-Philippians 2:5-8 is one of the Theological hot-beds in the Christian Faith. Much of the discussion, debate and divergence of opinions rest on a single greek word “kenoo”, a derivative of “kenos”, which literally means “empty”. Verse 7 says “Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men…” Arising out of this, Theologians have named the discussion the “Kenosis Theory” and have proceeded to offer several different and often times conflicting interpretations of its exact meaning. Did Jesus empty Himself of all of His Divinity, some of His Divinity or none of His Divinity when He came to earth? Was there a fusion of His human and Divine natures? Or did they co-exist in separate compartments, allowing Him to call on either at will? These are but an introduction to the controversies surrounding the “Kenosis Theory”. However, it would appear that the Apostle Paul wanted to place his emphasis on verse 5. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” As verses 6-9 will demonstrate, the characteristics of the mind of Christ are obedience to the Father’s will, and humility. But the admonitions did not begin in verse 5. Verses 2-4 read, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” To help us better understand where Paul was coming from, verses 20 & 21 provide a revealing background. “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” Here Paul was referring to some other Believers who should by then have been mature and grounded enough to represent him to the Church at Philippi. Not so says Paul, and with the exception of Timothy, he paints a most unfortunate picture of these Believers.. The Philippian church seems to have been his favorite group of Believers. This Church ministered to him more than any other Church. This Church carried out his instructions in his presence, and even more so in his absence. It seemed to have been a predominantly Gentile Church, with more than its fair share of prominent women. The Jewish legalists seemed to have been absent from this Church. It appears that he visited this Church more than any other Church. For these reasons and more, Paul wanted the best for the Church at Philippi, and was disappointed that he could not find more worthy mature Believers to minister to their needs on his behalf in his absence. The Kingdom of God is based on values of a Christian servanthood philosophy. “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11). At the heart of service is an appreciation of what God has done for us, despite the fact that we deserved nothing. As I meditate on where I was without Christ, the fact that God owed me nothing, and yet sacrificed His life to give me everything, the very least that I can do to say thanks to Him, is to serve others. And it really does not matter too much how I am rated or ranked even by those whom I serve. It is enough that I am allowed to serve, because although the visible service is to man, my actual service is to God. It is seen as a fitting sacrifice with an ascending sweet aroma, acceptable by Him. “…Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty… and not help You?’ “Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.” (Matthew 24:44-45) And so with an exhortation to obedience to God, and humility in service, the Apostle Paul cites the greatest example of all time. Jesus, “who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8)
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 14:55:25 +0000