The Exalted Christ
Philippians 2:9-13 (part 3)
Good morning.
Bowing is a sign of respect or submission to a higher authority, often done before a King or a ruler.
Bowing used to be a custom in the United States, where people bowed while being introduced to someone as a greeting.
But bowing fell out of fashion, along with the curtsy and both were replaced by a handshake instead.
According to nippon.com, “The word rei can mean to “bow,” as well as “etiquette” more widely, a reflection of this single action’s central importance to good manners in Japan.
Originally directed at people of higher rank, the symbolic submission of the vulnerable head indicated that the bower had no hostile intent.”
Please open your Bibles to Philippians 2, as we continue in our verse-by-verse study of Paul’s Epistle to the Church at Philippi.
Last week was part two of a series, on Philippians 2:5-11, the Apostle Paul wrote, as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Commentators refer to these verses as a hymn or a poem, written by the Apostle Paul. This hymn tells us to have the Mind of Christ, and there is also a breakdown of the character of Jesus.
The portion of scripture we looked at last week leaves no room for doubt that Jesus is God in the flesh, who humbly became a man, to visit Earth, take the Cross, and save lost sinners.
The word “being” in Philippians 2:6 tells us that Jesus, “being in the form of God”, happened before Bethlehem and Jesus remained God throughout His incarnation.
Jesus possesses the unique and identical qualities that make God, God. Jesus Christ is the very substance of God because Jesus Christ is in His very being, God.
Then we learned “no reputation” in the NKJV of Philippians 2:7, which says in the NASU, “But emptied Himself.”
The correct theology about Jesus coming to Earth is the Hypostatic Union, which teaches Jesus is fully God and fully man and did not give up any divine attributes while on Earth.
Wiersbe said, “It is only in Jesus Christ that the invisible God is revealed perfectly. Since no mere creature can perfectly reveal God, Jesus Christ must be God.”
So, last week we ended, talking about the absolute humility of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This morning, we will hear how the Father responded to the obedience and humility of Christ.
I. The Super Exalted One.
Read Philippians 2:9
In our world, there are some very powerful people, such as leaders of nations, sports idols, social media influencers, and the list goes on from there.
By definition, influence is the capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, and influence can be used for good or evil.
We are told Jesus is “Highly exalted” in Philippians 2:9 and “Highly exalted” can be translated as super exalted.
Matthew Poole said, “The Greek elegancy imports super exalted, or exalted with all exaltation.” (Matthew Poole)
If there were a totem pole of the hierarchy of powers in the entire universe, Jesus would be at the very top, a billion feet above, anybody or anything else.
Some claim there are over 50 names of God the Father and well over 130 names for Jesus Himself, but I believe there are many more than that.
Philippians 2:9 seems to indicate, that there is no other name ever given that is higher than the name of Jesus.
Shakespeare’s Romeo?and?Juliet play has a line that says, “What's in a name?”?
In other words, what effect does a name have on a person?
Mary Young said, “As important as names are to us in our culture, they were even more significant in biblical times.”
Names in ancient cultures not only identified a person, but names also reflected the nature and character of the person.
For example, Elisha means "God is salvation", Daniel means "God is my judge", and Isaiah means "The Lord is salvation."
Barnabas was called "son of encouragement". He was given this name by the apostles who valued his compassionate nature.
Just as biblical names often reflect the essence, character, and nature of a person, the names of God do the same thing.
The Father highly exalted Jesus and gave Him a name that goes beyond anything, ever given before.
Joshua in the Old Testament means Yahweh is salvation, and Jesus in the New Testament means the same thing, Yahweh is salvation.”
Again, Jesus’ name means Yahweh is salvation and His name is far above any other name.
David Guzik said, “Given Him the name which is above every name’, this goes beyond giving Jesus the Divine name Yahweh.”
He also said, “There is no higher name than Yahweh and Jesus has that name.”
God the Father has chosen to give Jesus a name, that has no rivals and is far greater than any other name in the universe.
John Walvoord said, “The term, “the name” means not simply a title given, but all that the title represents by way of office, attainment, rank, or dignity.”
