WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.580 A few weeks ago, a prominent American pastor said these words to their congregation, causing a bit of a stir. 00:00:08.300 --> 00:00:08.919 They said this, 00:00:09.540 --> 00:00:15.179 I just want to encourage every one of us to realize when we obey God, we're not doing it for God. 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:17.519 I mean, that's one way to look at it. 00:00:17.719 --> 00:00:21.260 But we're doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we're happy. 00:00:21.780 --> 00:00:23.900 That's the thing that gives him the greatest joy. 00:00:24.219 --> 00:00:28.080 So I want you to know this morning, just go do good for your own self. 00:00:28.079 --> 00:00:30.419 Do good because God wants you to be happy. 00:00:30.719 --> 00:00:34.920 When you come to church, when you worship him, you're not doing it for God, really. 00:00:35.259 --> 00:00:39.320 You're doing it for yourself, because that's what makes God happy. 00:00:40.359 --> 00:00:44.840 See, the main issue with this is that it sounds good to us. 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:47.640 It just makes sense. Well, kind of. 00:00:48.060 --> 00:00:49.619 God wants me to be happy. 00:00:50.399 --> 00:00:55.119 Well, actually, the apostle Paul would disagree, according to the book of Philippians. 00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:00.559 And as a matter of fact, Paul would argue that our lives are not to be oriented around our happiness, 00:01:01.039 --> 00:01:02.659 but rather the glory of God. 00:01:03.159 --> 00:01:04.299 But what is glory? 00:01:04.739 --> 00:01:10.000 And if our lives are not now oriented around the glory of God, what are they oriented around? 00:01:10.679 --> 00:01:15.400 Well, we being a Baptist church believe in the authority of the Bible as the word of God, 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:19.159 and so we look to the word of God and preach from the word of God. 00:01:19.159 --> 00:01:22.879 Meaning it's important that we hear the word of God. 00:01:23.579 --> 00:01:27.340 So this evening's text is going to be Philippians 2, 1 to 11. 00:01:28.299 --> 00:01:30.819 It's page 980 in your pew Bibles. 00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:32.579 When you have it, please say amen. 00:01:32.579 --> 00:01:39.539 Starting with verse 1. 00:02:02.579 --> 00:02:07.679 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 00:02:08.379 --> 00:02:11.300 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:16.740 who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:02:16.979 --> 00:02:21.960 but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 00:02:22.680 --> 00:02:27.099 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, 00:02:27.460 --> 00:02:28.579 even death on a cross. 00:02:28.580 --> 00:02:35.260 Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 00:02:35.560 --> 00:02:41.280 so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 00:02:41.480 --> 00:02:46.860 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 00:02:47.900 --> 00:02:49.500 So tonight I ask a question. 00:02:50.620 --> 00:02:52.840 Whose glory are you living for? 00:02:54.020 --> 00:02:56.700 Whose glory are you living for? 00:02:56.699 --> 00:03:02.019 So first, it's important that we get some background about the Philippian church. 00:03:02.439 --> 00:03:06.399 The main thing to know is that the Philippian church is a church that Paul loves deeply. 00:03:06.979 --> 00:03:10.139 This letter is saturated with his affection for this church. 00:03:11.079 --> 00:03:16.620 Philippi, in northeastern Greece, was the first major city in Europe where Paul brought the gospel. 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:17.939 He planted this church. 00:03:18.099 --> 00:03:22.399 These are people that he cares deeply about, and these are people who care deeply about him. 00:03:22.400 --> 00:03:27.840 In the first chapter, we learned of their concern for him in the midst of his imprisonment, 00:03:28.020 --> 00:03:29.860 as he's writing this letter from prison. 00:03:30.460 --> 00:03:33.780 But Paul's encouragement to them, even in the midst of his own plight, 00:03:34.180 --> 00:03:40.140 is in chapter 1, verse 27, which provides the heading for our entire section of scripture this evening. 00:03:41.140 --> 00:03:42.719 In verse 27, he says this, 00:03:42.719 --> 00:03:50.639 This is the life that we as Christians seek. 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:54.659 This is the life that we as the church are supposed to exhibit to the world. 00:03:55.060 --> 00:03:56.079 But what is it? 00:03:56.300 --> 00:03:57.300 And how do we do it? 00:03:58.079 --> 00:03:59.599 Paul continues in chapter 2, 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:06.240 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, 00:04:06.659 --> 00:04:12.759 any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, 00:04:13.139 --> 00:04:15.479 being in full accord, and of one mind. 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:19.939 So the question is, what does this say about the Philippian community? 00:04:20.759 --> 00:04:24.779 Well, when you see a warning label that seems a little bit ridiculous, 00:04:25.259 --> 00:04:26.899 chances are it's the result of a lawsuit. 00:04:26.899 --> 00:04:30.399 For example, on a lighter, you may see the warning, 00:04:30.839 --> 00:04:32.799 Warning, do not ignite in face. 00:04:33.719 --> 00:04:37.819 Chances are somebody lit it in their face, got hurt, and sued. 00:04:38.699 --> 00:04:41.019 On a set of earplugs, you might see the warning, 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:46.060 These earplugs are non-toxic, but may interfere with breathing if caught in windpipe. 00:04:46.739 --> 00:04:48.039 Why would you see this warning? 00:04:48.459 --> 00:04:50.659 Because clearly somebody made this mistake. 