Category: Advent

⁵ 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.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

What was the result of Jesus Christ’s humility? Exaltation. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). God the Father highly exalted Jesus and gave Him a name that is above every name. The humiliation by Jesus Christ was followed by the exaltation of Christ. These two doctrines are eternally linked.

The word exalted (ὑπερυψόω; hyperypsosen) means to give exceptional honor. It means to regard a person as possessing high status. The word bestowed (χαρίζομαι; charizomai) means to graciously and generously give with good will being the intention of the bestowal. In God the Father’s exaltation of God the Son, He has given the Son a name which is above every name. Christ’s new name is Lord. The Bible confirms that this is Jesus’ rightful title (Isaiah 45:21-23; Mark 15:1-2; Luke 2:1-11; John 13:13; 18:37; 20:28).

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Christ’s exaltation was fourfold. The early sermons of the apostles affirm his resurrection and coronation (his position at the right hand of God), and allude to his intercession for believers (Acts 2:32–33; 5:30–31; cf. Eph. 1:20–21; Heb. 4:15; 7:25–26). Hebrews 4:14 refers to the final element, his ascension. The exaltation did not concern Christ’s nature or eternal place within the Trinity, but his new identity as the God-Man (cf. John 5:22; Rom. 1:4; 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:24–25).

The purpose of Jesus’ exaltation is “(Philippians 2:10-11)

To bow is a show of respect. It also refers to the worship of God “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Everything, including those in heaven, on earth and in hell will bow the knee to Christ. Additionally, not only will everyone bow the knee but they also will verbally confess or acknowledge the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord. Some will confess out of love. Others will confess under duress. However, all will confess that Jesus is the sovereign Lord of the universe. Ultimately, this will be for the glory of God.

Dr. R C. Sproul writes that, “When we consider the nativity of Jesus, it is easy to focus our attention on the sheer impoverishment that went with His being born in a stable and in a place where He was unwelcome in the resident hotel or inn. There was an overwhelming sense of debasement in the lowliness of His birth. Yet, at the very moment that our Lord entered humanity in these debasing circumstances, just a short distance away the heavens broke out with the glory of God shining before the eyes of the shepherds with the announcement of His birth as the King.” 

Dr. Sproul continues by stating, “God the Son humbled Himself in the incarnation not as an end in itself but in order to be exalted above all else, thereby achieving our highest good (Phil. 2:5–11). He did not achieve an exalted state that He lacked prior to the incarnation, for as God He has always been the most exalted One. But in pursuing the way of humiliation for His people, Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, gained as a gift the exaltation that was His by nature, giving us no reason to doubt the glory of the God-man.”

One the clearest ways for believers in Christ to honor and glorify God is by humble service. Humility begins with each believing sinner acknowledging that if it were not for God’s sovereign grace, we would have remained helpless in our sin. Broken and helpless people will truly give thanks to the One who healed them of their brokenness and lifted them from their helpless estate.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁵ 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.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

How did the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrate the attribute and characteristic of humility? The Apostle Paul listed several significant ways in which our Lord demonstrated this fundamental character trait for the believer in Christ. Today, we examine three more characteristics of humility from Philippians 2:8.

The Apostle Paul writes, “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” What do these three statements in Philippians 2:8 mean?

“And being found in human form.” The phrase “and being found” referred to Jesus, in His humanity, experiencing and discovering something. What He experienced was that the sinless Son of God, the second person of the Godhead, the creator of the universe was also human. He had taken upon Himself humanity. What a humbling experience.

However, the Apostle Paul continued to say that Jesus humbled himself even more. He did so by “becoming obedient to the point of death.” Jesus was not only obedient to the Father’s will be becoming incarnate, He would continue to display perfect obedience by dying on behalf of sinners. Obedience (ὑπήκοος; hypekoos) means to submit and conform to a standard. The standard to which Jesus submitted and conformed was the Father’s will.

How far would Jesus conform to the Father’s will? The text says, “to the point of death.” The word death (θάνατος; thanatos) refers to death by execution. What type of execution does the Apostle Paul have in mind? The text continues to say, “even death on a cross.”

It should be noted that death by crucifixion was not only an extremely painful way to die, but also it was degrading and personally humiliating. One commentary states that, “Judaism prized obedience to the point of death in stories about its martyrs. Crucifixion was the most degrading form of execution, reserved for non-Roman criminals who were slaves or free persons of the lowest status.”

In an article entitled Humiliation and Exaltation, Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Shame and embarrassment are feelings and experiences that occur to us in various degrees. The worst kind of shame, the most dreadful form of embarrassment, is that which results in utter and complete humiliation. Humiliation brings with it not merely the reddened face of embarrassment but also the sense of despair as we lose our dignity and our reputations are cast into ruin. Yet it was precisely into this domain of shame and humiliation that our Savior came voluntarily in the incarnation. The popular hymn, “Ivory Palaces,” depicts this descent from glory—the Son of Man’s voluntary departure from the ivory palace that is His eternal dwelling place. He chose willingly to make Himself of no reputation, to become a man and a servant, obedient even unto death. It is this humiliation that Christ willingly accepted for Himself, which stands at the beginning of the entire progress that He travels on His road to glory and to His final exaltation. The progress, as the New Testament traces it, is one that moves from humiliation in the birth of Jesus to His exaltation in His resurrection, ascension, and return.”

However, we know from all four gospel accounts of Jesus’ death that there were two other men, criminals, who Rome condemned to be executed along with Jesus. What made Jesus’ death on a cross any different from those who were crucified alongside Him?

Galatians 3:13-14 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— ¹⁴ so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

Romans 5:7-10 says, “⁷ For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— ⁸ but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. ¹⁰ For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

I John 4:7-11 says, “⁷ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Jesus’ death was a substitutionary death on behalf of sinners. Sinners such as you and me.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Being perfectly holy, our Creator cannot tolerate sin. He cannot even look upon it, not in that He cannot see it but that He cannot see it and allow it to go unpunished (Hab. 1:13). For us to be reconciled to God, our sin had to be dealt with. The sins of men and women had to be atoned for, and this had to be done by a man, for only a human being can atone for the sins of other human beings. The Son of God—as a man—atoned for the sins of His people, bearing the punishment—the curse—we deserved in His person.”

Dr. Sproul continues to say that, “If God were to give us what we earn, what we deserve, we would perish from His wrath, but thanks be to God that He gives to us what was earned by His Son. Jesus got what He did not deserve; we got what He did deserve—the righteousness that is by faith.”

Jesus Christ’s humble act of obedience in bearing God’s wrath gives believers the greatest blessing, namely, eternal blessedness. Let us praise and thank Him for His blessedness today.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

⁵ 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.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

How did the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrate the attribute and characteristic of humility? The Apostle Paul listed several significant ways in which our Lord demonstrated this fundamental character trait for the believer in Christ. Today, we examine three more characteristics of humility from Philippians 2:7.

The Apostle Paul writes that Jesus, “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” What does it mean when Paul writes that Jesus (1) emptied Himself; (2) took the form of a servant; and (3) was born in the likeness of men?

The phrase “emptied Himself” contains an active verb “(κενόω; kenoo).” This means that whatever Jesus did He accomplished Himself. The word emptied means to divest oneself of a position of high rank. The result of this self-imposed emptying is that the individual in question relinquishes all privileges and prerogatives with such status or tank. Jesus Christ did not cease to be God when He became human, but rather voluntarily suspended the usage of His attributes as God. In other words, when Jesus Christ became a man, a true human being He divested Himself of His magnificent glory but not His deity.

Consider Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer from John 17:1-10. “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, ² since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. ³ And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. ⁴ I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. ⁶ “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. ⁸ For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. ⁹ I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.” 

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “From this Greek word comes the theological word “kenosis”; i.e., the doctrine of Christ’s self-emptying in his incarnation. This was a self-renunciation, not an emptying himself of deity nor an exchange of deity for humanity. Jesus did, however, renounce or set aside his privileges in several areas: 1) heavenly glory—while on earth he gave up the glory of a face-to-face relationship with God (the Father) and the continuous outward display and personal enjoyment of that glory (cf. John 17:5); 2) independent authority—during his incarnation Christ completely submitted himself to the will of his Father;3) divine prerogatives—he set aside the voluntary display of his divine attributes and submitted himself to the Spirit’s direction (cf. Matt. 24:36; John 1:45–49); 4) eternal riches—while on earth Christ was poor and owned very little (cf. 2 Cor. 8:9); and 5) a favorable relationship with God—he felt the Father’s wrath for human sin while on the cross (cf. Matt. 27:46; see note on 2 Cor. 5:21).”

