Philippians 2:6-7 is about how Jesus, though being in very nature God, humbled himself and took on the form of a servant by becoming a human being to redeem humanity.
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Setting the Scene for Philippians 2:6-7
The scene in Philippians 2:6-7 takes place in the heavenly realm before the incarnation of Jesus on earth. The participants in this scene are God the Father and Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Son of God. The setting is described as the divine council where decisions are made and actions are determined.
In this scene, God the Father and Jesus Christ are in deep conversation about the plan for Jesus to come to earth in human form. They discuss the humility and obedience that Jesus will demonstrate by taking on the form of a servant and being born as a human being. This conversation highlights the selflessness and sacrificial nature of Jesus, who willingly agrees to leave the glory of heaven to fulfill the will of the Father.
The surroundings are majestic and awe-inspiring, with a sense of reverence and holiness permeating the atmosphere. The decision made in this divine council sets the stage for the ultimate act of love and redemption that will be carried out through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection on earth.
What is Philippians 2:6-7 about?
Imagine the immense humility and sacrifice it would take for a divine being to step down from their place of power and glory to walk among humans as one of them. This verse encapsulates the profound act of love and selflessness that Christ demonstrated by taking on a human form to serve and save humanity. It speaks to the ultimate example of humility and service, showing that true greatness lies in putting others before oneself.
Reflect on the depth of love and compassion it must have taken for Christ to willingly lower Himself to serve humanity, knowing the suffering and sacrifice that awaited Him. This verse challenges us to consider how we can emulate Christ’s example in our own lives by showing humility, service, and love to those around us. It serves as a reminder of the power of selfless acts and the transformative impact they can have on both the giver and the receiver.
Understanding what Philippians 2:6-7 really means
Philippians 2:6-7, part of the “Christ Hymn,” beautifully captures the essence of Jesus’ humility and sacrifice for humanity. These verses serve as a poignant reminder of Christ’s nature and His willingness to humble Himself for the greater good. In Philippians 2:5, believers are urged to emulate Christ’s mindset, setting the stage for verses 6-7 and emphasizing the importance of adopting humility in our lives. The passage finds resonance in John 1:1-14, illustrating the Word becoming flesh, underscoring Jesus’ divine essence and His choice to dwell among us. Additionally, 2 Corinthians 8:9 complements the theme by highlighting Jesus’ act of becoming poor for our sake, showcasing His selfless love and sacrifice.
In today’s society, where power and status often take precedence, Philippians 2:6-7 holds significant relevance. It serves as a gentle nudge towards humility and service, reminding us to prioritize the needs of others above our own desires. By embodying selflessness, we can mirror Jesus’ love and compassion in our interactions with those around us. Furthermore, these verses help believers grasp their identity in Christ and understand their purpose in reflecting His character through acts of humility and service.
To illustrate the profound impact of humility and service, consider the analogy of a CEO relinquishing their high position to work alongside entry-level employees. This act mirrors Jesus’ choice to humble Himself and serve humanity despite His divine nature, setting a transformative example for us to follow. The phrase “Did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” underscores Jesus’ deliberate decision to set aside His divine status for the betterment of humanity. “Made himself nothing” signifies His voluntary act of emptying Himself of divine privileges, while “Taking the very nature of a servant” exemplifies His willingness to serve others selflessly. “Being made in human likeness” encapsulates the incarnation, where Jesus fully identified with humanity to fulfill His redemptive mission.
In conclusion, Philippians 2:6-7 beckons us to reflect on the humility and selflessness displayed by Jesus Christ. It challenges us to adopt a similar mindset in our daily lives, prioritizing service and humility over personal gain. By following Christ’s example of humility and sacrificial love, we can cultivate a more compassionate and unified community, reflecting God’s unconditional love to the world.
How can we emulate Christ’s humility in daily life?
We can emulate Christ’s humility in our daily lives by considering others before ourselves and prioritizing their needs over our own. We can also practice selflessness and servanthood in our interactions with others, just as Christ emptied Himself of His divine privileges and took on the form of a servant. This may involve setting aside our own desires, preferences, and ambitions in order to serve and uplift those around us.
Additionally, we can follow Christ’s example of humility by having a proper view of ourselves and our abilities. Instead of thinking of ourselves as better than others or seeking to exalt ourselves, we should adopt a mindset of humility and meekness. This involves recognizing that all good things come from God and that any abilities or accomplishments we have are gifts from Him. We can walk in humility just as Christ did during His time on earth by acknowledging our dependence on God and giving Him the glory for our successes.
Application
Embrace the spirit of humility that Christ exemplified. Let’s put aside our pride and ego, and embrace a mindset of service and compassion towards others. Just as Christ set aside His glory to serve humanity, let us also humble ourselves and serve those around us. Will you take up the challenge to embody Christ’s humility in your daily interactions and relationships?
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.