Philippians 2:6 is about emphasizing the humble and selfless nature of Christ, who, despite being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used for his own advantage.
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Setting the Scene for Philippians 2:6
The scene in Philippians 2:6 takes place in the heavenly realm, where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is in the presence of God the Father. The atmosphere is one of divine glory and majesty, with radiant light illuminating the surroundings. Jesus, who existed in the form of God, willingly chose to set aside His divine privileges and take on the form of a servant by coming to earth in human form.
In this moment, the eternal Son of God is demonstrating the ultimate act of humility and obedience by submitting Himself to the will of the Father. The decision to take on human form and ultimately sacrifice Himself on the cross for the redemption of humanity is a profound display of love and selflessness. The scene captures the essence of the relationship between the Father and the Son, characterized by perfect unity and harmony in fulfilling the divine plan of salvation for all mankind.
What is Philippians 2:6 about?
Can you imagine being the all-powerful, all-knowing God and choosing to become a humble servant? That’s exactly what Jesus did, demonstrating the greatest act of humility and love the world has ever seen. Jesus willingly took on the form of a servant, despite being God himself, reminding us of the profound sacrifice he made in this verse. Jesus set a powerful example for us to follow by embracing humility and serving others. This verse challenges us to consider how we can humble ourselves and serve those around us, just as Jesus did. It teaches us that true greatness lies not in power or status, but in selflessly serving others with love and compassion. Let Jesus’ act of humility inspire us to live lives of service and love towards one another.
Understanding what Philippians 2:6 really means
In the book of Philippians, specifically in Philippians 2:6, we encounter a profound verse that is part of a larger passage known as the “Christ Hymn.” This hymn delves into the nature and humility of Jesus Christ, shedding light on His character and the mindset that believers are called to emulate. As we explore this verse, we are invited to contemplate the divinity of Christ and the humility He exemplified during His earthly ministry.
Written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, the letter of Philippians serves as a source of encouragement and exhortation for believers. In this context, Paul urges the Philippians to adopt the same mindset as Christ, emphasizing the virtues of humility and selflessness. By drawing parallels between the Philippians’ lives and the example set by Jesus, Paul underscores the importance of embodying Christ-like characteristics in their daily walk.
Philippians 2:6 begins by stating that Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be exploited for His own benefit. This powerful declaration reaffirms the divinity of Christ, emphasizing His eternal nature as part of the Godhead. In essence, this verse highlights the selflessness of Jesus, who willingly set aside His divine privileges for the sake of humanity. It echoes the sentiment expressed in 2 Corinthians 8:9, where Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, demonstrating unparalleled love and sacrifice.
The incarnation of Jesus, as described in John 1:14, further illuminates the depth of His humility. The Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us signifies the profound act of God taking on human form to identify with His creation. This act of condescension underscores the empathy and compassion that Jesus embodies, as echoed in Hebrews 4:15, where He is portrayed as a high priest who can empathize with our weaknesses. Through His incarnation, Jesus bridges the gap between divinity and humanity, offering a model of humility and understanding for believers to follow.
The relevance of Philippians 2:6 extends beyond its historical context, resonating with people today who are called to emulate the humility and selflessness of Christ. In a world that often exalts power and self-promotion, the example set by Jesus serves as a counter-cultural paradigm of servant leadership and sacrificial love. By reflecting on the mindset of Christ and striving to embody His virtues, believers can impact their communities and relationships positively, fostering a spirit of humility and compassion.
Consider a community leader who, like Jesus, exemplified humility and selflessness in their actions. This individual may have sacrificially served others, prioritizing the needs of the community over personal gain. Their example mirrors the selfless love demonstrated by Christ, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those around them. Just as Jesus humbly served humanity, we are called to emulate His example and extend grace and compassion to others in our spheres of influence.
In conclusion, Philippians 2:6 challenges believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, embracing humility and selflessness in their interactions with others. By reflecting on the divinity and humility of Jesus, we are reminded of the transformative power of sacrificial love and servant leadership. As we strive to embody the virtues exemplified by Christ, may we inspire others through our actions and words, reflecting the light of His love in a world that yearns for authentic humility and compassion.
What can we learn from Jesus’ humility?
From Jesus’ humility, we can learn the importance of putting the needs of others before our own. Jesus, who was equal with God, chose to set aside his divinity and take on the form of a servant for the sake of humanity. This act of selflessness and humility teaches us that true greatness comes from serving others and being willing to sacrifice for the well-being of those around us.
Additionally, Jesus’ humility demonstrates the value of obedience and submission to God’s will. Despite having the power and authority to avoid suffering and death, Jesus humbly submitted to the Father’s plan, even to the point of death on the cross. This obedience serves as a model for us to trust in God’s plan, even when it may lead us to difficult or uncomfortable circumstances, knowing that God’s ways are higher than our own.
Finally, Jesus’ humility teaches us the importance of having a proper perspective of ourselves in relation to God. Jesus showed us that true humility involves recognizing our limitations and dependence on God by willingly taking on the form of a human and experiencing the full range of human emotions and struggles. Jesus’ example challenges us to embrace humility and acknowledge our need for God’s grace and guidance in all aspects of our lives in a world that often values self-promotion and pride.
Application
Embody the selflessness of Christ in your own life. Prioritize others over yourself and serve with a humble heart. Allow His sacrificial love to guide your actions, just like a compass points the way. Will you choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and spread His love in the world?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.