Secondly, the phrase “took the form of a servant” The verb “taking (λαμβάνω; lambano) is also active. Jesus Himself took hold of or acquired the form (μορφή; morphe) nature and character of a servant (δοῦλος; doulos) or slave.

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “The very nature of a servant” certainly points to His lowly and humble position, His willingness to obey the Father, and serve others. He became a man, a true human being.”

Thirdly, the statement “being born in the likeness of men” means that Jesus personally became a human being. His humanity was just like other individual except that He remained sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15).

Why did Jesus do this? Why was it necessary for Jesus to become a human? Hebrews 2:14-18 says, ^14 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

I am again reminded of Charles Wesley’s wonderful Christmas carol which sheds a lyrical and musical insight into Jesus’ incarnation.

Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.                                                                                                                    Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

⁵ 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.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

How did the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrate the attribute and characteristic of humility? The Apostle Paul listed several significant ways in which our Lord demonstrated this fundamental character trait for the believer in Christ.

To begin with, Christ’s humility was in concert with the reality that He was in the form of God. Being in the form of God means that Jesus Christ possessed the internal nature of God and embodied this nature while on earth. The phrase “though He was” is not a throwaway line but rather points the reader to the fact that Jesus was, and is, presently and actively identical to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 1:1-4 parallels this statement from Philippians 2:6. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. ³ He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴ having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

 Secondly, Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.” To count means to have an opinion. The opinion in this context is equality with God the Father. Equality (ἴσος; isos) means equal, the same or an equivalent of something of someone. Jesus’ perspective that He was the equivalent of God the Father was not something He sought to hold on to by force. The Greek word ἁρπαγμός; (harpagmos) means not only “to grasp something forcefully which one does not have but also to retain by force what one possesses.”

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “In other words Christ did not hesitate to set aside His self-willed use of deity when He became a man. As God, He had all the rights of deity and yet during His incarnate state He surrendered His right to manifest Himself visibly as the God of all splendor and glory.”

 Dr. Don Carson writes, “Jesus was truly God before he became a human person. Then, without ceasing to be God, he was willing to lay aside the glory of being equal with God. That was not something to be grasped (see note below on the precise meaning here). There is perhaps an intended contrast with Adam in Gen. 3 as the temptation to which he fell was wrongly to seize what he thought would make him ‘like God’.”

 Dr. Carson continues by stating, “There are many ways in which the words of v 6 (he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped) have been understood. There are two main alternatives: either equality with God means the same as being in very nature God or it can be understood as speaking rather of the glory and honour of a position alongside God the Father, the title to lordship over the universe. Jesus ‘did not think to snatch at’ this (neb). It would, in fact, finally be his by the Father’s appointment, but beyond a human cradle and a human grave and the resurrection, and because he submitted to go the Father’s chosen way by humiliation to exaltation. If equality with God is understood as essentially the same as being in very nature God, indicating that the divine nature was inalienably his, then we can understand the apostle as saying either ‘he did not cling to’ those ‘prerogatives as God’s equal’ (Phillips); or he did not have to seize hold of them—it was not a matter of their being grasped; or equality with God was not something to be taken advantage of. Perhaps the last of these is the most probable, both because of the meaning of the Greek words used and because it fits in with the teaching of the whole paragraph. The way appointed by the Father was giving not getting, sacrifice and humiliation not taking the advantage of one’s position. This is the way Jesus went and the way we are called to follow him.”

 May such humility be found in each of us. May our worship of the exalted Christ be even more fervent. More to come.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

⁵ 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.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Humility is defined as counting other people as more significant than you (Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 3:5). The attribute of humility which was so clearly evidenced at the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ is also to be seen within each believer who is in union with Christ. The reason for the demeanor of humility is due in no small part to the blessings God has given to each believer in Christ.

One of the greatest blessings God the Father has provided the church is the example of Jesus Christ’s humility. It’s one thing to talk about humility. It’s another entirely to live and demonstrate this godly characteristic. We are to live humble lives before God and other people. Our example of such a lifestyle is Jesus Christ.

Believers in Christ are to have the mind of humility. This is set forth in today’s text which is one of the classic passages of Christology found in the New Testament. It may well have been sung as a hymn in the early church. It would benefit the church today to sing such a hymn, and often.