“Hence “the name” of God includes all that the majesty of God represents”.
Not only does Jesus have a name above every other name, but He also has influence that surpasses anything or anybody else on the planet.
I said, “Influence can be defined as the ability to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.”
Jesus is a gentleman and will not force Himself on someone.
The same Jesus who willingly submitted Himself to the will of the Father, took the form of a bondservant, and died a criminal’s death, is now exalted above anything else in creation as King.
II. Submission to the King.
Read Philippians 2:10-11
First notice that Philippians 2:10 says every knee should bow.
Because of who Jesus is and the lengths that He went to save lost sinners, (God humbled Himself to come in the form of a slave to pay sin’s price), Jesus deserves adoration and praise.
So, every person ought to bow at the feet of Jesus, since He is above everything and anything else in all of creation.
But there is more to this statement than simply stating that we should bow as a response, because someday everyone will bow down to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Notice the list of the people who will bow in adoration to Jesus.
There are the heavenly hosts, those who have died in Christ, in heaven, the people who are still alive on the earth, and the lost souls who are in Hades waiting for judgment, will all bow.
In these verses, the Apostle Paul was proclaiming that Jesus is the One of whom Isaiah prophesied about.
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath. NKJV
Walvoord, “The name of Jesus is the name of the Person who is supremely sovereign, before whom all creatures must bow.”
Ultimately, Isaiah 45:23 is speaking of the ultimate triumph of Jesus, at the end of time when every creature will bow in submission and respect, whether by choice or by force.
Homer Kent said, “Paul does not imply by this a universal salvation but means that every personal being will ultimately confess Christ’s lordship, either with joyful faith or with resentment and despair.” (Kent)
Someday, all of creation will recognize and submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
When will this happen?
The next step within the prophetic timeline is when Jesus breaks open the clouds and raptures His Bride, the Church, to take us to heaven to enjoy the Lamb’s Supper.
While the Lamb’s Supper is happening in heaven, a seven-year Tribulation period is happening on Earth, against those who reject Christ.
After the Tribulation period, Jesus comes to Earth for the Battle of Armageddon against the nations who rebel against the King.
Revelation 19:17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,
Revelation 19:18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." NKJV
After Armageddon, the Church will rule and reign with Jesus for a thousand years, which will be known as the Millennial Kingdom, here on Earth.
Following the Millennial rule of Christ on Earth, then there will be a Great White Throne Judgment for every soul who rejected Jesus as Savior.
Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
Revelation 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. NKJV
If you have received Christ as your Lord and Savior, your name is written in the Book of Life so, you will not have to go through the Great White Throne judgment.
At the Great White Throne judgment, those not listed in the Book of Life will be judged according to their works.
Those who refuse to accept the free offering of Christ by faith, will by default, be judged, but this will not be a trial for these people, the facts are already in, and this is simply a sentencing.
Re-read Philippians 2:11
John Walvoord said, “This leads to the conclusion that all men, whether righteous or unrighteous, and all angels, whether holy or fallen, will someday be forced to confess and bow before the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. NKJV
This is important: Salvation is received on this side of eternity before someone dies because after death it will be too late.
So, what must I do to be saved?
Romans 10:9 if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. NKJV
Philippians 2:11 says that every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord, but Romans 10:9 is not simply lip service as we confess with our mouths, because we must also believe in our hearts.
The word believe is an action word because to believe means we respond to a truth we have heard.
A person should call on the name of the Lord and admit they have sinned against God. A person should admit they need Him to forgive them to escape eternal death.
A person should ask Jesus to take over their life, so He becomes Lord and King, as they turn away from their sin and turn to the Lord.
III. The cooperation of a believer.
Read Philippians 2:12-13
Paul starts this exhortation with the word, “Therefore”, which gives the reason for Christians to work out their salvation, with fear and trembling.
Because Jesus went through the humility of coming as a man and died for our sins, so we should work out our salvation.
Because the Father has highly exalted Christ, we should as a love response, are to work out our salvation.
Paul calls these believers, “my beloved” using the term of affection towards them rather than using his spiritual authority.
