The Kenosis Hymn and the servanthood of Christ Phil 2:1-11 1

The Philippian church The church in Philippi was founded by Paul in his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40-18:23) – the first church founded in Europe as a result of the Macedonian vision Paul wrote this letter while in a Roman prison Paul had a very close relationship with the church in Philippi. – He received financial support (4:15-18) – Epraphroditus was sent as an aide to him(2:25) 2

Paul’s concern for the church There was a problem with disunity in the church 2 1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, ….. 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, …. 4 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women …. There were preachers who had ulterior motives Phil 1: 15 Some … are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, … 17 thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. There were some self-serving leaders 2 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 3

The Kenosis Hymn 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, {Christ’s status} 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. {Christ’s servanthood and obedience} 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. {Christ’s exaltation} 4

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,… (Phil 2:6) One divine essence with the Father Co-equality with the Father Yet distinct in Person Christ’s prayer for unity: ‘…….that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.’ (John 17:21) 5

Relationship dynamics from the Trinitarian perspective Community: And God said, “Let us make man …..”(Gen 1:26) Communion : “….Father, though the world does not know you, I know you…’ (John17:25) Collaboration : In sovereign love God created the heavens and the earth and called and formed a people to be a light to all the nations. In costly grace the Lord Jesus Christ ministered among humanity, was crucified and raised for our salvation. In transforming power the Holy Spirit sanctifies us, draws us into new communion with God and each other. The Triune God does all this through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit 6

Kenosis but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (Phil 2:7, NASB) 7 Ekenosen=‘He emptied’; root=kenoo; to make void, or no reputation, to abase

Kenosis of Christ – The Son of God who became the Son of Man 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond- servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (Phil 2:6-7) It is NOT Christ emptying of His divinity to become man For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,.. (Col 2:9) It is Christ laying aside the form of God to take the form of a servant Paul’s understanding of kenosis ….that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Cor 8:9) 8

Christ’s redefinition of greatness whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave (Matt 20:26,27) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: (Phil 2:5) 9

The Triune God Communion CommunityCollaboration Servanthood 10

Koinonia The Triune God The Church Community Communion Collaboration Servanthood We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3) Konoinia 11

Koinonia Community ….Your “partnership” in the gospel Phil 1:5 “fellow worker” Rom 16:9; 16:21 …like-minded, …being one in spirit and purpose Phil 2:2 Communion …you “share” in our sufferings, … you share in our comfort 2 Cor 1:7) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others Phil 2:4 Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thess 5:11 Collaboration The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!“ … those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,.. 2 Cor 12:21-22 …contending as one man for the faith of the Gospel Phil 1:27 Servanthood Serve one another in love Gal 5:13 But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need Phil 1:25 …Consider others better than yourselves Phil 2:3 12

Koinonia Collaboration Servanthood Community Communion VisionFulfilment 13 ‘To present believers complete in Christ' We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. (Col 1:28) Teleios=full grown, mature, perfect, complete Proclamation Teaching Training

Koinonia Collaboration Servanthood Community Communion VisionFulfilment 14

Reflection Make me a servant, humble and meek Lord let me lift up, those who are weak And may the prayer of my heart always be Make me a servant, make me a servant Make me a servant, today Words and Music: Kelly Willard (1982). 15