Finding Joy in Humility
Sunday, September 17 th 2023

Philippians 2:1-11
Introduction

By following Jesus’ example, we can find joy in humility

I. The Call to Humility (Philippians 2:1-4)
v.1,2 - “So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any
participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, have the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Paul begins this passage by exhorting the Philippians (and us) to embrace humility.
v.3,4 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also
to the interests of others.”
He calls us to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” True humility involves an attitude of selflessness and a willingness to prioritize the needs of others over our own.
To find joy in humility, we must learn to "consider others better than ourselves." This doesn't mean denying our self-worth but recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. When we value others and prioritize their needs, we build genuine relationships that bring joy and fulfillment.

II. The Example of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8)
v.5 – “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”

v.6-8 – “…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a
thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in
the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Despite His divine nature, Jesus chose to humble Himself and take on the form of a
servant. This divine humility is the foundation of our Christian faith.
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God.”
“…though he was in the form of God…”

The word form (morphe theou) means “the true and exact nature of something,
possessing all the characteristics and qualities of something.” Jesus had full
possession of the Godhead.
“…did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…”
Jesus does not use his position of God for something to benefit himself. Being in the
form of God, he had a right to be recognized, revered, to be served and immune from
poverty, pain and humiliation, but he did not insist on his rights as God, but made
himself nothing.
“…but he emptied himself…”
Jesus voluntarily emptied Himself, not of His deity but of His divine privileges.
Christ's humility went beyond His incarnation; it led Him to the cross. He became
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. This ultimate act of selflessness
and sacrifice redeems humanity and offers us the gift of eternal life.
III. The Exaltation and Worship of Christ (Philippians 2:9-11)
The exaltation of Christ involves giving Him the name that is above every name. This
signifies His supreme authority and lordship over all creation.
Now, just pause over this thought—that Christ did not crown himself, but that his Father crowned him; that he did not elevate himself to the throne of majesty, but that his Father lifted him there, and placed him on his throne. Why, reflect thus: Man never highly exalted Christ. Put this then in opposition to it—"God also hath highly exalted him."Man hissed him, mocked him, hooted him. Words were not hard enough—they would use stones."They took up stones again to stone him."And stones failed; nails must be used, and he must be crucified. And then there comes the taunt, the jeer, the mockery, whilst he hangs languishing on the death-cross. Man did not exalt him. Set the black picture there. Now put this, with this glorious, this bright scene, side by side with it, and one shall be a foil to the other. Man dishonoured him;"God also exalted him." Charles Spurgeon

“…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.”
Paul proclaims that one day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord. This universal acknowledgment of Christ's lordship will happen in heaven, on earth, and even among those who have rejected Him.

IV. Conclusion
Let us embrace humility, follow the example of Christ, and find our joy in Him, to the
glory of God the Father.