Philippians 2:5-11

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

A Great Christological Passage of Scripture

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The eternal Son did not empty Himself of deity.

  2. The eternal Son took on humanity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Bow now or bow later.

  2. What is the distance of our self-giving attitude?

QUESTIONS

  1. What does “kenosis” mean? What does it mean concerning Jesus?

  2. What other word could be used for “mind”?

  3. How would this mind-set help the problem in the Philippian church?

  4. When the Son of God became man, did He empty Himself of deity?

  5. What is the meaning of the word, “form”?

ANSWERS

  1. Kenosis means “to empty.” Jesus did not hold onto or grasp the glories and majesties associated with deity when He left heaven to become man on this earth.

  2. Attitude (the humble self-giving attitude that characterized our Lord)

  3. If they would show this attitude toward one another, the problem of disunity would evaporate, and the rift would be healed.

  4. No. Christ was and is God, by His very nature and essence. He never stopped being God.

  5. Essential nature, referring in this passage to the nature of humanity. The eternal Son of God became human without ceasing to be God.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Think of all who will bow the knee to Jesus Christ and of all who will one day confess His name. Think about those who have not yet bowed the knee or confessed Jesus as Savior. What is your responsibility here?

  2. Our Lord is the supreme example of having a humble, self-giving attitude. Think of the downward steps He took when He left the glories of heaven. What is the distance of your self-giving?

CHALLENGE

  1. The way up is down. This was true of the Lord Jesus. It is also a principle for us. How have you humbled yourself to serve Him now?

KEY VERSES

  • “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death.” Philippians 2:8

  • “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11



New Testament, Talks, PhilippiansDeb HarmsPhilippians 2:5-11