00:04:51.359 --> 00:04:55.319 Well, if Paul is going to great lengths to encourage that the church be united, 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:58.159 Of one mind, and with the same love, 00:04:58.579 --> 00:05:03.319 It makes sense to assume that that very unity that Paul is encouraging is threatened. 00:05:04.139 --> 00:05:07.560 He's already talked about exterior attack from opponents in chapter 1, 00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:10.339 But what is in view here is the threat from within. 00:05:11.259 --> 00:05:14.039 What is it that causes strife in the church? 00:05:14.740 --> 00:05:16.639 He explains this in the next verses. 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:19.360 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:23.620 But in humility, count others more significant than yourselves. 00:05:24.180 --> 00:05:26.919 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:29.620 But also to the interests of others. 00:05:30.379 --> 00:05:31.479 So here it is. 00:05:32.060 --> 00:05:34.300 Apparently, strife and arguments in the church 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:38.279 Are caused by selfish ambition and conceit. 00:05:39.240 --> 00:05:40.740 But let's dig into that. 00:05:41.339 --> 00:05:43.839 The King James translation is very helpful in this verse. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:46.379 The beginning of verse 3 reads in this way. 00:05:46.959 --> 00:05:51.379 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory. 00:05:53.119 --> 00:05:53.679 Vainglory. 00:05:54.739 --> 00:05:55.119 Huh. 00:05:55.919 --> 00:06:01.059 That's the literal and best translation of the Greek word translated selfish ambition in your Bible. 00:06:01.479 --> 00:06:04.939 And it gets to the root of our sin and the Philippian problem. 00:06:05.819 --> 00:06:09.199 You see, this is precisely what pride is. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:10.639 Vainglory. 00:06:10.639 --> 00:06:14.120 Which means where vain means empty. 00:06:14.519 --> 00:06:16.920 So if glory is honor and renown, 00:06:17.399 --> 00:06:19.699 Vainglory is empty glory. 00:06:20.019 --> 00:06:21.459 Or glory that is fleeting. 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:23.659 So when we act out of pride, 00:06:23.939 --> 00:06:25.740 We act for empty glory. 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:27.480 When I seek my own advancement, 00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:29.599 I seek an empty glory. 00:06:29.879 --> 00:06:31.759 When I seek accolades for myself, 00:06:31.919 --> 00:06:33.899 I seek an empty glory. 00:06:33.899 --> 00:06:36.279 While someone may respond, 00:06:36.839 --> 00:06:37.659 Yeah, right. 00:06:37.879 --> 00:06:38.839 That glory is not empty. 00:06:39.179 --> 00:06:41.319 My co-workers, friends, and family love me. 00:06:41.699 --> 00:06:44.179 Okay, well let's think about the seeking of your glory. 00:06:44.500 --> 00:06:45.319 Let's think about that. 00:06:45.339 --> 00:06:47.199 Let's think about that project at work 00:06:47.199 --> 00:06:49.379 That you're pouring yourself into 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:51.620 Because you know it's going to make you look good. 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:59.359 Even at the expense of some relationships that you may be neglecting. 00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:02.300 Is your glory worth that sacrifice? 00:07:02.819 --> 00:07:04.840 That paper that you have to write for class, 00:07:05.100 --> 00:07:07.720 That paper that you're staying up hours and hours and hours 00:07:07.720 --> 00:07:08.699 And sacrificing, 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:12.020 Sacrificing whether it's your health or relationships. 00:07:12.020 --> 00:07:15.639 Is that sacrifice worth your glory? 00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:17.340 Not to mention that. 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:21.240 But is your glory guaranteed to even last? 00:07:21.560 --> 00:07:23.500 Even if it may last a few years, 00:07:23.800 --> 00:07:25.439 Eventually, you will die. 00:07:25.819 --> 00:07:26.819 And chances are, 00:07:27.080 --> 00:07:28.020 You will be forgotten. 00:07:28.019 --> 00:07:29.799 You will decompose. 00:07:30.419 --> 00:07:33.740 Where will your glory be then? 00:07:34.799 --> 00:07:37.620 And yet this is how we orient most of our lives. 00:07:37.859 --> 00:07:40.740 Our primary concern is our concerns. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:41.859 Our comfort. 00:07:42.259 --> 00:07:43.039 Our safety. 00:07:43.419 --> 00:07:44.240 Our happiness. 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:45.519 Our power. 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:48.680 Often at the expense of our neighbor. 00:07:49.519 --> 00:07:50.959 And this is what sin, 00:07:51.099 --> 00:07:53.120 And this is a manifestation of sin. 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:57.840 It is a rebellion against the concerns of God. 00:07:58.220 --> 00:08:01.660 It is the declaration that I am the God of my life. 00:08:01.899 --> 00:08:02.459 And so therefore, 00:08:02.600 --> 00:08:04.959 I can decide what is best for me. 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:09.600 It is this mentality that rubs people the wrong way. 00:08:09.840 --> 00:08:11.660 And creates inner conflict. 00:08:12.180 --> 00:08:14.040 Especially in the church. 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:16.120 And needless to say, 00:08:16.360 --> 00:08:17.540 It's a pretty big deal. 00:08:17.540 --> 00:08:22.379 So this is why Paul pulls out what I like to call the nuclear option. 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:24.879 If our problem is pride, 00:08:25.340 --> 00:08:28.620 Then the answer is this thing called humility. 00:08:29.480 --> 00:08:31.200 But what is that? 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:34.060 First, what it is not. 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:37.379 Humility is not me walking around downcast, 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:37.740 Thinking, 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:38.800 Woe is me. 00:08:38.940 --> 00:08:40.100 I'm a worthless sinner. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:42.019 A minuscule speck in a vast universe. 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:43.740 A wretch before a holy God. 00:08:43.740 --> 00:08:45.659 Well, mind you, 00:08:45.779 --> 00:08:47.220 All of these things are true. 00:08:47.440 --> 00:08:48.820 But, in some cases, 00:08:49.279 --> 00:08:52.320 Self-pity is just another side of pride. 00:08:52.779 --> 00:08:54.279 Because it's still about me. 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:55.860 And how I feel. 00:08:57.019 --> 00:08:58.279 C.S. Lewis says that, 00:08:58.480 --> 00:09:00.560 Humility is not thinking less of yourself, 00:09:00.799 --> 00:09:02.320 But thinking of yourself less. 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:04.100 Yes, Mr. Lewis. 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:06.240 But what are we to think of otherwise? 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:10.379 In a quote often attributed to Augustine, 00:09:11.060 --> 00:09:11.720 It says this, 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:16.440 Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence. 00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:20.580 In the soul in which this virtue does not exist, 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:26.420 There cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:29.800 Whatever this humility is, 00:09:30.040 --> 00:09:31.279 It's serious business. 00:09:31.800 --> 00:09:33.279 And this quote from Augustine, 00:09:34.040 --> 00:09:39.399 You can get a good idea of it from this. 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:44.860 There cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. 00:09:45.679 --> 00:09:46.860 Take a look at honesty. 00:09:47.579 --> 00:09:51.059 If I'm telling the truth to hurt someone else, 00:09:51.439 --> 00:09:54.139 Because that will make me feel better about myself, 00:09:54.799 --> 00:09:57.199 That's not honesty as God would have us, 00:09:57.299 --> 00:10:00.340 That's not honesty as God would have us be honest. 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:05.139 And that's an honesty that's rooted in pride, 00:10:05.139 --> 00:10:07.379 Rather than in true humility. 00:10:08.160 --> 00:10:12.480 We could do this with any number of other virtues, 00:10:12.800 --> 00:10:14.139 But the fact remains, 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:20.519 That if that act does not come out of a root of humility, 00:10:20.740 --> 00:10:21.879 It's fake. 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:23.639 And not true virtue. 00:10:23.639 --> 00:10:25.539 So, 00:10:25.919 --> 00:10:28.080 How do we do this? 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:31.179 How do we walk in power together, 00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:33.059 As the community of believers, 00:10:33.419 --> 00:10:36.000 On the path that God has set for us? 00:10:36.639 --> 00:10:39.100 What is our inoculation against personal, 00:10:39.600 --> 00:10:40.720 Petty struggles? 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:42.600 So, 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:45.160 Paul answers that question with a hymn. 00:10:46.019 --> 00:10:48.019 Perhaps the most beautiful verses in scripture, 00:10:48.500 --> 00:10:50.000 And undoubtedly the crux, 00:10:50.259 --> 00:10:52.660 The very center of the book of Philippians. 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:54.360 It is in these verses, 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:57.000 That Paul's encouragements find their strength, 00:10:57.320 --> 00:10:58.740 As it is in the person, 00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:00.279 Whom these verses describe, 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:02.480 Where we find ours. 00:11:03.320 --> 00:11:04.540 Let me read it again. 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:08.220 Verses 5-11, 00:11:08.220 --> 00:11:11.160 Have this mind among yourselves, 00:11:11.160 --> 00:11:13.000 Which is yours in Christ Jesus, 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:13.639 Who, 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:15.500 Though he was in the form of God, 00:11:15.779 --> 00:11:18.820 Did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:11:19.040 --> 00:11:20.080 But emptied himself, 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:22.120 By taking the form of a servant, 00:11:22.460 --> 00:11:24.139 Being born in the likeness of men, 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:24.899 And, 00:11:25.019 --> 00:11:26.480 Being found in human form, 00:11:26.560 --> 00:11:30.420 He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:32.259 Even death on a cross. 00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:33.139 Therefore, 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:35.040 God has highly exalted him, 00:11:35.180 --> 00:11:37.840 And bestowed on him the name that is above, 00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:38.759 Every name, 00:11:39.100 --> 00:11:40.300 So that at the name of Jesus, 00:11:40.460 --> 00:11:41.840 Every knee should bow, 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:42.639 In heaven, 00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:43.639 And on earth, 00:11:43.860 --> 00:11:44.780 And under the earth, 00:11:44.940 --> 00:11:46.240 And every tongue confess, 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:47.920 That Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:50.500 To the glory of God the Father. 00:11:50.660 --> 00:11:51.600 We're going to have to walk, 00:11:51.720 --> 00:11:52.879 We're going to have to walk through this. 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:55.019 We're going to have to look at this verse by verse. 