Daily Thoughts from Philippians (10): Empty Yourself – Philippians 2:5-11

Booker T. Washington was a renowned black educator. Shortly after he took over the presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.  The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute.

We need examples of true humility to guide us.  Paul realized that as he wrote the Philippians about having humility of mind, and he had the perfect example.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11, ESV) 

Paul gives the Philippians an example of the humility of mind that does not pursue its own agenda but considers others more important than self.  He gives the example of Jesus.

Jesus existed in the form of God.  By that Paul means Jesus, as God, was evident as God to all of heaven’s host, resplendent in all His glory, expressing as such all the divine attributes (infinite, eternal and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth) so that everyone knew He was the second person of the Trinity, God the Son.  But this obvious equality with God was not something Jesus chose to cling to.  Rather, he emptied himself of the right to display his glory and took the form of a servant.  He became a human being and submitted his will and the right to display his glory to the will of the Father.

As a human being he was able to die on the cross.  He gave up his rights and denied his own personal preference to live, all in order to rescue us.  He considered us more important than himself, considering our needs, not just his own, and became a sacrifice that paid the price of our guilt in order to set us free.  If he had not humbled himself we would be lost.  He pursued the kingdom of God above all else.

As a consequence, God the Father exalted him and his “name” was restored, so that all must acknowledge that he is God, still, of course, to the glory of God the Father.  Jesus taught us that whoever humbles himself would be exalted and he lived this principle to the max.  The implication is that if the Philippians and if we will humble ourselves and pursue the well-being of our brothers and sisters above our own, we too will be exalted.  If we submit petty squabbles to the overarching purpose of seeing the gospel make progress, God will reward us.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

1. What is your earliest memory?
2. What is your earliest memory of seeing someone who lived out Paul’s principle of humility, considering others more important than themselves and considering others needs, not just their own?
3. How would you describe what Jesus gave up to meet our need for a Savior?
4. Have you experienced humbling yourself and finding God exalting you?
5. Describe the difference between being made to bow one’s knee and acknowledge Jesus in the day of judgment and choosing to bow one’s knee now.
6. Where do you need to humble yourself and consider others more important than yourself and the cause of the gospel more critical than your own agenda?