Study Questions - Series in Philippians [5]

Date: July 3, 2005
Passage: Philippians 2:5-11
Message: Descending into Greatness
Theme: Series in Philippians [5]

Read Philippians 2:5-11
What stands out to you in this passage?
This is regarded as one of the most glorious passages in the New Testament, yet in its context Paul is challenging us about unity in the Church.
How does this passage help us in terms of our relationship with one another?

…..in very nature God [v6]
Why is Jesus deity so important in Christian theology and practice?

…..equality with God not something to be grasped [v6]
Jesus was willing to let go of his privileged position.
An employer once said,
“If you want to find out what an employee is really like, don’t give him responsibilities, give him privileges.”
Why would he say that?

…..made himself nothing [v7]
Nothing!
How might this impact on our relationships?
Why do we quickly dismiss things like this as impractical to our lives or circumstances?

…..the nature of a servant [v7]
“One of the reasons we struggle to serve is that we don’t become slaves ‘by nature’.
We still think of service as a Christian duty.
We still think our service ought to be rewarded.
We still think slavery is about us.”
Discuss

…..he humbled himself and became obedient [v8]
“We have such a patronising view of this thing called HUMILITY.
What is it?

It’s hard to define but it’s easy to recognise.
You know why?
Humility gives someone the strength for obedience!”
What is it about genuine humility that would give us the resolve for obedience?

Spend time quietly meditating on the reality of v9-11
Write down one personal response that you can make to this in your life.