Category: Philippians

Of No Reputation Part 3

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Philippians 2:7-8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

He could do nothing of Himself in all His earthly life. He attributed all His works, doctrines, powers, etc. to the Father through the anointing of the Holy Spirit (John 8:28). This is proved by the following facts in Scripture (continued): (10) He did not claim the attributes of God, but only the anointing of the Spirit to do His works (John 8:28; Matt. 12:28; Luke 4:16-21). Others stated this was the source of His power (John 3:34; Acts 10:38). Most scriptures used in theological texts proving that Christ had divine attributes on earth are statements true of Him since His glory has been restored and do not prove anything during His life on earth. All scriptures related to His earthly life can be explained as referring to the exercise of the gifts of the Spirit and not natural attributes. (11) The fact that Christ promised all believers power to do the works He did prove that it was through the anointing of the Spirit, not by His deity and natural attributes, that He did His works (Mat. 10:1-20; 16:18; 18:18; Luke 10:1-42; 24:49; Mark 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; Acts 1:4-8). (12) His exaltation to original glory and the highest place under God the Father is proof of His lowest humiliation and earthly limitation short of being God by nature (2:9-11; Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:15-23; 1Pet. 3:22).

‘Humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ Christ humbled Himself from the divine form to human form, and from sinless humanity to sinful and corrupt infamy – even the death of the cross, bearing the sins of all men (2:8; 1Pet. 2:24).

Of No Reputation Part 2

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Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men

He could do nothing of Himself in all His earthly life. He attributed all His works, doctrines, powers, etc. to the Father through the anointing of the Holy Spirit (John 8:28). This is proved by the following facts in Scripture: (1) He was limited to the status of a man (2:6-8; Heb. 2:14-18; 5:8-9). (2) He was God’s agent using God’s power of attorney (John 8:28; Acts 10:38). (3) He was our example that we should walk in His steps (1Pet. 2:21-23). (4) The temptations prove that He was limited as a man so that He could overcome as a man and not as God (Heb. 4:14-16; 5:7-9). (5) Isaiah (Isa. 7:14-16) speaks of the Messiah being born without knowledge enough to know to refuse the evil and choose the good. (6) Isaiah (Isa. 11:2; 53:1-12) speaks of the Messiah being limited as an ordinary baby, showing that God would give Him the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. If He had these attributes as God from all eternity and did not lay them aside in becoming a man when was this ever true of Him? (7) Isaiah (Isa. 50:4-11) predicted that the Messiah would be born without the tongue of the learned, without knowing how to speak a word in season to help any soul, and that He would be wakened day by day to increase in knowledge and wisdom. (8) Isaiah (Isa. 42:1-7; 61:1-11) speaks of the Messiah receiving His power to manifest divine acts by the anointing of the Holy Spirit and not by retaining His own former natural attributes and powers. Is it necessary for God to be anointed with the Holy Spirit to do what He is naturally capable of doing? If it became necessary to anoint Jesus during His earthly life, then it proves He did not retain His former glory and attributes which He had from all eternity when He emptied Himself to become like men in all things (2:6-8; Heb. 2:14-18; 5:8-9). (9) History records that Christ was limited as a baby and grew in body, soul, and spirit, grace, wisdom, stature, and favour with God and man (Luke 2:40, 52). Even after His manhood, His full anointing and gifts of the Spirit, He was still limited in knowledge (Mark 13:32). He even learned obedience by the things He suffered (Heb. 4:14-16; 5:7-9).

To be continued…

Of No Reputation Part 1

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Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men

‘Made himself of no reputation’ – The “Kenosis” of Christ: [Greek: kenoo] to empty out, drain. It is translated “make void” (Rom. 4:14; 1Cor. 9:15); “make of none effect” (1Cor. 1:17); “be in vain” (2Cor. 9:3); and “make of no reputation” (i.e., He emptied Himself; 2:7).

Of what did Christ empty Himself? It could not have been His divine nature, for He was God not only from all eternity (Mic. 5:1-2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8-11), but God manifest in flesh during His life on earth (Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Mat. 1:18-25; John 1:1-2, 14; 1Tim. 3:16). Christ emptied Himself of: [1] Equality with God (2:6-7; John 14:28; 1Cor. 11:3). [2] God-form or God-body, the spirit body that He lived in from eternity, to take human-form (2:6-8; 3:21; Mat. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; 24:37-40; John 1:14; Zech. 13:6; Gal. 4:4; Rom. 8:3). [3] Immortality of body (1Cor. 15:3; Ps. 16:10; 1Pet. 2:24; 3:18). As God, He could not die for our sins or take our place as a substitute (1Cor. 15:20-22). [4] The glory that He had with the Father before the world was (2:5-11; John 12:23; 17:5; Mat. 16:27). [5] His authority in heaven and on earth, which was given back to Him after the resurrection (2:9-11; Mat. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23; 1Pet. 3:22). [6] His divine attributes and outward powers that He had with the Father from eternity. He had no power to do miracles until He received the Holy Spirit in all fullness (John 2:11; 3:34; Isa. 11:1-2; 42:1-7; 61:1-2; Luke 3:21-22; 4:16-21; Mat. 12:28; Acts 10:38). He could do nothing of Himself in all His earthly life. He attributed all His works, doctrines, powers, etc. to the Father through the anointing of the Holy Spirit (John 8:28).

