Philippians – Ultimate Humility

GOOD MORNING, sweet friends! I hope your week has been wonderful so far! I was wondering how you did with Monday’s lesson. Anyone have any wrongs to right? Forgiving to do? How’d you do on your “love one another” test?

Monday may have been a bit difficult – or perhaps even very difficult, but today is going to be different. In our text for this study we will see the heaven sent expression of humility, beautifully expressed yet firmly commanded.

Please begin today’s study by reading our text, Philippians 2:5-11.

You have just read what is known as a Christological Hymn. There are several others in Scripture, Colossians 1:15-20, Ephesians 2:14-16, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Hebrews 1:13 and the Prologue of John.

A Christological Hymn was thought to be an exegesis of Christ sung by the early church. Philippians 2:5-11 is one of the most profoundly doctrinal texts on the deity and humanity of Christ. And in light of its depth and significance, I find myself completely inadequate to convey the magnitude of the magnificent segment of Scripture. Certainly books could be written about these seven significant verses – not just a short cyberspace Bible study.

So, as we look at this beautiful portion of Scripture, please know that what we study today is only a small piece of an intricate puzzle and I want to encourage you to use this as a catalyst for your own in-depth study. It will blow your Bible study mind!

Today we are going to focus on the aspect of Christ’s ultimate example of humility and how that applies to us. Let’s look at each verse and see what we can learn.

1. According to verse 5, what are we to do?

2. In verses 6 – 8 we find what Christ did to display ultimate humility. Make a list of what he did that shows us what humility looks like.

3. Look at Matthew 11:29, Mark 14:26, John 5:30 and John 13:12-17. How do these verses describe the humility of Christ and how do they correlate with Philippians 2:5-11?

Humility runs against our fleshly nature and everything society teaches us.

The world says we need to look out for number one. The Word tells us to be our sisters keeper and look out for the needs of others. To esteem others better than ourselves.

The world says, don’t let anyone tell us what to do. The Word says we are to submit to authority as well as to one another.

The world says, you have to fight for the top. The Word says we have to fight for the bottom.

The world says, don’t let anyone take advantage of you. The Word says, turn the other cheek.

The world teaches us humility is a sign of weakness. The Word tells us humility is a sign of strength.

4, Write out what you think Jesus left in order to take His place on earth as the Savior of the world.

5. According to verse 8, what is the correlation between humility and obedience?

Walking in humility often means death to ourselves. It’s not always easy or convenient to put others before ourselves; it’s not easy to turn the other cheek – to wash someone’s feet – to submit to authority. But Jesus gives us the ultimate example of what humility looks like – what humility does.

We take up our cross every time we walk in humility – every time we lay ourselves down in order to lift someone else up – every time we choose to lose an argument – each time we submit to those in authority (even if they’re hard to get along with and irrational).

How trifle our little crosses seem in light of the cross of Christ! When they mocked Jesus, He opened not His mouth. Yet we rise to defend ourselves the moment someone says something against us. Our feelings are hurt and our anger is stirred when someone else gets a promotion over us or when we’re asked to do the most menial tasks.

We really can’t fathom the depth of humility it required to leave Heaven’s throne and take center stage on this terrestrial ball called Earth – to be mocked and scourged by those He came to save – to go to the cross and die a sinner’s death. It’s beyond our comprehension. But Jesus did exactly that. There will never be a more profound expression of humility than the one Jesus left us from the cradle to the cross.

Oh, sweet friends, as I’m writing this, I’m overwhelmed a love so amazing! Yes, Jesus, Messiah. Name above all names. Blessed Redeemer – Immanuel!

Our text for today takes us on a journey of worship for all Jesus did for us – for demonstrating ultimate humility for our sakes.

6. Read Philippians 9-11. How can your heart bow to Jesus every time you chose to walk humbly before the Lord your God?

As we close today’s lesson, please take some time to thank Jesus for a love so amazing that He would humble Himself and go to the cross.

Please click here to listen to Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin. It’s time to worship, sweet friends!

It’s not too late to join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

4 Comments

  1. Humility. What a hard word for us to comprehend! I have a book by Andrew Murray titled with that very word: HUMILITY.

    He wrote it a long time ago – but the words are still true today! Here is an excerpt from chapter 2:

    “…What is then, or in what lies, the great struggle for eternal life? It all lies in the strife between pride and humility: pride and humility are the two master powers, the two kingdoms in strife for the eternal possession of man. There never was, nor ever will be, but one humility, and that is the one humility of Christ. Pride and self have the all of man, till man has his all from Christ.”

  2. Donna ~ You are SO right! Humility – a hard concept to grasp – a harder one to swallow! I love Andrew Murray and I love that quote.

    Thanks for sharing that with us! And know that I'm praying for you this weekend! (EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY, SWEET FRIEND!)

  3. The Humility of Jesus is so hard to fathom isn't it? The Son of God, who had everything, every power, supreme royalty, I cannot find enough adjectives to describe…yet he gave it all up, to live as a Servant – yet we do not see a weak person; I think sometimes as Christians we associate humility with weakness, bowing out, bowing down with inferior pride ironically – yet Jesus was so secure, so untainted, so knowing who God was, who He was – he did not need recognition, he did not need status – the LOVE of God his strength, this obedience.

    It's incredibly deep, yet very simple at the same time.

    There is a battle over humility, true humility isn't there?

    Thanks again Stephanie.

    Karen in NZ (MaturingDaily)

  4. I appreciate the prayers and have peace! I still have tons to do, but it is coming together. *hugs* Please pray specifically for us as as friend and I are leading worship Friday night. We want to follow HIS leading!

    Will share about the conference with you when I return and catch my breath. 🙂

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