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:55.800 So verse 5, 00:11:56.200 --> 00:11:57.519 Have this mind among yourselves, 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:59.160 Which is also in Christ Jesus, 00:11:59.560 --> 00:11:59.680 Who, 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:01.660 Though he was in the form of God, 00:12:01.740 --> 00:12:02.759 One might even say, 00:12:03.060 --> 00:12:04.860 Because he was in the form of God, 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:05.980 More on that later, 00:12:05.980 --> 00:12:08.360 Did not count equality with God, 00:12:08.480 --> 00:12:10.620 A thing to be grasped. 00:12:10.860 --> 00:12:11.100 Wait, 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:11.779 Stop. 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:14.659 This starts off crazy. 00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:18.440 One assumption that we have when we see power, 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:20.680 Is that individuals in power, 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:22.120 Want to stay in power. 00:12:22.600 --> 00:12:23.320 After all, 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:24.779 It's better at the top, 00:12:24.820 --> 00:12:25.240 Isn't it? 00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:26.800 Meaning, 00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:28.220 But this was not, 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:30.779 The intra-Trinitarian conversation. 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:33.579 By the way, 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:35.439 As suggested in the name of the church, 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:36.659 We believe in the Trinity. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:37.220 Namely, 00:12:37.299 --> 00:12:38.199 That the God of the Bible, 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:39.120 Has revealed himself, 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:41.299 To be three eternal persons, 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:42.480 And yet one, 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:44.059 And in one being, 00:12:44.339 --> 00:12:44.819 The Father, 00:12:44.959 --> 00:12:45.179 Son, 00:12:45.299 --> 00:12:46.019 And Holy Spirit. 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:47.199 So here, 00:12:47.639 --> 00:12:48.199 A conversation, 00:12:48.620 --> 00:12:49.279 Between the Father, 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:50.059 And the Son. 00:12:50.399 --> 00:12:50.679 Father, 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:51.259 So, 00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:52.000 Son, 00:12:52.220 --> 00:12:53.860 I'm going to need you to take on flesh, 00:12:54.139 --> 00:12:55.240 Submit yourself to death, 00:12:55.480 --> 00:12:56.299 Be spat on, 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:58.100 And humiliated for my glory. 00:12:58.399 --> 00:12:59.600 And to save, 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:00.259 These, 00:13:00.379 --> 00:13:01.700 And to save these individuals, 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:03.960 Who have sinned, 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:05.580 Who have sinned against us. 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:07.120 Son's response, 00:13:07.639 --> 00:13:08.100 Mmm, 00:13:08.420 --> 00:13:08.779 No, 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:09.840 I don't really want to do that. 00:13:10.080 --> 00:13:11.120 I kind of like it up here. 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:13.360 Is that how we, 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:15.720 Is that how we view, 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:17.040 That inter-Trinitarian, 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:19.300 That inter-Trinitarian conversation? 00:13:20.779 --> 00:13:21.259 No, 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:22.659 Instead we have a picture, 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:23.600 Of someone, 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:25.779 In a place of great dignity, 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:28.080 Who voluntarily steps down, 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:28.800 For the sake, 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.100 Of those under him. 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:31.680 But where do we have, 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:32.700 A little picture of this? 00:13:33.520 --> 00:13:33.840 Well, 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:35.580 We have a little picture of this, 00:13:35.680 --> 00:13:37.879 In the beginning of every episode, 00:13:38.180 --> 00:13:39.460 Of Undercover Boss, 00:13:39.680 --> 00:13:41.220 The CBS reality show. 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:42.920 So it begins, 00:13:42.920 --> 00:13:43.700 With a CEO, 00:13:44.060 --> 00:13:45.480 Who's pegged as an out of touch, 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:47.340 Who's pegged as an out of touch, 00:13:47.340 --> 00:13:48.220 Workaholic, 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:49.700 Who's generally obsessed, 00:13:49.700 --> 00:13:50.259 With money, 00:13:50.540 --> 00:13:50.960 And winning. 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:52.280 So in an effort, 00:13:52.280 --> 00:13:53.300 To improve their company, 00:13:53.300 --> 00:13:54.800 They step down for a week, 00:13:54.920 --> 00:13:56.300 And work with the rank and file, 00:13:56.300 --> 00:13:57.259 Workers in their company. 