To be continued…

This Mind Be in You

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Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God

‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.’ Let the mind of self-emptying be in you which was in Christ (2:7). We are warned to have the same attitude as Christ if we want to be His followers (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.’ Seven steps in His humiliation: Christ was consecrated to humble Himself (2:5). Christ laid aside His divine form (2:6). Christ made Himself of no reputation (2:7). Christ took the form of a servant (2:7). Christ was made in the likeness of human beings (2:7). Christ humbled Himself (2:8). Christ became obedient unto death (2:8). These points to the humiliation of Christ’s kenosis, the emptying of Himself, so He could become the best human example for how a man should live (Heb. 4:15).

‘Being’ [Greek: huparcho] though existing; subsisting. He existed as God from all eternity (Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8-11).

‘Form’ [Greek: morphe] is the outward form that strikes the vision; the external appearance. The passage should read, “who, existing in the form of God (by which He from eternity had appeared to the inhabitants of heaven), yet not thinking that this equality with God should be clung to or retained, He emptied Himself of it, to assume the form of a servant and become like man” (2:6-7).

Consolation in Christ

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Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil you my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 

‘If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.’ Four questions to consider: If there is any consolation (encouragement) in Christ. If any comfort of love [Greek: paramuthion] stimulating force. If any fellowship of the Spirit. If any bowels and mercies. [Greek: splangchnon and oiktirmos] (2Cor. 6:12; Rom. 12:1). ‘Fellowship’ [Greek: koinonia] communion (1Cor. 10:16; 2Cor. 6:14; 13:14); communicate (Phm. 1:6; Heb. 13:16); fellowship (1:5; 2:1; 3:10; Acts 2:42; 1Cor. 1:9; 2Cor. 8:4; Gal. 2:9; Eph. 3:9; 1Jn. 1:3, 6-7); contribution (Rom. 15:26); and distribution (2Cor. 9:13).

‘Fulfil you my joy’ – Make my joy complete (accomplished by doing the twelve things of Philippians 1:2-16.

‘Same love, being of one accord, of one mind.’ Love in the same degree and be in agreement in all things for the Master. Not everyone with his own opinion but in the unity of what the gospel said.

‘Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.’ Never oppose each other by acting for personal gain or from vanity.

‘But in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.’ Have a humbling view of yourselves, knowing your own secret faults and true self.

‘Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.’ Do not be selfish glorying in your own gifts and graces. Be just as interested in the blessings of others and rejoice to see them blessed.

This Confidence

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Philippians 1:25-30 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it become the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 

‘And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.’ Here again, Paul expresses confidence in his release (1:19, 25-26). He was released after two years (Acts 28:30).

‘Conversation’ [Greek: politeuomai] to exercise citizenship; behave like citizens. Translated live in Acts 23:1 [politeuma] is used of citizenship in Philippians 3:20. The gospel regulates the lives of heavenly citizens.

‘Striving together’ [Greek: sunathleo] wrestling together, not in contention with, or against one another to build up human establishments which oppose each other in the gospel, but in union against the enemies of the gospel.

‘Adversaries’ – From this, it appears that the congregation was going through persecution.

‘Salvation’ [Greek: soteria] Here and in Philippians 2:12 it refers to the salvation of the soul. In Philippians 1:19 it refers to Paul’s deliverance from prison.

‘Conflict’ [Greek: agon] a contest for a prize; a struggle; battle. Run with patience the race set before us (Heb. 12:1).

‘Saw in me’ – read Acts 16:19-40 for Paul’s trial here.

To Live is Christ

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Philippians 1:21-24 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 

‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ Here Paul expresses perfect resignation to whatever he had to face (1:21-24). His life was about living for Christ to the fullest and death was to be united with Him forever! What a testimony.

‘I wot not’ [Greek: gnorizo] translated make known 16 times; declare 3 times; certify (Gal. 1:11); give to understand (1Cor. 12:3), and do to witness (2Cor. 8:1).

‘Am in a strait’ [Greek: sunecho] am being pressed. I am under pressure between two desires, that of living and of dying.

