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Philippians 2:5-8

Now, we come to the heart of the matter. Paul has been talking about unity. Now he shares a poem. Then he'll transition to talking about holiness. His point is that unity and holiness comes together in the story of Jesus.

Notes on Phil. 2:5-8

  • Verses 6-11 are a poem
  • This poem tells the story of Jesus, of who Jesus was before he was born, and of the choice he made.
  • This poem tells the story of the servant, as it echoes Isaiah chapters 40-55. That section of scripture is a collection of poems which describes Israel as a servant, then someone comes and does for them (and for the world) what they never could do.
  • This poem tells the story of how Jesus is reversing the story of Adam. Who else could verse 6 be referring to?
  • This poem tells the story of God. 
  • Jesus revealed God (and what it meant to be God in person).
  • Jesus redefines God.
  • So we have to refocus our ideas about who God is around Jesus. Have you ever had to do this?
  • This poem is helping Paul make the point that if we want to be united (as a community) and holy (as a community), we have to learn to think differently--to think like Jesus.
  • N.T. Wright also says, "For Paul, the cross is the ultimate revelation of the love of God" because as we look at the cross, we realize "this is what God himself did"
Reflection question: How does the story of Jesus reshape your personal understanding of God?

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