Philippians 2:5-11

Definition

Philippians 2:5-11 is a passage from the New Testament that emphasizes the humility and exaltation of Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to adopt the same attitude as Christ. This scripture is significant in understanding the dual nature of Christ, portraying Him as both fully divine and fully human, and serving as a foundational text in discussions about His identity and nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Philippians 2:5-11 presents a hymn-like structure, emphasizing the nature of Christ's humility and His obedience to death on a cross.
2. The passage highlights the paradox of Christ being both lowly and exalted, demonstrating how God highly exalted Him after His sacrifice.
3. This scripture has been pivotal in shaping Christological debates about the nature of Jesus and His relationship to God the Father.
4. The call for believers to have the same mindset as Christ implies a strong ethical directive rooted in humility and service to others.
5. Philippians 2:5-11 serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian principle that true greatness comes through humility and sacrificial love.

Review Questions

• How does Philippians 2:5-11 contribute to our understanding of the dual nature of Christ?
  • Philippians 2:5-11 plays a crucial role in illustrating the dual nature of Christ by portraying Him as both fully divine and fully human. The passage begins by encouraging believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who humbled Himself despite His divine status. This humility is demonstrated through His incarnation and ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing that while He was equal with God, He chose to take on human form and submit to death, showcasing His obedience. Thus, this scripture is essential for understanding how these two natures coexist within the person of Jesus.
• Discuss the significance of the kenosis concept as it relates to Philippians 2:5-11.
  • The concept of kenosis is significant in understanding Philippians 2:5-11 because it addresses how Jesus voluntarily emptied Himself of His divine privileges to fulfill His mission on Earth. This self-emptying is illustrated in the passage where Jesus took on the form of a servant and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death. This theological perspective helps clarify the nature of Christ's incarnation and emphasizes His willingness to lower Himself for humanity's sake, making it central to discussions about His identity and purpose.
• Evaluate how Philippians 2:5-11 influences contemporary discussions about Christian ethics and leadership.
  • Philippians 2:5-11 significantly influences contemporary discussions about Christian ethics and leadership by promoting humility as a core value for believers. The passage not only recounts Christ's humility but also calls on Christians to mirror this attitude in their lives, suggesting that true leadership is rooted in service rather than power. By presenting Jesus' example of sacrificial love and obedience, this scripture encourages leaders today to prioritize the needs of others, fostering communities based on mutual respect and selflessness. This teaching continues to challenge modern notions of leadership and success within various spheres of life.

Related terms

Kenosis: The theological concept that describes Christ's self-emptying of His divine attributes when He became human.

Incarnation:

The doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, embodying both divine and human natures.

Christological Heresies: Misunderstandings or deviations from orthodox beliefs regarding the nature and identity of Christ, such as Arianism or Nestorianism.