Philippians 2:9-11

Ok, back from that Facebook nonsense.

It should be remembered that when Paul turns to Jesus in 2:5–11 he is doing so in order to provide his readers with the ultimate model to imitate. (Of course, Jesus is more than just the model for, he is also the ground of kingdom living.) This point is important to remember for it helps explain why Paul emphasizes what he does. He wants the Church to be “like-minded” (2:2); regard “others as being more important than yourself” (2:3); to look “out for the concerns of others” (2:4). Jesus did all of these things. His obedience (2:8) proved his agreement with the Father; his humility in assuming human form and marching forward to a wretched death demonstrated his self-effacing and compassionate existence. God’s response to Jesus’ actions, then, is one of which Christians who walk in Jesus’ way can also expect to be similar recipients.

[Interestingly, Paul has presented his own sacrificial ministry in much the same terms he uses to describe Jesus’. In 1:23, it will be recalled, he expresses his desire “to depart and be with Christ”; however, he determines to “remain and continue with you all.” Of course Paul wasn’t, like Jesus was, equal to God, but the apostle does give up presence with the exalted Lord in order to minister to the Philippians. This is his act of obedience. And what is the result of it? Like Jesus’ service meant glory to God, Paul’s service causes the Philippians “to glory in Christ Jesus” (1:26). A very fascinating parallel!]

As a result of [“wherefore”] Jesus’ obedience unto death, God exalted him. This is a reminder that God’s ways are so different from the ways that define our ordinary existence in society. Typically, we are only rewarded when we assert ourselves and push our way to the top, whatever the consequences to bystanders, and we long to imitate those who embody this lifestyle. Jesus, though, does not exalt himself but is exalted by the Father; it happens, moreover, only when he submits in humility.

Along with exalting him [progression] God gave him a name that is preeminent. He blessed him with authority—the same authority he had willingly given up in the incarnation. What a turn of events! But the authority vested in his name has the aim [purpose clause, “in order”] that all beings everywhere submit themselves in worship of and acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord. Interestingly, this picture depicts the very like-mindedness among God’s creatures that Paul wishes for his Church at Philippi to possess. Fixation on Christ is the only way to accomplish like-mindedness among God’s people. For, after all, it is God’s will. This we see in the result that flows forth from praise of Jesus.

The end of acknowledgment and reverence of Jesus is that “glory is given to God the Father” (2:11). This is not only the result but it is also the purpose of God’s investing Jesus with such authority. We are not merely expressing praise to Jesus who died for us but we are also worshiping the Father who gave us existence and orchestrated our salvation. Our salvation will also one day culminate in exaltation, but that is for God to accomplish; it remains for us to wait upon him in a humble and sacrificial love of one another as Jesus did.