Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, Philippians 2:5-6 WEB
The English word Christ comes from the Greek “Christos.” It is a translation of the Hebrew word for the Jewish Messiah. It means “one who is anointed.” And so, Christ Jesus literally means the “Messiah Jesus” indicating Jesus as anointed by God. Here, in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we notice that Paul chose to place the word Christ before the name of Jesus. This signifies a title. Like the word king in King David, the title Christ designates Jesus as the Savior of mankind.
Paul’s instruction in verse five encourages the church to emulate Jesus in their interactions with one another. Further, Paul prompts his readers to follow the example of Christ in their service to the kingdom of heaven and in their devotion and reverence for God the Father. As Paul writes of Christ Jesus, he did not consider equality with God as something to use to his own advantage. This is remarkable as Jesus exists in the very form of God.
He Humbled Himself
Although God made mankind in his image, because of sin, we are not the exact likeness of God. But, as the perfect likeness of God in the flesh, our sinless Savior demonstrated how mankind should serve our heavenly Father. We do so by humbling ourselves, living in obedience to the word and will of God. As Paul wrote in Philliians 2:7-8, Christ Jesus “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross. WEB”
In return for his humble service, God elevated Christ Jesus. As we read in Philippians 2:9, “Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name. WEB” This is consistent with the teaching of Christ. As Jesus said in Matthew 23:12, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom of your holy word. Thank you for the perfect example of Christ Jesus. Reveal the truth of your will for my life through the power of your Holy Spirit. Guide me to live my life in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name – Amen.”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Their Own Righteousness
