The Greatest Ascent (Philippians 2:9-11)

philippians 2

The Greatest Ascent (Philippians 2:9-11)

Reading

  • Philippians 2:9-11
  • 1 Peter 5:6
  • Matthew 28:2
  • 1 Peter 3:22
  • Hebrews 1:3
  • Ephesians 1:20
  • 1 Corinthians 15:23-26
  • Acts 2:36
  • Revelation 5:13-14

Warm Up

  • Reflect on a time when humility played a significant role in your life. How did it affect the outcome?
  • How do you currently understand the concept of humility and exaltation in a spiritual context?

Scripture Exploration

  • What does Philippians 2:9-11 reveal about the nature and character of Jesus?
  • How does the story of Booker T. Washington illustrate the principles found in Philippians 2:9-11?
  • What is the significance of Jesus being given “the name above every name”?

Personal Reflection

  • How does the concept of “the way up is down” challenge common societal values?
  • In what ways does 1 Peter 5:6 support the message of Philippians 2:9-11?
  • Consider the implications of Jesus’ exaltation for your understanding of God’s character and plan.

Personal Application

  • In what areas of your life might you need to practice more humility? How can you begin to implement this?
  • How can you use your gifts to serve others in your community, reflecting the humility of Christ?
  • Plan a specific action you can take this week to acknowledge Jesus’ lordship in a new area of your life.
  • How can you encourage others in your church or community to embrace humility and service? What steps will you take to foster this culture?

 

Dive Deeper

In today’s sermon, we explored the profound message of Philippians 2:9-11, focusing on the theme of humility and exaltation. This passage highlights the divine principle that through humility comes exaltation, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

1. Humility and Exaltation

The sermon began by illustrating the humility of Jesus Christ, who, despite being divine, took on human form and submitted himself to death on the cross. This ultimate act of humility led to His exaltation by God, who “bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). This principle is echoed in 1 Peter 5:6, which encourages believers to “humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”

2. The Name Above All Names

The sermon emphasized the significance of the name “Jesus,” which in Hebrew means “Yahweh saves.” The title “Christ” denotes the Anointed One, and “Lord” signifies His divine authority. The exaltation of Jesus is not just about His position but also about the recognition of His name, which is above every name, as stated in Philippians 2:10-11.

3. Universal Acknowledgment

The sermon highlighted that one day “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11). This acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship transcends all realms and includes both the redeemed and the unredeemed, emphasizing the universal scope of His authority.

4. The Way Up is Down

A recurring theme was the paradoxical nature of humility leading to exaltation. The sermon used various biblical examples, such as Lucifer’s fall due to pride and Joseph’s eventual rise to power after years of humility, to illustrate this divine principle. Jesus’ own life is the ultimate example of this truth.

Practical Application

  • Humility in Service: The story of Booker T. Washington’s humble act of chopping wood, despite his status, served as a practical example of humility in action. It demonstrated how humility can open doors to greater influence and respect.

  • Submission to God’s Will: Believers are encouraged to adopt a mindset of humility, putting others first and submitting to God’s will, just as Christ did.

  • Recognizing Christ’s Lordship: The sermon urged believers to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord in their lives, emphasizing that He is sovereign over all.

Conclusion

The sermon concluded with a call to action for both believers and non-believers. For believers, the message was to live a life of humility, submitting to Christ’s lordship, and serving others. For non-believers, it was an invitation to humble themselves and accept the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

This message of humility and exaltation is not only a divine principle but a call to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, ensuring that in due time, we too may experience the exaltation that comes from God.