00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:59.059 And so in these shows, 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:00.679 The CEOs learn a little bit, 00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:01.340 Of humility, 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:02.759 As many of them, 00:14:02.860 --> 00:14:03.759 Fail to do the jobs, 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:04.819 That they set out to do. 00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:07.279 So if you're a non-believer, 00:14:07.879 --> 00:14:09.559 This may be your idea of God. 00:14:10.319 --> 00:14:11.159 He may be, 00:14:11.299 --> 00:14:12.759 An out of touch CEO, 00:14:12.939 --> 00:14:13.879 Who issues commands, 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:14.659 That are difficult, 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:15.519 And unreasonable. 00:14:16.759 --> 00:14:18.600 But that is not the God, 00:14:18.759 --> 00:14:20.019 Who is revealed to us, 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:20.720 In Christ. 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.120 In verse 6, 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:25.000 In describing Christ, 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:26.419 It could read this way, 00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:27.600 Christ Jesus, 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:28.220 Who, 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:30.419 Because he was in the form of God, 00:14:30.679 --> 00:14:32.440 Did not see equality with God, 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:34.000 As a thing to be grasped. 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:37.440 In saying that he's in the form of God, 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:39.460 He's saying that Christ was, 00:14:39.539 --> 00:14:41.460 And is all that God is. 00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:43.740 Form is not just outward appearance, 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:45.139 That he looked like God. 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:45.480 No, 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.519 He was, 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:47.700 And he is, 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:48.480 God. 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:50.519 We're talking the all-powerful, 00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:52.639 All-knowing creator of the universe. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:54.439 So it would seem, 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:56.019 That all that power, 00:14:56.419 --> 00:14:58.039 Would be something that you would hold on to, 00:14:58.279 --> 00:15:00.100 And wield for your own purposes. 00:15:00.819 --> 00:15:02.299 But that is precisely, 00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:04.179 What Christ does not do, 00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:07.199 Because it is not the character of God, 00:15:07.559 --> 00:15:08.340 To do so. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:09.699 Instead, 00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:10.419 He, 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:11.659 According to verse 7, 00:15:12.080 --> 00:15:13.159 Empties himself, 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:15.419 By taking the form of a servant, 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:17.600 Being born in the likeness of men. 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:19.200 So it seems, 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:20.759 That this God that we serve, 00:15:21.040 --> 00:15:21.940 Is not a God, 00:15:22.060 --> 00:15:23.580 Who merely sits high. 00:15:23.920 --> 00:15:25.399 Oh now he does sit high. 00:15:25.659 --> 00:15:27.000 That's clear from verse 6. 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:27.840 But, 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:29.460 That position is not something, 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:31.800 That Christ thought to hold on to, 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:33.279 In selfish ambition. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:34.480 Instead, 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:35.800 He emptied himself, 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.720 Poured himself out, 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:39.019 For us. 00:15:39.920 --> 00:15:40.379 How? 00:15:41.420 --> 00:15:42.360 He went, 00:15:42.560 --> 00:15:44.800 From the lord of the universe, 00:15:45.420 --> 00:15:46.320 To a slave, 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:47.180 Of men. 00:15:47.660 --> 00:15:48.960 He went from having the rights, 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:49.740 Of the master, 00:15:50.140 --> 00:15:51.300 To having no rights, 00:15:51.520 --> 00:15:52.400 No privileges, 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.580 No dignity, 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.600 As a slave. 00:15:55.140 --> 00:15:55.360 Think, 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:57.480 The man who in John 13, 00:15:57.700 --> 00:15:59.700 Washed the feet of his disciples, 00:16:00.180 --> 00:16:02.680 An activity that only a slave would do, 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:05.040 And dried their feet with the towel, 00:16:05.160 --> 00:16:06.640 That he wrapped around himself, 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:08.140 Was the very one, 00:16:08.420 --> 00:16:10.960 Who created all of those things. 00:16:12.580 --> 00:16:14.300 And that's just the tip of the iceberg. 00:16:14.299 --> 00:16:16.079 You see, 00:16:16.139 --> 00:16:18.000 Sometimes we gloss past this next part, 00:16:18.319 --> 00:16:20.459 Being born in the likeness of men. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:22.399 But it is no less amazing. 00:16:23.079 --> 00:16:24.139 The God of the universe, 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:25.359 Who has no beginning, 00:16:25.859 --> 00:16:27.199 Gives himself a beginning. 00:16:27.859 --> 00:16:29.799 He's born just like any other normal dude. 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:32.439 He could have just come out of the sky fully grown. 