This morning (the 7th) our pastor gave an advent sermon on a passage not usually used for such, but I'm not sure why it isn't. It is one of the most important Christological passages, but in a sense the "hymn" (as it is believed to be) is sort of a pericope between two passages of instruction. Our pastor used a translation that states verse 6 as "did not consider his status as God something to be exploited," an interesting rendition. This passage touched me deeply about my own seeking for status and lack of anything looking like humility!
But in reflection on Advent and the Nativity, the absolute lowliness must never be forgotten in the discussion of a unique star and Three Kings. His parents were poor and temporarily homeless. Our spending at Christmas mocks this reality, I fear.
Instruction/Admonition: Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Pericope: The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 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, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Return to Admonition: Light Bearers
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Return to me:
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