Pastor Paul Fowler shares Part 6 in our Spring series “The Book of Philippians”.

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Reflection & Discussion

Read: Philippians 2:5-11. Pray for your study time.

Observation & Understanding

What does "emptied Himself" mean? According to verses 6-7, what did Jesus retain, and what did He set aside or take on?
What does "in very nature God" (v. 6) imply about Jesus, and how does this affect the weight of his humility?
What was the nature of Christ's obedience? How far did it extend (v. 8)?
What is the result of Christ's humility? How does the passage describe God’s response to Jesus’ obedience (vv. 9-11)?
Who will bow the knee, and what is the significance of this universal confession of lordship (v. 10)?

Interpretation & Reflection

How does this passage serve as the perfect illustration for Paul's instructions regarding unity in Philippians 2:2-4?
How does Jesus' example of humility challenge modern notions of success, power, and individualism?
What is the intersection of doctrine and practice in this passage?
How should understanding Christ’s divinity change our practical daily lives?
What does "having the mind of Christ" mean (v. 5), and how does it contradict our natural human tendency to seek self-interest?

Application

How can you specifically imitate Christ's humility in your interactions with family, friends, or coworkers this week?
Where are you struggling to treat others as more important than yourself? How can you apply this passage to that scenario?
When you want to argue or get angry, how can you apply this text to cultivate unity?
Can you identify what might be an "idol" in your life? What steps can you take to prioritize Christ’s lordship over your own ambitions?