Self Emptying: Philippians 2:5-7
“5) Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6) who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7) but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7
The “self emptying” of Jesus Christ described in these verses contain one of the greatest theological mysteries in the entire Bible. It is based on the Greek word “Kenoo.” It is an emptying that results in a permanent new state.
When Jesus emptied Himself of equality with the Father to take on the likeness of man, it was a long term commitment. For example, is Jesus omnipresent today? Technically, He is standing at the right hand of the Father. (Acts 7:56) He is present with us through the Holy Spirit.
The self emptying included leaving heaven to come to earth, stepping out of eternity and entering into time, laying aside Deity to take on humanity and moving from immortality to mortality for the sake of dying on a cross. Scholars and Bible students alike are fascinated with the full implications the self emptying of Jesus for the purpose of human redemption.
Yet, during His ministry public, Jesus performed many signs and wonders associated with Divine nature. Multiple times He displayed words of knowledge and had authority over demons, sickness, disease and even the natural environment. He changed the weather and walked on water.
The big question is; “to what extent does the Holy Spirit allow us to share in His divine nature as manifest while on earth?” (See 2 Peter 1:4) Through the “kenoo”, He became what we are apart from the fallen human nature, that we might become what He is.”
This is the other side of the coin. The indwelling Holy Spirit transforms us into His glorious state. According to 1 John 3:1-2, when He comes we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is and be like Him. But beloved, now we are children of God. The morphosis begins in this life.
At the moment of salvation, we are transformed out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of His beloved Son. (Colossians 1:9-14) Permanent change and transformation begins immediately by the inner working of the Holy Spirit.
This is the basis for relational change between believers. The indwelling Holy Spirit changes us from self centeredness to Christ likeness. That change should show up in every human relationship. That is why Paul included this discussion in the context of transformed relationships.
We should go through a self emptying in our life and our relationships the way Jesus did. The old self is gone and the new self begins to emerge and take over. This new self is created in the likeness of God. (See Ephesians 4:29-24)
Now, apply this to the discussion of key relationships according to the context of Philippians 1-2. Paul is not asking us to try harder or do better, he is expecting us to be transformed by the inner working of the Holy Spirit into new people. This transformation should infuse agape love into our relationships and radically change them.
If your relationships are falling apart, the change must begin in you. Invite the Holy to radically and permanently change you. The change in you will begin to impact your relationships.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“5) Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6) who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7) but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7
The “self emptying” of Jesus Christ described in these verses contain one of the greatest theological mysteries in the entire Bible. It is based on the Greek word “Kenoo.” It is an emptying that results in a permanent new state.
When Jesus emptied Himself of equality with the Father to take on the likeness of man, it was a long term commitment. For example, is Jesus omnipresent today? Technically, He is standing at the right hand of the Father. (Acts 7:56) He is present with us through the Holy Spirit.
The self emptying included leaving heaven to come to earth, stepping out of eternity and entering into time, laying aside Deity to take on humanity and moving from immortality to mortality for the sake of dying on a cross. Scholars and Bible students alike are fascinated with the full implications the self emptying of Jesus for the purpose of human redemption.
Yet, during His ministry public, Jesus performed many signs and wonders associated with Divine nature. Multiple times He displayed words of knowledge and had authority over demons, sickness, disease and even the natural environment. He changed the weather and walked on water.
The big question is; “to what extent does the Holy Spirit allow us to share in His divine nature as manifest while on earth?” (See 2 Peter 1:4) Through the “kenoo”, He became what we are apart from the fallen human nature, that we might become what He is.”
This is the other side of the coin. The indwelling Holy Spirit transforms us into His glorious state. According to 1 John 3:1-2, when He comes we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is and be like Him. But beloved, now we are children of God. The morphosis begins in this life.
At the moment of salvation, we are transformed out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of His beloved Son. (Colossians 1:9-14) Permanent change and transformation begins immediately by the inner working of the Holy Spirit.
This is the basis for relational change between believers. The indwelling Holy Spirit changes us from self centeredness to Christ likeness. That change should show up in every human relationship. That is why Paul included this discussion in the context of transformed relationships.
We should go through a self emptying in our life and our relationships the way Jesus did. The old self is gone and the new self begins to emerge and take over. This new self is created in the likeness of God. (See Ephesians 4:29-24)
Now, apply this to the discussion of key relationships according to the context of Philippians 1-2. Paul is not asking us to try harder or do better, he is expecting us to be transformed by the inner working of the Holy Spirit into new people. This transformation should infuse agape love into our relationships and radically change them.
If your relationships are falling apart, the change must begin in you. Invite the Holy to radically and permanently change you. The change in you will begin to impact your relationships.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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