The apostle takes us from glory to glory – from an eternal past to an eternal future. These verses were a hymn in the early church.

1 – The incarnation of Jesus Christ (vs. 6)

Jesus did not begin as a baby in the arms of Mary. See John 1:1 & Colossians 1:16ff. Jesus Christ was God in human form. Jesus laid aside his rights. Jesus emptied Himself of the display of his glory – he became a man. He became a servant. Jesus left behind more than we can imagine. The descent of Jesus meant he left behind more than all the riches in this world. There was no pomp or majesty when Jesus came to this earth. He laid aside his glory to appear as a man.

2 – The humility of Jesus Christ (vs. 7)

The maker becomes a man, the prince becomes a pauper. He becomes the God-man. He was no ordinary man. Read John’s Gospel! The several “I am” statements prove his deity. On his mother’s side he was a man but on his Father’s side he was God incarnate.

3 – The degradation of Jesus Christ (vs. 8)

He was taken to be crucified on a cross. It was considered to be cursed. He was degraded in his three roles:-

• Prophet – “Who hit you?”
• Priest – “Saved others … save yourself.”
• King – Insinuations.

Crucifixion was a long agonising death. From the presence of God to the degradation of the cross. Jesus can cry it is finished. The debt was paid in full! At the cross arrogance is removed. God is not immune to pain. He came and suffered at the cross. Do you want to know if God loves you? Go to the cross.

4 – The exaltation of Jesus Christ (vs. 9)

Jesus is exalted by God. The Devil thought he was going up but God said he was going down. Jesus put death to death. If death cannot keep its dead then death has been defeated. The angels were waiting for the coronation of Jesus. God can say, “This is my Beloved Son”. He is clothed with God’s glory and seated on His throne. He is crowned Lord of all. How do we know Jesus was exalted?

• Defeat of Satan.
• Defeat of death.
• Angels exalt Him.
• God exalts Him.

5 – The adoration of Jesus Christ (vs. 10-11)

Jesus does not today get the praise he deserves. One day “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”. People from every tongue, tribe and nation will worship Jesus as Lord. Then we shall know him face to face. We shall see our loved ones who found Christ. There shall be mansions for us. We really want to see Jesus. Jesus will get a name that is above all other names. Jesus has some wonderful names – “lamb of God”, “rose of Sharon”, etc. There will be a name that is above all other names. We will be elevated into glory because of Jesus!

Categories: Philippians