The Doctrine of the Incarnation Produces Humility Philippians 2:1-11 Benjamin Linker 5/8/2011

Previously Mentioned Paul is calling believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, and being of one mind and spirit. Paul is calling believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, and being of one mind and spirit. “Mind” is mentioned 4 times (1:27, 2:2 [twice], 2:5). “Mind” is mentioned 4 times (1:27, 2:2 [twice], 2:5). The exhortation is for Philippian believers to think of others in a humble manner, not a haughty one. The exhortation is for Philippian believers to think of others in a humble manner, not a haughty one. The apostle shares there’s been disagreement in Philippi with Eoudia and Syntyche. The apostle shares there’s been disagreement in Philippi with Eoudia and Syntyche. Paul is thinking of others while in prison, but his "desire is to depart and be with the Lord" (1:23) but knows that being alive is “more necessary on their account” (v. 24). Paul is thinking of others while in prison, but his "desire is to depart and be with the Lord" (1:23) but knows that being alive is “more necessary on their account” (v. 24).

The Same Mind Philippians 2:1-2 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” These verses are going off of Paul’s point in 1:27 “Only let your manner of life worthy of the gospel.” These verses are going off of Paul’s point in 1:27 “Only let your manner of life worthy of the gospel.” Paul is calling for his joy to be complete. His desire is for fruit to be shown in the Philippian believers, and unity shown. Paul is calling for his joy to be complete. His desire is for fruit to be shown in the Philippian believers, and unity shown. “By being of the same mind” lit. “by thinking the same thing.” “By being of the same mind” lit. “by thinking the same thing.”

The Interests of Others Phil 2:3-4 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil 2:3-4 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” “Rivalry” can be translated “selfish ambition” and is used in 1:17. This pursues personal goals. “Rivalry” can be translated “selfish ambition” and is used in 1:17. This pursues personal goals. “Conceit” (Gk. kenos “empty”, doxa “glory”, translated vainglory in KJV) pursues personal glory. “Conceit” (Gk. kenos “empty”, doxa “glory”, translated vainglory in KJV) pursues personal glory. The injunction: look not at yourself but others, counting them “more significant” (Gk. huperecho and is used in 3:8 and 4:7). The injunction: look not at yourself but others, counting them “more significant” (Gk. huperecho and is used in 3:8 and 4:7). –3:8 “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” –4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Paul showed this love in 4:17. His attitude is revealed in 2 Timothy 2:10. Paul showed this love in 4:17. His attitude is revealed in 2 Timothy 2:10.

The Believer’s Mindset Phil 2:5-6 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…” Phil 2:5-6 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…” “Form” (Gk. morphe) speaks of his very nature being God. This speaks of an essence that never alters. “Form” (Gk. morphe) speaks of his very nature being God. This speaks of an essence that never alters. Christ “didn’t count equality as a thing” to be held or clung to, or as a reason for self- assertion.* Christ “didn’t count equality as a thing” to be held or clung to, or as a reason for self- assertion.*

The Descent Continues Phil 2:7-8 “but made himself nothing, 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.” Phil 2:7-8 “but made himself nothing, 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.” How did He make himself nothing? By taking the form of a bondservant and being born in the likeness of men.* How did He make himself nothing? By taking the form of a bondservant and being born in the likeness of men.* Christ displayed the form of God in the “form” (Gk. morphe) of a bondservant. Christ displayed the form of God in the “form” (Gk. morphe) of a bondservant.

The Name Above Every Name Phil 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” “Highly exalted” (Gk. huperupsoo) is used only this time in NT. “Highly exalted” (Gk. huperupsoo) is used only this time in NT. “In heaven and on earth and under the earth” is referring to created intelligent beings regardless of location. “In heaven and on earth and under the earth” is referring to created intelligent beings regardless of location. –Revelation 5:13 “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"