October 2025
Messiah, 5 October 2025
02 10 25 Filed in: Sermons | Philippians
Messiah
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 5, 2025
Philippians 2:5-18
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Jesus the Messiah is our perfect example, the humble servant.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-8
There are two types of people in this world—those who like poetry and those who…
On the surface, poetry can be something for artists and literary types. “Who has time for fancy words?” one may ask. “Just get to the point!”
Whether you know it or not, you probably engage in poetry most every day. It might not be through poems, per se, but songs. Today we’re going to look at one of the most brilliant poems or possibly song lyrics in the Bible. They don’t rhyme—at least not in English—but they provide a vivid description of the most important human who as ever walked our planet.
We’re continuing our study of the short book of Philippians. Paul was one of the early church leaders. After persecuting Christians, he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus which led to his conversion and later to planting churches throughout the known world. Philippians was written by imprisoned Paul to a church in modern day Greece to encourage them. Last week’s text ended with words about humility. Today we begin with the fifth verse of the second chapter.
These next seven verses are the central theme of the entire book of Philippians. Some have called this the “Christ hymn,” perhaps an early church creed. A creed is a summary of one’s faith. We’ll examine an important creed in the new year.
Before we unpack these seven verses in detail, listen to the ancient poem.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:5, NLT)
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT)
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, NLT)
Listen to it again in a different translation (ESV).
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 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. (Philippians 2:5-8, ESV)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, ESV)
What word or phrase stood out to you? Let’s dive into the New International Version text.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5, NIV)
He’s our example. He’s the perfect model of what it means to be human, because he became one of us, which is incredible.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7, NIV)
This isn’t an exact comparison, but I like to this of this as Jesus’ Clark Kent move. If you know anything about Superman, you know he spent most of the time as a journalist with nerdy glasses. He set aside his cape and superhero powers to become a regular man, which is not unlike what Jesus did when he came to earth as a baby. Jesus is fully God and yet fully human, something known as the hypostatic union, one person with two natures. This is a mystery, for sure, but it can be seen throughout the Bible. He chose to serve us, teach us, and ultimately die for us to pay the penalty of our sins and failures.
Let’s go back and look at the text again.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7, NIV)
Jesus is God. He has always been God. We worship one God in three Person, Father, Son and Spirit. We call this the Trinity, three in one. It’s a mystery, but what’s also a mystery is why all-powerful God would choose to come to this broken, messed-up world and live among us. Forget the agony of dying on the cross, just living on earth for 33 years instead of heaven—what a step down! It says he made himself nothing. Who wants to sign up for that? He became a servant. God became a servant!
The Greek word for emptying is kenosis, a theological term used to describe Jesus emptying himself of his divine glory to become one of us…or maybe emptying his divinity into a human body.
Jesus didn’t stop being God, but became one of us, fully human. He was secure in his identity, which obviously includes being a servant. We know Jesus chose a humble, human existence to set an example for us to follow. As it says in the book of Hebrews,
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15)
God the Son willingly set aside power and privilege to become one of us, and that’s amazing. Some of you may remember the old Joan Osborne song “One of Us” from the 90’s. She sang, “What if God was one of us?” I want to reply, “He was! He is! He gets us!”
Which reminds me, most of you have seen the “He Gets Us” campaign. It has its critics, but I love it. It sends the powerful message that Jesus sees us, knows us, and gets us. He knows pain, loss, betrayal, and suffering better than anyone…and certainly better than any religious figure.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8, NIV)
The ultimate sacrifice is to die for another person, and Jesus died for us. He lived a perfect life but died because we’re not perfect. We need a Savior.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but rather thinking of yourself less. Christine Caine says humility is “not a character trait to be developed, it’s the natural by-product of being with Jesus.” Nobody has ever modeled humility better than Jesus and his self-sacrifice…all the way to death. As the old song says, “He gave his life/what more could he give/oh how he loves you/oh how he loves me/oh how he loves you and me.”
It would be bad news if we stopped with Jesus on the cross, but “He is Risen!”
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, NIV)
Two weeks ago we talked about paradox, and here’s one. Because of his humble obedience to go to the cross he was exalted. The Kingdom of God is upside down.
We’ve reflected upon Jesus through this brilliant poem of the Messiah which shows both Christ’s humiliation (incarnation, cross) and exaltation (resurrection, ascension, universal lordship). The gospel, the good news, in three words: Jesus is LORD.
So What?
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13)
Work out your salvation, like work out your body. We don’t work for our salvation, because Jesus paid the price on the cross. He saved every man, woman, and child that says yes to him and surrenders their lives to him. But we don’t stop the moment we say “yes” to Jesus. We need to develop our salvation. We need to grow, not just individually but as a church family. We need to follow daily. How? With fear and trembling! We fear, honor, and stand in awe of God…and submit to His will and plans.
Paul follows with clear, practical next steps for us all.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Philippians 2:14-15a)
I’m so glad every Christian in the USA has mastered this! Ha! It has been said that gossip and slander are the most dangerous threats in the church today. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
THINK (true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, kind) before you speak! This will guard against divisions and protect the unity Jesus prays for us today.
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:15b-18)
Here's Paul rejoicing yet again…from prison! The darker the world, the brighter the light of Christ will shine through us…if we get out of the way! We need to hold firmly to God and His word, the word of life. Jesus the Messiah is our perfect example, the humble servant. We need to know Jesus. We need to follow Jesus. We need to share Jesus, in word and deed…for his glory. Amen!
