Jesus Christ, 8

~ Jesus Christ in Philippians ~

In the second chapter of the book of Philippians we find the three phases of Christ’s path.

From the Father to Bethlehem  ~  “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant” (Philippians 2:6-7a). 

From the Manger to the Cross  ~  “But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).

From the Grave to the Throne  ~  “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Each chapter of Philippians provides a different aspect of a Christian’s relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Theme (The Gospel of Christ)  ~  “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Our Employment (The Work of Christ)  ~  “Because for the work of Christ he [Epaphroditus] came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me” (Philippians 2:30).

Our Study (The Knowledge of Christ)  ~  “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

Our Strength (The Power of Christ)  ~  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).  

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW