Philippians 2:5-7 Christmas part 3: Emptied

Philippians 2:5-7  “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (NASB)

Have you considered the pre-thinking of the birth of Jesus?  You know, what was it He thought of the whole idea?  Scripture gives us some insight into what was considered and perhaps more importantly what was NOT considered prior to the incarnation of Christ.

This passage in Philippians explores what is known as the “Kenosis”.  This concept comes from the Greek word kenoō translated here, “Emptied”.  The doctrine of Kenosis is this idea that Jesus the eternal second person of the triune God came to earth in the form of man.  He did this having “Emptied Himself” of some aspects of his deity in order to make it possible.  The nature and extent of this emptying is fodder for debate and discussion but several things are clear. 

First, Jesus made the decision.  Jesus, “Emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant …”  So whether it was in obedience to the Father it was Jesus that did the deed.  He did the emptying.

Second, although Jesus became a man during this incarnation, He remained God.  We say that He is fully God and fully man at the same time.  His life demonstrated that both his divinity and his humanity were at work.  As a man he was tempted, he became hungry and ate, he became tired and needed sleep and etc.  At the same time he was fully God maintaining control over his creation, casting out demons, healing the sick and even raising the dead.

But the key thing I’d like to point out about his decision or thinking comes from the phrase, “Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”.  Jesus gave Himself up to this emptying even though He didn’t have to.  He, “Did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”.  That is He didn’t hold on to it, He let it go.  His choice; let go.

Jesus coming to earth in the form of man as the baby Jesus born of Mary in an animal stall was His choice. It was His gift to us. He gave up His cushy place in heaven to put on flesh and walk among us for 33 years enduring all we endure. But, He endured even more, He not only surrendered when he became a man but he surrendered to the crucifixion though he had not sinned. His life and His death are the ultimate Christmas gifts to us. AMEN!

Ephesians 4:11-12 Pastor, Blessing from God

Ephesians 4:11-12  “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,  for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (NASB)

"He", God gave special gifts to the Church according to the Apostle Paul.  Those gifts were men with the ability to help the Church along.  The list includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and their purpose is stated as, “Equipping”.   

When I was in high school I played football.  When I showed up for the first practice I had a pair of shoes a t-shirt and some gym shorts.  I was not equipped to play football.  Along the way however we took turns with Mr. Bray and one of the coaches in the equipment room selecting and fitting the necessary equipment.  Once equipped properly I could go out and practice the game effectively.

Those men given by God to the Church as a gift are like the equipment manager and coach getting each of us ready to play the game.  In this day it is said the two offices that remain are pastor and teacher.  Many times this is the same person with two different roles.  At our local church Pastor Joey refers to himself as pastor/teacher which reflects his shepherding and instructing.

We could spend a lot of time dissecting the various words used interchangeably in scripture for this office in the church.  Instead today I’d like to focus on the purpose of the gift.

The passage says that there is a reason for, “Equipping of the saints”.  That’s us by the way, “The saints”.  We are being equipped for, “The work of service” and specifically, “To the building up of the body of Christ”.  So the time and effort our pastor/teacher spends is to stimulate us to serve.  When we do, the Church, “The body of Christ” is strengthened; built up like a body builder lifting weights.

If you are in a healthy local church with a Bible teaching pastor/teacher you are truly blessed by God.  Consider what his work is doing in your life and toward the health of your church.  Give thanks to God for the gift of your pastor/teacher.  You might express your thanks to him too ... as an encouragement!  AMEN!