May 16, 2014
NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES
Philippians 2:1-11
Russell Wells
Central Truth
One day, we will see the living presence of our Creator God. Upon this realization, everyone, whether believer or not, will have no other response but to kneel down to the God of all creation and declare Him as Lord.
Key Verse | Philippians 2:10
"[S]o that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." (Philippians 2:10)
Philippians 2:1-11
Christ's Example of Humility
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 1 2:5 Or which was also in Christ Jesus 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 2 2:6 Or a thing to be held on to for advantage 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, 3 2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface) 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.
Dive Deeper | Philippians 2:1-11
My favorite bumper sticker captures my thoughts perfectly: "Where are we going, and why are we in this handbasket?" (think about it for a few moments . . . you'll get it).
The media reports of the violence, hostility, hunger, and suffering that exist in every corner of the planet make me wonder what our ultimate outcome as a civilization will be. Domestic and foreign terrorism, lone deranged gunmen, prejudice and racism, and seemingly increasing natural disasters plague us.
It seems impossible that mere mortals can fix all that is broken in our world so that we can live peaceably with one another, at least not without some supernatural intervention. Can we expect government to be our savior?
What do you see ahead? I don't mean your economic outlook or professional advancement possibilities, or even chances for marriage or contentment while single. I'm asking, What is wrong with this world? What is the solution?
I believe that what we need now, as much as ever, is a Hero to rescue us from our suffering. The big picture that is coming into clear focus for me is the image of our Lord's return (see Matthew 24:30). Do you think about this future event? God is the only One capable of so massive a rescue operation. Solutions from anywhere other than Christ cannot solve our pervasive personal or societal problems.
Luke 21:28 reminds us, "Now when these things begin to take place . . . your redemption is drawing near." Be challenged by the first eight verses of Philippians 2; but if you are a Christ-follower, be reassured by verses 9-11, which tell us that our Lord will return in glory for all of us to worship. I pray the Lord will help me to recognize any idol or anchor that keeps me from seeing Him clearly. More than ever, it is time to earnestly look to God for answers and to be ready for His return.
Discussion Questions
1. What personal actions and attitudes are most important when the Lord's return is near?
2. Who needs to hear your Christian testimony, but you have not yet had the "chance" to share with them?
3. How can you encourage others to have hope through faith in Jesus Christ?
4. What should you be busy doing while waiting for the Lord's return?