Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Our Humble King

Bryan Schneider · December 25, 2021

Philippians 2

sharonrpc.org/sermons/our-humble-king

Summary

Philippians 2:5-11 calls believers to the mind of humility displayed in Jesus Christ.
Christ is eternally God, yet he truly assumed human nature and took the form of a servant without ceasing to be divine.
His humiliation includes an ordinary human life, perfect obedience under the law, suffering, and death on the cross.
Jesus obeyed where sinners fail and bore the death their sin deserves, rescuing those unable to save themselves.
Because of his completed work, God highly exalted Christ and bestowed the name before which every creature must bow.
Every tongue will acknowledge Jesus as Lord; the urgent question is whether each hearer bows willingly in faith and worship.
Christ's people imitate their King by laying aside vain glory, serving others, obeying his commands, and seeking the Father's glory.

What does Philippians 2 affirm about Christ before he took the form of a servant?
How can Jesus be truly God and truly man in one person?
What stages of Christ's humiliation does the sermon trace?
Why was Christ's perfect obedience necessary for disobedient sinners?
How does the cross reveal both the depth of Christ's humility and the purpose of his incarnation?
What does Christ's exaltation require from every creature?
What is the difference between willing worship of Jesus now and compelled acknowledgment at judgment?
How should the mind of Christ reshape speech, service, relationships, and personal ambition?

Humiliation of Christ: The Son's willing descent into the conditions of human life, obedience, suffering, and death for sinners.
Incarnation: The eternal Son's taking a complete human nature into personal union with his divine nature.
Two natures: The undiminished deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ, united without confusion in one person.
Active obedience: Christ's perfect fulfillment of the Father's law throughout his earthly life on behalf of his people.
Exaltation of Christ: The Father's public vindication and enthronement of the obedient Son as risen and ascended Lord.
Lord: The royal title confessing Jesus as sovereign Master to whom every creature owes worship and obedience.
Humility: A Christ-shaped willingness to surrender vain glory and serve others for the glory of God.