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 5, 2025
Philippians 2:5-18
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Jesus the Messiah is our perfect example, the humble servant.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-8
There are two types of people in this world—those who like poetry and those who…
On the surface, poetry can be something for artists and literary types. “Who has time for fancy words?” one may ask. “Just get to the point!”
Whether you know it or not, you probably engage in poetry most every day. It might not be through poems, per se, but songs. Today we’re going to look at one of the most brilliant poems or possibly song lyrics in the Bible. They don’t rhyme—at least not in English—but they provide a vivid description of the most important human who as ever walked our planet.
We’re continuing our study of the short book of Philippians. Paul was one of the early church leaders. After persecuting Christians, he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus which led to his conversion and later to planting churches throughout the known world. Philippians was written by imprisoned Paul to a church in modern day Greece to encourage them. Last week’s text ended with words about humility. Today we begin with the fifth verse of the second chapter.
These next seven verses are the central theme of the entire book of Philippians. Some have called this the “Christ hymn,” perhaps an early church creed. A creed is a summary of one’s faith. We’ll examine an important creed in the new year.
Before we unpack these seven verses in detail, listen to the ancient poem.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:5, NLT)
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT)
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, NLT)
Listen to it again in a different translation (ESV).
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 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. (Philippians 2:5-8, ESV)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, ESV)
What word or phrase stood out to you? Let’s dive into the New International Version text.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5, NIV)
He’s our example. He’s the perfect model of what it means to be human, because he became one of us, which is incredible.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7, NIV)
This isn’t an exact comparison, but I like to this of this as Jesus’ Clark Kent move. If you know anything about Superman, you know he spent most of the time as a journalist with nerdy glasses. He set aside his cape and superhero powers to become a regular man, which is not unlike what Jesus did when he came to earth as a baby. Jesus is fully God and yet fully human, something known as the hypostatic union, one person with two natures. This is a mystery, for sure, but it can be seen throughout the Bible. He chose to serve us, teach us, and ultimately die for us to pay the penalty of our sins and failures.
Let’s go back and look at the text again.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7, NIV)
Jesus is God. He has always been God. We worship one God in three Person, Father, Son and Spirit. We call this the Trinity, three in one. It’s a mystery, but what’s also a mystery is why all-powerful God would choose to come to this broken, messed-up world and live among us. Forget the agony of dying on the cross, just living on earth for 33 years instead of heaven—what a step down! It says he made himself nothing. Who wants to sign up for that? He became a servant. God became a servant!
The Greek word for emptying is kenosis, a theological term used to describe Jesus emptying himself of his divine glory to become one of us…or maybe emptying his divinity into a human body.
Jesus didn’t stop being God, but became one of us, fully human. He was secure in his identity, which obviously includes being a servant. We know Jesus chose a humble, human existence to set an example for us to follow. As it says in the book of Hebrews,
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15)
God the Son willingly set aside power and privilege to become one of us, and that’s amazing. Some of you may remember the old Joan Osborne song “One of Us” from the 90’s. She sang, “What if God was one of us?” I want to reply, “He was! He is! He gets us!”
Which reminds me, most of you have seen the “He Gets Us” campaign. It has its critics, but I love it. It sends the powerful message that Jesus sees us, knows us, and gets us. He knows pain, loss, betrayal, and suffering better than anyone…and certainly better than any religious figure.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8, NIV)
The ultimate sacrifice is to die for another person, and Jesus died for us. He lived a perfect life but died because we’re not perfect. We need a Savior.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but rather thinking of yourself less. Christine Caine says humility is “not a character trait to be developed, it’s the natural by-product of being with Jesus.” Nobody has ever modeled humility better than Jesus and his self-sacrifice…all the way to death. As the old song says, “He gave his life/what more could he give/oh how he loves you/oh how he loves me/oh how he loves you and me.”
It would be bad news if we stopped with Jesus on the cross, but “He is Risen!”
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, NIV)
Two weeks ago we talked about paradox, and here’s one. Because of his humble obedience to go to the cross he was exalted. The Kingdom of God is upside down.
We’ve reflected upon Jesus through this brilliant poem of the Messiah which shows both Christ’s humiliation (incarnation, cross) and exaltation (resurrection, ascension, universal lordship). The gospel, the good news, in three words: Jesus is LORD.
So What?
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13)
Work out your salvation, like work out your body. We don’t work for our salvation, because Jesus paid the price on the cross. He saved every man, woman, and child that says yes to him and surrenders their lives to him. But we don’t stop the moment we say “yes” to Jesus. We need to develop our salvation. We need to grow, not just individually but as a church family. We need to follow daily. How? With fear and trembling! We fear, honor, and stand in awe of God…and submit to His will and plans.
Paul follows with clear, practical next steps for us all.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Philippians 2:14-15a)
I’m so glad every Christian in the USA has mastered this! Ha! It has been said that gossip and slander are the most dangerous threats in the church today. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
THINK (true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, kind) before you speak! This will guard against divisions and protect the unity Jesus prays for us today.
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:15b-18)
Here's Paul rejoicing yet again…from prison! The darker the world, the brighter the light of Christ will shine through us…if we get out of the way! We need to hold firmly to God and His word, the word of life. Jesus the Messiah is our perfect example, the humble servant. We need to know Jesus. We need to follow Jesus. We need to share Jesus, in word and deed…for his glory. Amen!