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:33.279 But no, 00:16:33.439 --> 00:16:36.240 He literally goes through the gestation period, 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.979 Within the womb of Mary. 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:40.899 He went through all of the life stages, 00:16:40.899 --> 00:16:41.940 That we go through, 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:42.960 From infancy, 00:16:43.159 --> 00:16:43.940 To childhood, 00:16:44.279 --> 00:16:45.039 Into adulthood. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:47.019 Our savior, 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:48.340 Is foreign, 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:49.899 To no part, 00:16:50.680 --> 00:16:52.060 Of the human experience. 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:54.360 And it is that fact, 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.779 That brings us, 00:16:56.440 --> 00:16:57.399 To verse 8. 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:59.180 The climax, 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.519 Of the humiliation, 00:17:00.899 --> 00:17:01.560 Of Christ. 00:17:01.559 --> 00:17:03.919 The Lord of the universe, 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:05.759 Did not just veil his glory, 00:17:05.919 --> 00:17:06.919 In taking on flesh, 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:08.000 Though he did do that. 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:10.079 He did not just become a slave, 00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:11.079 Primarily of God, 00:17:11.159 --> 00:17:12.440 But also of his disciples. 00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:13.679 He, 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:14.460 In verse 8, 00:17:14.899 --> 00:17:15.879 Humbled himself, 00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:17.519 By becoming obedient, 00:17:18.139 --> 00:17:18.899 To the point, 00:17:19.359 --> 00:17:20.179 Of death. 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:23.220 Hear what the apostle is saying here. 00:17:23.839 --> 00:17:25.480 Paul Washer said this in a sermon once, 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:26.980 When you say something like, 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:28.220 Jesus died, 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:29.980 Shouldn't you stop or something? 00:17:30.860 --> 00:17:31.980 Indeed we should. 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:34.360 The immortal son of God, 00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:35.900 Took on mortality, 00:17:36.299 --> 00:17:37.700 To obey his father's will, 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:39.240 And to save the people, 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:40.819 Whom he had chosen for himself. 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:44.339 The one impervious to our great enemy, 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:44.900 Death, 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.140 Succumbed to it, 00:17:46.380 --> 00:17:47.339 To save us. 00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:50.640 As Peter said in Acts 3.15 to his audience, 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:52.640 You killed the author of life. 00:17:52.640 --> 00:17:54.279 How else could this be possible, 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:55.440 If the author of life, 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:57.420 Had not willingly given up his life, 00:17:57.680 --> 00:17:58.619 To save sinners? 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.599 Now one would think that, 00:18:00.819 --> 00:18:02.819 This picture of humility would be enough, 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:04.879 But Paul is not done. 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:06.660 Hence the last part, 00:18:06.899 --> 00:18:08.299 Of Philippians 2.8. 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:12.220 Even death on a cross. 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:17.099 Even death on a cross. 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:20.639 What's so special about death on a cross? 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:22.759 Well, a few things. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:24.700 First, the obvious one. 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:28.440 There is no dignity in being crucified, 00:18:28.920 --> 00:18:31.240 And Paul's entire audience would be aware of that. 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:33.240 In hearing of the cross, 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:36.140 Images of criminals and insurrectionists, 00:18:36.140 --> 00:18:37.759 Would flash through their minds. 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:39.599 But Jesus Christ, 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.200 An innocent man, 00:18:41.599 --> 00:18:42.680 Was flogged, 00:18:42.920 --> 00:18:43.759 And scourged, 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:46.299 With a whip that probably had iron balls, 00:18:46.379 --> 00:18:49.220 Tied a few inches from the end of each leather thong, 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:50.079 On the whip, 00:18:50.400 --> 00:18:52.100 With sharp sheep bones, 00:18:52.100 --> 00:18:53.500 At the end, 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:55.059 To maximize flesh cutting, 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:56.440 And they marched him, 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.220 Bleeding, 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.360 To Golgotha, 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:00.519 Carrying his crossbeam. 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:03.160 They offered him wine and myrrh, 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.100 Which was a mild anesthetic, 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:06.440 But he did not take it. 00:19:06.900 --> 00:19:09.600 They nailed his wrists to the crossbar. 