Philippians 2:5-11
The Humiliation of Christ (vv. 5-8)
- He left His place
- He lowered His status
- He lived obediently
The Exaltation of Christ (vv. 9-11)
- He is raised
- He is revered
- He is renowned
More to Consider
Hudson Taylor was scheduled to speak at a Large Presbyterian church in Melbourne, Australia. The moderator of the service introduced the missionary in eloquent and glowing terms. He told the large congregation all that Taylor had accomplished in China, and then presented him as "our illustrious guest." Taylor stood quietly for a moment, and then opened his message by saying, "Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master." W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, p. 243.
George Washington Carver, the scientist who developed hundreds of useful products from the peanut: "When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is reserved for me alone.' So I said, 'God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' Then God said, 'Well, George, that's more nearly your size.' And he told me." Adapted from Rackham Holt, George Washington Carver.
It is crucial for us to understand that in doing this he did not cease to be God. God cannot cease to be God! He rather laid aside the glories and riches of heaven and ‘the independent exercise of authority’ and added our humanity to his deity so he was at one and the same time fully God and fully man. Ellsworth, R. (2004). Opening up Philippians (p. 37). Day One Publications.
