Philippians 2:6-7 - The Emptying of Self

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is believing in Christ enough? (It's a trick question)

To be a Christian includes (but is not limited to) being in agreement with the Christian faith in what it has historically taught about Jesus.

To put it crassly: Herod believed in Jesus. Pilate believed in Jesus. Barabbas believed in Jesus. Judas Iscariot believed in Jesus.

But did they really?

What we believe about Jesus is vital. As Christians we believe in the Jesus of the gospels--the Jesus preached by the apostles. What this is, is in part defined by the "Hymn to Christ" found in Philippians 2:6-11. In this study we get further into the "Hymn to Christ" and learn more about the doctrine of Christ. We also see how that informs our view of God as Trinity and why we insist that a belief in the Trinity is necessary for Christian orthodoxy.

So the Hymn to Christ begins with the pre-existence of Christ as God. Then it says he emptied himself. What does that mean? Why does it matter to us? Why did Paul think it important to include in his letter to the Philippians? Can theology this deep possibly be practical? Take a listen to the next in our informal, verse-by-verse studies through Philippians. You will be blessed.

Click here to listen: Philippians 2:6-7 - The Emptying of Self

Philippians 2:1-6 - Jesus is God

Continuing our verse by verse exposition of the book of Philippians we come across one of the most widely known portions of the book, perhaps one of the most widely known passages in all of Paul's writings. It has been called "The Hymn to Christ." Most modern scholars think that Paul is quoting from an ancient hymn sung by Christians in the early church. The hymn starts in verse six of Philippians chapter two and goes down through verse eleven. It is poetically beautiful and theologically meaty.

Who is Jesus and what did the early church believe about him? Why is that important to us? And what does this passage say to the idea that some have proposed that the early church really did not believe in the deity of Christ, that this was an idea that came along later? We delve into this passage in this lesson, and though we don't get far, I believe it will be worth your time. Good theology both secures our faith through our mind and inspires awe and love of God in our hearts. Take a listen and be blessed.

Just click here:  Philippians 2:1-6 - Jesus Is God