Paul reminds them of their faithful obedience, not only while he was with them, but even more when he was not there.
When reading Philippians 2:12 we must also remember…
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. NKJV
Grace is receiving God’s riches at Christ’s expense; however, Grace is also the Lord exerting holy influence upon a soul.
Grace turns us to Christ, keeps, strengthens, and increases our faith, knowledge, and affection, and enables us to exercise Christian virtues.
There is cooperation between believers and the Lord when it comes to fulfilling His call in our lives. It amazes me how the Lord has called His followers into a partnership with Him.
The words “work out” of course are verbs, or action words, which mean to achieve or accomplish.
“Although salvation is a work of God for man in the nature of a gift, the outworking of the new life in Christ requires a response of obedience and faith on the part of the believer.” (Walvoord)
Our PART: Philippians 2:12, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. In the original language, fear means respect and trembling means quaking with fear.
Outline of Biblical Usage, “Fear and trembling are used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty.” (Outline of Biblical Usage)
God's PART: Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. NKJV
These words are not for unbelievers, because unbelievers cannot do any work that could please the Lord, and we know it is God who does the work of salvation for us.
This exhortation to work is for believers in Christ, to respond and live in the new life in Christ, showing the fruits of salvation.
John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. NKJV
Notice Paul did not say to work out the salvation of someone you are watching, he was exhorting these believers to be concerned with their walk with Christ first and foremost.
Warren Wiersbe said, "Salvation includes a threefold work: 1. the work God does for us—salvation; 2. the work God does in us—sanctification; 3. the work God does through us—service."
“After all, this is the real basis for joyful Christian fellowship, to have God at work in our lives, day by day.” (Wiersbe)
Then notice Paul said, “Both to will and to do.”
God’s work in His followers is to transform us, to give us the desire to do His will, and the desire for our actions to back up what we say.
Paul said the Lord does the work in us “For His good pleasure”.
God does work in us because it gives Him pleasure to see His Children, walking in His will, walking in His Spirit, and enjoying the Abundant Life.
IV. Practical Application.
We should give Jesus the worship that He deserves and we should also serve Him in the way He desires, as we live with the hope that the One who died for us is coming back for us.
The next sound you hear may be the voice of the trumpet calling you home but only if you have believed in Jesus as your Savior.
Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
Revelation 4:3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.
Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
Revelation 4:5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Revelation 4:6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. NKJV
During the Revelation, when John saw heaven, his focus was on God seated on the throne. God appeared as a Jasper and Sardius stone. There was also an emerald rainbow around the throne.
As John looks at God’s throne, it is a reminder to us not to be so attached to earth.
Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"
Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." NKJV
I said, “Bowing is a sign of respect or submission to a higher authority, often done before a King or a ruler.”
Our humble God came in the likeness of man and died a criminal’s death. Jesus is above all things and His power and majesty cannot be denied.
This Holy and Exalted God, who has a name above any other name in creation, invites us to freely come into this amazing throne room any time we desire, to fellowship and find grace.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. NKJV
The Holy Spirit didn’t give us this teaching for head knowledge.
Jesus came and humbled Himself to save us, and in Philippians 2:11 He says, “To the glory of God the Father.”
Re-read Philippians 2:10-11
Every person will either kneel and confess Jesus as Lord here and now, or they will bow at the judgment. The difference is worshipping Him as Lord, Savior, and friend, in love for Him.
Or bowing and kneeling before Him as the righteous judge.
The Holy Spirit gave us this description of Jesus to equip us through hardships.
The Holy Spirit gave us this description of Jesus to teach us about Christ’s power so we can live in the power of Christ.
The Holy Spirit gave us this description of Jesus so we could follow His pattern of patient, humble obedience.
The Holy Spirit gave us this description of Jesus so we would come worship and bow down to Him as King.
Do not let your flesh or the enemy lie to you saying that Jesus is not willing to help in our weaknesses and needs, rather…
Like the Elders in the Throne Room, we should constantly bow our hearts and submit to our King who loved us and died for us.
Jesus is the most exalted person in the universe, so we should stop and realize who the Lord is as we serve and worship Him!
