Text: Philippians 2:8

Philippians 2:5–11: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [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. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1. Jesus the Christ freely, willingly, and joyfully humbled himself.
   • Luke 2:52; Isaiah 53:2
   • The means of His humiliation is a life of obedience.
     • Hebrews 5:8; Matthew 26:39; Romans 5:19
   • The extent of His humiliation is a death on a cross.
     • Deuteronomy 21:23; 1 Corinthians 1:23; Romans 5:8:; Ephesians 1:4–5
     • “What will not Christ do for us who have been given to Him by His Father? There is no measure to His love; you cannot comprehend His grace. Oh, how we ought to love Him, and serve Him! The lower He stoops to save us, the higher we ought to lift Him in our adoring reverence. Blessed be His name, He stoops, and stoops, and stoops, and, when He reaches our level, and becomes man, He still stoops, and stoops, and stoops lower and deeper yet....” – C.H. Spurgeon
   • Application by Implication:
     1. You are loved!
     2. You are free to be optimistic in all circumstances. (Romans 8:31–32)
     3. You are free to be extreme/radical in humbly loving and serving others. (Matthew 16:24–26)
2. When you treasure Jesus as the Christ, you freely, willingly, and joyfully humble yourself to obey Him.
   • John 15:12–13; Philippians 2:1–11

Today's Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today's sermon with a friend, what would you say? In a sentence or two, write down what you would say:

Discussion Questions: What does it mean in verse 8 that Jesus was “found in human form”? How and when did Jesus humble himself? To whom was Jesus obedient? Why is it significant that Jesus lived a full life of total obedience? Why did Jesus have to die? What does the incarnation tell us about ourselves and what we need? How is Jesus as much a rebuke to us as He is a comfort? Where does truth come from? Why is that important? Review the 3 applications under point 1, then examine your heart considering the statement of point 2. Do you treasure Jesus as you should?