing the “death on the cross”

“Because He Existed in the Form of God” BECAUSE - He was/is God NOT - He did not act selfishly, clinging to His position at the cost of our souls BUT - He “emptied Himself” i.e. voluntarily took this great step of downward mobility in order to “not look out merely for His own interest, but also for the interest of others” vs. 4

The Cross-Shaped God In the incarnate Christ, we do not witness an anomaly, but the reality of who our God is; the all powerful creator who opens Himself to vulnerability, voluntarily empties self to relate with man, and legitimately suffers for the good of others.

“Have this attitude in yourselves” Victory over Sin and sins JUSTIFICATION THROUGH CO-CRUCIFIXION “Have this attitude in yourselves” Victory over Sin and sins Transformation through self-emptying

A Cross-Shaped Life We are to imitate Christ We are to participate with Christ We are to be transformed in Christ