‘Betwixt’ [Greek: ek] of, out of, from, with. Out of 921 times used it is only translated betwixt here, and between (John 3:25).

‘To depart, and to be with Christ …’ Seven outstanding facts are noted here (1:21-24): To live means gain to Christ (1:21). To die is personal gain (1:21). There is no gain for man or God if one went into extinction of being, unconsciousness, or soul sleep. All are unscriptural. To live in the flesh is to continue bearing fruit (1:22). This proves that one dwells in a body. Having a desire to depart (1:23). This confirms the fact of the departure of one at death. To be with Christ (1:23; 2Cor. 5:8). Far better (1:23). A far better place and state of being (Rev. 21:4; 22:3). To abide in the flesh is more needful for Christians than to die (1:24). This explains what departure from the body means – that at death the body dies and the inner man leaves the body to go to paradise if one is a Christian, or to hell if one is unsaved. The body without the spirit is dead (Jas. 2:26); to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2Cor. 5:8); to depart is to be with Christ (1:23) and be in paradise with the spirits of just men made perfect (Luke 16:19-31; 2Cor. 5:8; 12:2-4; Rev. 6:9-11).

Salvation

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Philippians 1:18-20 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 

‘What then?’ Paul claims here that it mattered not to him how Christ was preached, provided He was preached. The apostles were commanded to get the Word of Christ out, as long as they stayed away from fiction (1Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2Tim. 4:4; Tit. 1:14) and focus on what He taught (Matthew chapters 5-24) and the examples that He set (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘Pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached.’ The Jews served God with pretence, but He was still preached whether they accepted Him or not. In John 15: 22 Christ stated that if He had not come and proved to them beyond doubt that He was the Messiah they would not have had the sin of rejecting Him, but now they have no excuse for this sin. They wilfully hated both Jesus and God the Father (John 15:22-24).

‘Salvation’ [Greek: soteria] deliverance. This refers to his temporal safety and freedom from chains and imprisonment. This he expected through their prayer and the continued supply of the Holy Spirit.

‘Earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.’ He had the utmost confidence in God that he would be upheld by grace in all his trials. He was ready for either life or death, providing Christ would be magnified in the outcome.

The Furtherance of the Gospel

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Philippians 1:12-17 But I would you should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 

‘The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.’ My sufferings for Christ have furthered the gospel by provoking others to zeal for Christ (1:12-19). Everything we do must further the gospel in others’ lives (Mat. 5:16; 7:12), thus must our attitude always be like Christ’s was when He chose to lay His life down (1Pet. 2:21-23) even though He did nothing to please others, only that which God commanded (John 14:10).

‘Palace’ [Greek: praitorion] is the court in Rome where Paul was tried before Caesar. Here it refers to Caesar’s palace. The apostle’s defence caused his doctrines to be known in the palace and all other places (4:22).

‘Affliction to my bonds’ – from 2Timothy 1:16 we see that others were ashamed of Paul in chains. His life had been one of suffering and labour for Christ. Now from all appearances, he was abandoned by his friends and in the hands of ruthless men. He was in prison and in chains, yet he was triumphant overall and unshaken in his faith. He felt no evil and feared no man or devil. Sin had lost its power, death its sting, the grave its victory, and hell its torments. No murmuring came from his lips or bitterness from his heart. He was a man’s man and God’s faithful servant, ready to die for the cause of Christ and the gospel.

Your Love May Abound

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Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 

‘That your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.’ Five requests for congregations in Philippi (1:9-11): Increased love in knowledge and judgment. Approval of excellent things. Sincerity to the end. Without offence till the day of Christ. Filling with fruits of righteousness.

If we want to increase our love for God, we need to study His Word to get the necessary knowledge of Him and then we will experience this knowledge when discerning between judgement for either blessing or curse when we are doers of the Word and not just hearers (Jas. 1:22-26).

‘All judgment’ [Greek: aesthesis] discernment.

‘Excellent’ [Greek: diaphero] differ. We are to test all things and disapprove of those that differ from the gospel (1Thess. 5:22).

‘Sincere’ [Greek: heilikrines] pure, uncorrupted. The word means without wax, an allusion to finishing cloth with gummy materials hiding flaws until carefully examined by looking through it in sunlight. The Greek might be translated “sun-judged.”

‘Without offence’ [Greek: aproskopos] not striking against; not stumbling; void of offence to God or man; neither stumbling nor causing others to stumble (1:10; Acts 24:16; 1Cor. 10:32; 1Pet. 1:17).

‘The day of Christ’ – In the day when Christ comes to receive saints unto Himself (1:6, 10; 2:161Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2Cor. 1:14).

‘Fruits of righteousness’ – Fruits of that justification which comes by faith and the new creature experience (2Cor. 5:17-18; Rom. 5:1-11).