I. “Therefore” – the context.
A. Unity through humility (Philippians 2:1-4)
B. The mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)
C. The humility of Christ (Philippians 2:6-8)
II. The exaltation of Christ.
A. Jesus is highly exalted
Ephesians 4:9-10 - [9](Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? [10]He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
Hebrews 7:26 - For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. (ESV)
B. Exalted to the right hand of God
Psalm 110:1 - The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
Acts 5:30-31 - [30]The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. [31]Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Romans 8:34 - Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
III. His exalted name.
A. The biblical significance of God’s name. Biblically, a name is intimately associated with the person who bears it. It expresses the person’s character, dignity, reputation, power, or position.
Psalm 113:1-3 - [1]Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! [2]Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! [3]From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised.
Matthew 6:9 - In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
1 John 3:23 - And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
B. Jesus Christ is Lord
Acts 2:36 - Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Revelation 19:16 - And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
C. Universal homage to the exalted Lord
Romans 14:11 - For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
Revelation 5:13 - And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
D. To the glory of the Father
John 13:31 - So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.”
Next Sunday’s Sermon Text: Philippians 2:12-13