Christ, the Great Example
Jesus' humility is an example for us to follow, as He willingly gave up His rights to come to earth as the Saviour.
Theodore Epp emphasizes that Jesus, though equal with God, willingly set aside His rights to express His divine attributes during His earthly ministry to become the Savior of the world. He highlights the distinction between being humiliated and choosing to humble oneself, noting that Jesus voluntarily took a lower position out of love for humanity. Epp encourages believers to adopt the same attitude of humility, as the Bible teaches the importance of esteeming others above oneself and the grace given to the humble. The sermon draws on key scriptures that illustrate the contrast between pride and humility, urging Christians to follow Christ's example.
Text
Philippians 2:5-11
It is apparent that there was some element of Jesus' equality with God that He was willing to set aside during His earthly ministry.
One cannot give up the qualities of his inner nature, but he can relinquish the right, in some respects, to outwardly express his inner nature.
Even though Christ was God Himself and had the right to display His attributes, He willingly gave up this right in order to come to earth to be the Saviour of the world.
He did not cease being in the form of God as to His inner nature, but He gave up being equal with God as far as the expression of some of His attributes was concerned.
Remember that the Father did not humble Jesus Christ; He humbled Himself. There is a vast difference between being humiliated and willingly humbling oneself.
Jesus Christ voluntarily took a lower position because of His love for us. And this is the same kind of attitude that should characterize those of us who know Jesus Christ as Saviour.
The Bible has much to say about both pride and humility. James 4:6,10 says, "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' . . . Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you" (NASB).
First Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." (NASB). Matthew 23:12 says, "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted" (NASB).
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil. 2:3).
Sermon Outline
- Christ's Humility
- Jesus' equality with God
- Jesus' willingness to set aside His rights
- Jesus' example for us
Key Quotes
“He did not cease being in the form of God as to His inner nature, but He gave up being equal with God as far as the expression of some of His attributes was concerned.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We should strive to have the same kind of attitude as Jesus, which is one of love and humility.
- We should be willing to set aside our rights and privileges in order to serve others.
- We should humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord and seek His exaltation.