To begin with, the Apostle Paul issued forth a command from God: “Have this mind among yourselves.” The statement is an imperative and a non-negotiable belong to and originating from God. Believers are to have the attitude of humility. The phrase “have this mind” takes the reader back to the immediate preceding context of Philippians 2:1-4.

The disposition or attitude of humility is not to be held in isolation but rather it is to be demonstrated among believers in Christ. That’s why Paul said, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” It is to be evidenced among the members of the church. This is because humility was evidenced and demonstrated by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Jesus is our example of humility.

Pastor Burk Parsons writes, “The author of Hebrews writes, “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:1–2). As we grow in the grace and holiness of our Lord, being enabled by God’s free grace to die more and more unto sin and live unto righteousness, we’re called neither to fix our eyes on ourselves nor to fix our eyes on our own sins that entangle themselves around our ankles. We’re called to run with endurance by looking to Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. We are united to Christ and are made able and willing to turn our eyes upon Jesus — away from ourselves — so that by looking to Him, we are motivated to joyful, cross-bearing obedience as we “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him . . . for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Col. 1:10–11). For when we take our eyes off our Lord and set our eyes on ourselves, the Christian life becomes not only miserable but impossible.”

Ask God today to develop within your soul the attitude and actions demonstrating Christ-like humility. It is what it means to be like Jesus.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

Philippians 2:1-11 says, “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, 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.”

The attribute of humility, which was so clearly evidenced at the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ, is also to be seen within each believer who is in union with Christ. The reason for the demeanor of humility is due in no small part to the blessings God has given to each believer in Christ. What are these blessings?

To begin with, there is the believer’s encouragement in Christ. The word encouragement (παράκλησις; paraklesis) means to come alongside with help, counsel and exhortation. This is what Jesus does for each believer.

Second, there is the believer’s comfort from love. Comfort (παραμύθιον; paramythion) also means to encourage. The image is of Christ coming close to His disciples and whispering gentle and tender counseling words. This tenderness is rooted solely in the sacrificial love of God prompted by His grace.

Third, there is the believer’s participation in the Spirit. The word Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. Participation (κοινωνία; koinonia) refers to a partnership of eternal life which God provides through the regeneration and indwelling ministry and presence of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s soul (I Corinthians 3:16; 12:1-13; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; I John 1:4-6).

Fourth, there is the believer’s experience of God’s affection and His sympathy. Affection (σπλάγχνον; splanchnon) means to feel compassion. Sympathy (οἰκτιρμός; oiktirmos) means to show compassion. Since God demonstrated affection and sympathy to rebellious sinners such as us, then it stands to reason that we are to show the same to fellows believer’s in Christ. This is the Apostle Paul’s conclusion in vs. 2 when he writes, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Believers, while different, are to think the same way regarding their treatment of each other. We are to demonstrate the same love which God demonstrated towards us (Romans 8:5-10).

The apostle’s concern for the church was that she should demonstrate a unity among believers. There should be no divisions while at the same there is to be a commitment to biblical truth. God’s Word must never be sacrificed for the sake of sentimentalism within the church. God’s Word should also never be sacrificed due to disagreements within the church.

How are believers to accomplish this unity among each other? Paul states that it begins with the biblical attitude of humility which is described in vs. 3. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” There is to be no pushing to have one’s own way, no desire for personal glory, but rather humility. Humility is defined as counting other people as more significant than you (Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 3:5).

In fact, in vs. 4 Paul goes on to say, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  This is not a directive to be a busybody but rather to genuinely care for one’s fellow believer.

Who provides the greatest example of humility? Jesus Christ, of course. When next we meet, we will see exactly how Jesus Christ demonstrated biblical humility. The description provides the church with one of its foremost hymns of praise.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

There is arguably no other American annual holiday that is as dominated by music as Christmas. From Thanksgiving to December 25, secular along with sacred music can be heard from seemingly every source imaginable.

From amateur presentations at elementary, middle and high schools, to professional concerts featuring symphonic orchestras, along with background music in stores of all shapes, sizes and products, the sounds of the season are everywhere.

And let us not overlook the various programs and cantatas that many churches annually conduct which serves to brighten up the holiday season. My church, Headwaters Church in Fort Wayne, IN, will be presenting The Carols of Christmas this upcoming Sunday, December 15 at the Purdue Fort Wayne Campus. I am so looking forward to singing in the choir and being a part of this festive Christmas musical. 