00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:11.459 They lifted him up, 00:19:11.459 --> 00:19:14.059 And nailed his heels to the post. 00:19:14.679 --> 00:19:15.500 Now in that position, 00:19:15.740 --> 00:19:17.119 It's very hard to breathe. 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:18.919 After being beaten, 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:21.379 And carrying a 100 pound cross, 00:19:21.639 --> 00:19:22.219 Chances are, 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:23.740 Christ had little strength left. 00:19:23.959 --> 00:19:25.139 But he hung there, 00:19:25.339 --> 00:19:26.939 For at least three hours, 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:30.299 Periodically being forced to lift his scourged, 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.240 Torn back, 00:19:31.459 --> 00:19:32.399 Up to the rough, 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.799 Splintered wood, 00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:36.839 In order to struggle to draw a breath. 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:38.799 Lifting his back, 00:19:38.919 --> 00:19:41.799 Not only against the weight of his own body, 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:44.720 But against the weight of our sin, 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:46.919 Which was laid upon him. 00:19:47.679 --> 00:19:49.559 The Lord of glory, 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:52.399 Reduced to a bleeding, 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:54.519 Naked mess. 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:56.480 And on top of this, 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:58.339 Deuteronomy 21, 23, 00:19:58.779 --> 00:20:02.119 Anyone hung on a tree is cursed by God. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:02.899 Christ, 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:04.759 In taking on our sin, 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:06.400 Became on the cross, 00:20:06.740 --> 00:20:08.000 Cursed for us. 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:10.059 The one who was in the form of God, 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:11.180 The blessed one, 00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:13.140 Descended into utter, 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.500 And complete, 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.559 Accursedness. 00:20:22.879 --> 00:20:24.900 Thank God the story did not end there. 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:28.879 Thank God that he is the one who opposes the pride, 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:30.700 And gives grace to the humble. 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:34.779 Christ's own words would come to fullest fruition in himself, 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:35.680 When he said, 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:38.279 Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:41.080 And he who humbles himself will be exalted. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:44.840 Verses 9 to 11 are Christ's vindication. 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.160 Verse 9, 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:48.460 Therefore God has highly exalted him, 00:20:48.580 --> 00:20:51.519 And bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 00:20:51.799 --> 00:20:53.500 So that at the name of Jesus, 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:55.640 Every knee should bow in heaven, 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:56.220 On earth, 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:57.279 And under the earth, 00:20:57.279 --> 00:21:00.559 And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:03.220 To the glory of God the Father. 00:21:03.619 --> 00:21:05.720 Christ's ultimate and utter humility, 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:08.039 Christ's complete and utter humility, 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:10.940 Lead to God super exalting him. 00:21:11.099 --> 00:21:13.539 In his resurrection and exaltation, 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:16.920 The man Jesus Christ now sits on the throne of heaven, 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:19.319 Awaiting the day when he is to return, 00:21:19.639 --> 00:21:21.819 And every knee will bow to him. 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:23.339 Every angelic being, 00:21:23.619 --> 00:21:24.839 Every demonic being, 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:26.539 Every human being on earth, 00:21:26.699 --> 00:21:28.740 And every human being who has died, 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:34.099 Every creature will acknowledge the lordship of Christ. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.519 The question is, 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:39.139 Will you do so willingly? 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:42.419 Or will the glory of his judgment 00:21:42.419 --> 00:21:45.199 Knock your knees out from under you? 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:48.679 Paul has not forgotten why this hymn is here. 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:51.799 Our problem is pride. 00:21:51.799 --> 00:21:56.759 Our problem from the garden has been a desire to be God. 00:21:57.139 --> 00:22:00.159 A desire to be lord of our lives. 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:02.819 A desire for others to serve us. 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:05.180 And our desires. 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:11.000 The irony is that that picture of God is a distortion. 00:22:12.139 --> 00:22:14.559 And that's the real issue of our pride. 