who, being in the form of God, did not consider it to be robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  (9) Therefore God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.  (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Phillipians was written by the Apostle Paul from a prison probably in Rome.  Paul was born a Roman citizen and he invoked his right to be tried before Caesar – he had been accused by Jews of civil disobedience. Prior to this Paul had founded the church at Phillipi and he was exercising his pastoral authority by warning the early Chrisitians there of coming persecution because of their faith.

Paul used his own circumstance as a prisoner as an example of fortitude in face of danger and then turned to the suffering of Christ Jesus as the example of ultimate humility as opposed to self love.  This passage is about humility versus self esteem – our culture versus this Biblical teaching on humility.  The Bible does not advise us on building self esteem but rather how to lower our view of ourselves.

Christ voluntarily took on the nature of man – He did not cease to be true God but added a human nature to His divine nature. He was without sin but his body was human and subject to the results of the Fall (Adam) such as pain, aging, weariness, and death.  He came as a servant and died as a criminal.  His death was a shameful public death – keep in mind that Roman citizens were exempt from crucifixion.

Our text today is a narrative in itself. We are told that Christ put aside His divine essence and took on the essence of true man – He did not cease to be God, did not reduce His divine essence but added sinless humanity to His deity.  Our Lord did serve man as Savior but primarily He was obedient to the will of the Father.   Our verses lead to chapter 2 verse 11:  All will acknowledge Him as Lord.  Ultimately the glory of God is what is intended  – that is the goal of God and the Son of God.  Yes, we have been saved by the sacrifice of Christ but glory to God is the end.

We know the end and it is certain. The Father has exalted Christ Jesus above all things , showing that He accepted the perfect sacrifice Christ offered on our behalf. Every creature – some willing and some not so much – but ALL will bow before Christ Jesus and confess Him as Lord.