The Scriptures are not silent when it comes to worship regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. We have already examined the various praises by Zechariah, Mary, the angels, Simeon and Anna. However, there are also two hymns written by the Apostle Paul which contain some of the most significant theology regarding Jesus Christ the Lord.

These two hymns are found in Philippians 2:1-11 and Colossians 1:15-23. While both focus their attention on Jesus Christ, their themes are noticeably different. Philippians stresses the humiliation of the Lord Jesus while Colossians emphasizes the eternality and exaltation of the Christ. Both contribute volumes of truth regarding the reason for the incarnation of the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity.

Philippians 2:1-11 says, “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, 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.”

Colossians 1:15-20 says, “¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. ²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

For the next several days, we will take the opportunity to examine both passages in detail. In so doing, my prayer is that we will all take away some important truths about Jesus that we never knew or understood as clearly. Merry Christmas. 

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!  

 

 

  

 

 

^19 “But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, ²⁰ saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” ²¹ And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. ²² But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. ²³ And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:19–23 ESV).

We do not know how long Joseph, Mary and Jesus remained in Egypt following King Herod’s slaughter of the boy children in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. We do know that it was around 4 B.C. because that is historically when Herod the Great died.

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. The purpose was for God’s messenger to give Joseph new revelation in light of the king’s death.

The angel said to Joseph, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” ²¹ And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.” The young family’s sojourn was over.

However, when Joseph heard that Herod’s son, Archelaus, was reigning over Judea he was afraid to go there and settle. Perhaps this was because Archelaus was as evil as his father.

One commentary writes that, “Archelaus was Herod’s son by Malthace, a Samaritan woman. He was educated along with his brother Antipas at Rome. He inherited from his father a third part of his kingdom viz., Idumea, Judea, and Samaria, and hence is called “king” (Matt. 2:22). It was for fear of him that Joseph and Mary turned aside on their way back from Egypt. Till a few days before his death Herod had named Antipas as his successor, but in his last moments he named Archelaus”

Once again, God warned Joseph in a dream to not dwell in Judea but rather to settle in the district of Galilee. Joseph, Mary and Jesus began living in a small town called Nazareth. God the Father’s providence is evident because settling in Nazareth would fulfill the Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah 53:1-3 which described the Messiah as despised and rejected. Most people from Nazareth were despised and rejected. See John 1:43-51.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Nazareth, an obscure town 70 miles north of Jerusalem, was a place of lowly reputation, and nowhere mentioned in the OT. Some have suggested that “Nazarene” is a reference to the Hebrew word for branch in Isa. 11:1. Others point out that Matthew’s statement that “prophets” had made this prediction may be a reference to verbal prophecies nowhere recorded in the OT. A still more likely explanation is that Matthew is using “Nazarene” as a synonym for someone who is despised or detestable— for that was how people from the region were often characterized (cf. John 1:46). If that is the case, the prophecies Matthew has in mind would include Ps. 22:6–8; Isa. 49:7; 53:3.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Note how the evangelist (Matthew) has taught us about God’s providence. First, we should see that Herod’s hatred of Jesus and slaughter of the young boys in Bethlehem (vv. 16–18) parallel Pharaoh’s attempt to kill Moses (Ex. 1:8–2:10). Moses was the mediator of the old covenant, and in ordaining the circumstances of the birth of Christ to be so similar to Moses’ birth, our Father has prepared His people to receive Jesus as a new and greater Moses, the mediator of a new and better covenant (Heb. 7:22).”

“Secondly, the dreams of warning that Joseph and the magi experience (Matt. 2:12–13, 19–20, 22) show that God has sovereignly overruled man’s attempt to destroy His Son. Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus has been unsuccessful. In fact, it is Herod who dies (in 4 B.C., dating the Savior’s birth therefore between 6 and 4 B.C.), enabling Joseph and his family to return to Palestine (v. 21). After learning that Archelaus is ruling in Judea, Joseph takes Jesus and Mary to Nazareth in Galilee (v. 22). This is wise, for Archelaus could be as ruthless as his father Herod and might very well be a threat to Jesus.”