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:17.599 We don't know who God is. 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:19.959 But I assure you, 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:24.579 If you see Christ as he is displayed in this passage, 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:28.500 Your desire for vainglory will fade. 00:22:29.459 --> 00:22:33.419 Let the glory of Christ fill you with awe. 00:22:34.379 --> 00:22:35.619 When we look at Christ, 00:22:35.899 --> 00:22:39.919 Our rebellion is revealed to be the childish stupidity that it is. 00:22:40.459 --> 00:22:42.779 I really want the credit for this thing that I did. 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:51.920 But Jesus spent his entire life being ridiculed and humiliated when he was worthy of nothing but worship. 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:56.599 It is in Christ that we find true humility. 00:22:57.379 --> 00:23:03.019 And it is only in Christ that we can exhibit his humility toward one another. 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:11.160 Paul uses this hymn about Christ to show the Philippian church the mind that they are to have in their interpersonal relationships. 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:13.379 Not only the mind that they are to have, 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:16.859 But the mind which is theirs in Christ Jesus. 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:19.039 Insofar as they are in Christ Jesus, 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:25.139 This mind is the mind that they as the church are to act out of. 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:30.200 So what does it look like to set others' interests above one's own? 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:35.100 What does it look like to look to the interests of others as well as to my own? 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.160 Oh, sorry. 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:40.640 So what does it look like for me to consider others greater than myself? 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:46.160 What does it look like to look to the interests of others as well as to my own? 00:23:47.340 --> 00:23:52.720 Ultimately, it is a forsaking of seeking vain, empty glory. 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:57.620 And it is a desire to seek the glory that lasts. 00:23:58.579 --> 00:24:02.640 That is, the glory of God the Father. 00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:07.680 To all eyes, Jesus' life seemed like a failure. 00:24:08.640 --> 00:24:10.819 The Messiah was supposed to conquer, right? 00:24:11.600 --> 00:24:12.059 Wrong. 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:17.600 According to Isaiah 53, the Messiah was supposed to suffer. 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.839 And suffer he did. 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:22.939 Are you prepared to do the same? 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:28.659 Will you ask the Lord to humble you in order that he might exalt you? 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:32.339 Are you willing to fail in the eyes of the world 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:35.339 so that the Father will say to you on the day of judgment, 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:37.779 Well done, my good and faithful servant? 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:41.899 God calls us to be broken before him. 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:46.519 Instead of seeking your own glory, seek the Lord's. 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:51.660 May we live our lives, do our work, and love our neighbors not for us, 00:24:52.379 --> 00:24:55.859 but because Christ loved us first and died for us. 00:24:57.099 --> 00:25:00.980 The Son of God, the one by whose strength each of us breathed, 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:06.619 became a man, a mortal man, and died a brutal, humiliating death. 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:11.019 He lived a life of poverty in order that we might enjoy an inheritance 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:14.019 that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:18.839 He lived a life of homelessness in order to secure for us an eternal home. 00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:21.900 He lived his life in ridicule and shame before men, 00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:25.539 so that before God, we might, through union with Christ, 00:25:25.700 --> 00:25:31.740 enjoy God's fatherly gaze instead of the gaze of the condemning judge. 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:37.180 Jesus took that condemnation, that curse that we deserved, 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:42.500 in order that all who repent and believe in him might truly be set free. 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.859 Do you believe it? 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.799 Do you trust him? 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:49.839 Will you build your life around that? 00:25:50.599 --> 00:25:53.259 Will you release your grip on your pride, 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:56.120 on your vain, empty glory, 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:59.880 and instead seek the glory of God with all your heart? 00:25:59.880 --> 00:26:03.660 Will your most constant thought not be, 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:05.060 how will I look? 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:10.660 But rather, how does what I do, think, or say make God look? 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:14.440 Brothers and sisters, 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:17.680 let us have the mind of Christ. 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.340 Amen.