Sunday School Notes: II. The humility and exaltation of Christ – 2:5-11

Although this section contains some of the most important Christological truths in the Bible, they were written to illustrate the point of humility and selflessness. So, to have the attitude of Christ means to think as Christ thought.

A. The nature and humility of Christ – 2:5-8

2:5

Paul again focuses attention on what he expects the readers to do. He calls them to adopt this attitude and carry it out in practice. It is a combination of mental disposition and practical outworking. So he exhorts them from the example of Christ to exercise humility. He had already used his words to teach this, and now he uses this example. The Philippians must have among themselves the same disposition or attitude which was in Christ Jesus (“have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus”). After all, outlook determines outcome. If our outlook is selfish, then our actions will be divisive and destructive to the church. James 4:1-10 also addresses this idea.

2:6

This verse begins by stating the preincarnate status of Christ by saying that Jesus “existed in the form of God.” The word “form” means essential nature. It could be said the outward expression of the inward nature. It means His majesty. It is to be understood as referring to Christ’s rank as equal with God (John1:1-4; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:1-3). He, who was from the beginning at God’s side and had His glory with the Father (John 17:5), chose to identify Himself with men and to accept the human condition in the “form of a slave” (2:7). Christ did not think of Himself; He thought of others by using His privileges for the sake of others. This is the example that the church is to follow.

The first part of the verse sets up a contrast with the second half. Christ, being in nature God, could have by right seized equality with God, but verse 7 tells us that He gave Himself. Notice that Paul shows the glory of Christ first, which enhances his humility. This passage clearly sets forth the eternal divinity of Christ. But what was it that He refused to seize? The answer is the enjoyment and use of His equal rank with God. Since He is in His very essence God, He could have held on to being the universe’s ruler in His own right. Calvin said, “Since, then, the Son of God descended from so great a height, how unreasonable that we, who are nothing, should be lifted up with pride!”

2:7

What Christ did, though, was “empty Himself.” “Taking the form of a bond-servant” is more accurately “taking the form of a slave.” What an incredible sacrifice Christ made! He, who was in the “form of God,” now takes on the “form of a slave.” He chose not to hold onto what was rightfully His and become a lowly man, while at the same time retaining His deity. God cannot cease to be God. In some way that is a mystery to us, Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man at the same time. This was the condition that He accepted willingly. A slave was one who had no rights or privileges in society. What He might have seized, He relinquished and accepted the direct opposite, a life of utter dependence on His God as an obedient Son. He did not relinquish being God, but rather added the form of a lowly slave. He did not lessen His glory; He concealed it for a time when He manifested Himself in the appearance of a servant.

The passage emphasizes His condescension and humility. What an example of humility for the church. It is clear that Christ became part of humanity: “and being made in the likeness of men.” While He was like men, there were certain respects in which He was not absolutely like other men. For example, He did not have a sin nature. But the term “likeness” shows that He became a real human. Christ had been brought down to the level of mankind.

To sum it up, Christ did not empty Himself of the form of God, but of the manner of existence as equal to God. He emptied Himself of the expression of deity, not the possession of deity. He still had His divine attributes, but He laid aside the independent use of His divine attributes. He did use His divine powers on occasions, but always under the direction of the Father and the Spirit. Always keep in mind that His abasement was voluntary.

2:8

Christ took on the “appearance” of a man, which means that His outward appearance was that of a man. The last phrase of verse 7 states what Christ actually was, and now the opening of verse 8 looks at Him from the standpoint of how He appeared to men. He outwardly seemed no different than any other man. This alone was a great condescension for one who possessed the form of God. But He did not stop here.

Jesus’ incarnate life was marked by obedience and suffering to the point of death. He was so committed to the Father’s plan that He obeyed it even as far as death (Hebrews 5:8). Not only that, but His death was the most disgraceful death possible. Verse 7 says that He took the form of a slave, and this verse describes the very lot of the slave. The slave had no choice but to obey his master, often take unjust punishment, and sometimes suffer death. This is the position that Christ voluntarily put Himself in.

“Even death of a cross” shows that the ultimate limit of obedience and humility is now reached. Remember that Philippi was a Roman colony, and as such, citizens of Rome. This was something they were proud of, so the mention of the cross would fill these recipients with horror and disgust. Only the lowest order of society, the slave class, died by crucifixion, yet the Lord Jesus consented to end His life this way. This type of death was not allowed for Roman citizens, and to the Jews it was indicative of the curse of God (Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13). He yielded Himself to the farthest limit of submission, to a death reserved for those who have no claims on society. At this point the first part of the hymn is completed. The three stanzas of this part (vv. 6-8) lead from the highest height to the deepest depth, from the light of God to the darkness of death (Lohmeyer).

Many people are willing to serve others if it does not cost them anything. But if there is a price to pay, they suddenly lose interest. The person with an attitude of submission does not avoid sacrifice. He lives for the glory of God and the good of others. This was the attitude of Christ, and this attitude of submission will bring glory to God and unity in the church as it makes us more like Christ.