Impressions from Philippians 2:5-11

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)

Lesson Focus: Forget about yourself! (part 2)

This week we pick up “part two” of Paul's portrait of Christ as an example of, and inspiration for, humility.

Incarnation: (1) the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form; (2) capitalized : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ


“Have this mind among yourselves” This is the third time (vs. 2) Paul has said that this is about a concept, “a mind” about how to live. There is no checklist here. If we have this mind “which is yours in Christ Jesus” we are indwelt with the actual mind of Christ.

“equality with God”
If Jesus had not set aside or put off his divine nature His actions on earth would have supported heresies like Mormonism, and Kabbalah.

“made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant”
κενόω - kenoō to make empty, that is, (figuratively) to abase, neutralize.

“obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”
Jesus went on a path to ultimate humility; first he became flesh, then sin, and finally a brutal humiliating death on a cross between two thieves.

“God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name”
We worship a resurrected, living God who conquered sin and death to give us a life of peace that surpasses all human understanding. With this newness of life comes the mind of Christ. A divine mindset that pursues love wholeheartedly for the glory of God the Father.

Impression: Christ Jesus made himself nothing to make it possible for us to do the same for Him.

Personal Time: “Jesus clarify your impression on my life”