Henderson Hills Baptist Church

The Life of Christ 
(continued)

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,  6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,  being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under theearth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:5-11 ESV

We are looking this week at the exaltation of Christ found in Philippians 2:5-11.  In review, yesterday we saw that Paul clearly outlines Christ’s life in these few verses.  Jesus has always been fully God.  He poured Himself out of heaven.  He was incarnated, He became human.  He died in our place.  And, He reigns as Lord of all.  What incredible truths are found inthis passage.  What life changing lessons to learn.  Jesus is Lord.  Christ’s humiliation leads to His exaltation.  God poured Himself out of heaven, made Himself nothing, and served us by dying on the cross.  He went from glory to poverty, life to death, heaven to a manger, the atmosphere of angels to the stench of animals, therefore, God has highly exalted His Son. 

Because of the sacrifice Jesus made, God the Father gave Him a title, a name that is above every other name.  This name reveals a status never before experienced.  Jesus was given the title Lord.  Paul’s point is that the ultimate servant became the supreme ruler.Jesus has been given many names and titles, such as, Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man, King of the Jews, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, Cornerstone,Mediator, Bread of Life, Door, God with us, Chief Shepherd and many more.  In fact, we find in Scripture over 300 names or titles for Jesus.  But,there is a name that is above every other name, the name Lord. 

What does Lord mean? Jesus is the Master, the King, the Undisputed Head, the Owner, and the Ruler of our lives.  Lordship deals with position and authority.  The position is the highest position ever known.  The authority is the absolute highest authority. Because Jesus is Lord, He alone deserves our highest trust, respect, and obedience.  The fact that Jesus is Lord means that we follow His leadership, we submit to His authority, and we willingly, joyfully obey Him.

Titles are very important in life and relationships.  Think of the titles you refer to people, Mother, Father, Teacher, President, Boss, to name just a few.  Jesus is Lord.  Do you recognize that title today?  Are you joyfully obeying Him in all that He has called you to obey today?Are you following His leadership, submitting to His authority?  Ponder these questions and consider your response. How does your life reflect that Jesus is Lord?

2 Peter 3:18 

Dennis

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