As we have seen, God the Father was in complete control of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and early childhood. He is also in complete control of our own lives. May each of us rest in God’s sovereign providence.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

¹⁷ Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ¹⁸ “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:17–18 ESV)

When we began this study of the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus, otherwise known as the Advent Season, we initially examined the many prophecies regarding the identity of the Jewish Messiah. We sought to see whether or not Jesus Christ fulfilled those prophecies. With respect to the Messiah’s incarnation, we saw the Jesus Christ indeed did fulfill those prophecies.

One prophecy which took place following Jesus’ birth, perhaps some two years after, is what is referred to as the slaughter of the innocents. This was when King Herod decided that all boys within Bethlehem, and the surrounding area, would be killed in hopes that Jesus would be included in the slaughter. Herod was known for eliminating any real, or suspected rivals or usurpers to his throne. He included Jesus in that category.

The prophecy concerning this mass killing of children is found in Jeremiah 31:15. It is the text from which Matthew quotes. Within the immediate context of the Prophet Jeremiah, the prophecy had to do with the impending Babylonian Captivity of the Jews which occurred in 586 B.C., following two others invasions occurring in 605 B.C. and 597 B.C. The wailing which occurred then prefigured the wailing which occurred some 500 years later by many mothers over their slaughtered children by the orders of King Herod.

Ramah was a city located north of Jerusalem. The possible reason why Matthew mentioned it was because it was the city in which the Jewish exiles returned from the Babylonian captivity after 70 years (Ezra 2:26; Neh. 7:30; 11:33). Additionally, Ramah was another traditional site of Rachel’s burial. Rachel, the beloved wife of the Patriarch Jacob, was considered by many to be the mother of the Nation of Israel. That is why she was seen weeping over these children’s deaths.

One commentator explains that, “Jeremiah 31:15 refers to the figurative weeping of Rachel, who was buried in Bethlehem (Gen 35:19). Jeremiah said she mourned for her descendants carried off into captivity during the Babylonian exile. Like righteous Jeremiah, Jesus was carried off to Egypt, but Rachel had cause to mourn anew at Herod’s murder of her people.”

 Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “Matthew’s use of this prophecy appears to portray Jesus as the new Moses (the one who led Joseph’s descendants out of Egypt) who fulfills the prophecy of the second Exodus. Like Moses, Jesus escapes the slaughter as an infant. Like Moses, He is sent to rescue God’s chosen ones.”  

 God has a purpose in everything He sovereignly permits. This is true even when we human followers of Christ do not understand, or even like, what God chooses to do.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16 (ESV)

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” This proverb is adapted from a line in the play The Mourning Bride, by William Congreve, an English author of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The quotation means that no one is angrier than a woman who has been rejected in love.

A parallel proverb could well be “Hell hath no fury like a king who is tricked.” Proverbs 19:12 says, “A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion.”

When King Herod discovered and discerned that the Magi would not return to Jerusalem to inform him of Jesus’ whereabouts, he became furious. The word furious (λίαν; lian) means exceedingly or intensely angry. To say that Herod was upset is an understatement.

Herod’s response is in keeping with his personality. He decided to kill all the male children in Bethlehem and in the surrounding region. The text tells us that the parameter would be boys two years old or under. Why did Herod make this stipulation?  It was because of the time he had ascertained or discovered from the Magi. This indicates to us that Jesus could have been as old as two or younger when the Magi visited him.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “This slaughter of the male children is mentioned only here in the biblical record. Even the Jewish historian Josephus (a.d. 37-100) did not mention this dastardly deed of putting to death innocent babies and young children. But it is not surprising that he and other secular historians overlooked the death of a few Hebrew children in an insignificant village, for Herod’s infamous crimes were many. He put to death several of his own children and some of his wives whom he thought were plotting against him. Emperor Augustus reportedly said it was better to be Herod’s sow than his son, for his sow had a better chance of surviving in a Jewish community. In the Greek language, as in English, there is only one letter difference between the words “sow” (huos) and “son” (huios).”

Even in His infancy, hatred of Jesus Christ was a common occurrence. Beginning with Herod, and continuing to the present day, Jesus’ words from John 15:18-21 which says, ¹⁸ “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. ²¹ But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me” (John 15:18–21).

I do not like the idea, or circumstances, of people hating me for my faith in Christ. However, the Bible tells me to expect it because their hatred for me is because a deeper hatred for the Lord Jesus. Have you encountered such hatred in your own life? Pray that God will give you the strength to be faithful.

Soli deo Gloria!