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Philippians 2 verse 5 – 11

It is generally believed that these verses represent an early creed or hymn which Paul has quoted and which would have been known to his readers. He may well have been the original author.

5:  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Paul has been encouraging the Philippians to strive towards unity and love among the community of believers and cites Jesus as the prime example of humility. Other translators have:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

The Holy Spirit has given Paul a deep insight into the mind of Jesus, not just his attitude but a window into the core of his very being. We are encouraged, as we grow in faith and become more like Jesus, bearing spiritual fruit , to have, within ourselves, the very mind of our Saviour and Lord.

6:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7:  but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

It is impossible for us to envisage the relationship between the Father and the Son in the heavenly, spiritual realms, but our doctrine of the Trinity helps us to understand that the Father and the Son were and are co- equal in power and glory and therefore Jesus’ decision to become one of us is amazing.

We are familiar with the words of Jesus to Nicodemus:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3 : 16

In the incarnation Jesus humbled himself to take on flesh in obedience to the will of his Father. In some translations they use the expression “He emptied himself.”  Jesus exercised his independent will in humble obedience and becomes our prime example of humility and obedience as we, empowered by the Holy Spirit, submit our will in obedience to God.

8:  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!

Here is the very central mystery of our faith. Jesus became a man and lived a perfect life, facing the same trials and temptations as us but remaining sinless. He then uncompromisingly confronted the powers of evil who were left with little choice but to send him to the cross. Jesus died the perfect sacrifice for the sins of world which includes you and me!

9:  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10:  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.

Jesus demonstrated his victory over sin and death by his resurrection and after a short time instructing the disciples, he ascended back to be with his Father God. Subsequently the Father and Son sent God the Holy Spirit to empower his people to be like Jesus, free from the burden of sin.

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8 : 11.

Paul gives us an insight into the mind of our Father God and his attitude towards his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. In conquering sin and death Jesus has restored the equilibrium of creation, the barrier of sin has been removed and people can respond to the love of the Father God with the divine hope of eternal life with him. It is no wonder that God exalted him to the highest place, the object of worship for all of creation. Ultimately when Jesus returns to judge the world, all will be subject to his authority and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A Prayer:

Heavenly Father we thank you for your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. We are humbled and amazed by his example of humility and obedience in becoming one of us to die for our sins of the cross. Fill us again with your Holy Spirit that we may grow to be more like him as we serve and worship you day by day. Help us to love each other as he loved us, help us to be humble in our relationships and help us to be obedient to your word. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen


Category: Prayers , The Bridge

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