What does Philippians 2:5-9 mean for us regarding using him as an example?
Am I wrong to translate it as we are very powerful because of him, and in being equal to him we come in the likeness of men, but are of spirit, and in humbling ourselves we find obedience?
Philippians 2:5 - 9
ESV - 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.
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Tim Maas
Supporter
In referring to taking Christ as an example, Paul is telling believers not to be conceited about the benefits that faith in Christ gives them (since Christ would have been fully justified in coming as a king or ruler during His incarnation), but instead to adopt the same humility that He exhibited in taking the form of an obedient servant, to the point of sacrificing His own life to make salvation possible for humanity. (To me, Jesus made this point most clearly in washing the apostles' feet at the Last Supper (John 13:3-17).)
Dorothy Sanders
Supporter
In these last of the last days, if we are professing to be a child of The True and Living Lord GOD ALMIGHTY, who gave His Only begotten Son, Christ JESUS of Nazareth, to suffer and to die for our sins, then if Christ JESUS would not say it, would not do it, would not think it, then neither will we! If we have found that place that Christ JESUS found, YIELDING HIS ALL to GOD ALMIGHTY, then we are daily living our life in that place. We are rejecting and casting down every single thing that is opposition to THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE - Christ JESUS!
Shirley H
Supporter
For myself, I don't think any human can come close to being equal with Jesus. Actually I am sure! The contrast is with Adam. He, Adam, was created spiritually in the image of God. Yet, he seriously fell short almost, if not indeed, immediately. The first man attempted to become like God, or equal to God. You know how that turned out. By total contrast, Jesus, though He was, is and always will be God, took on humility and complete respect for God. Jesus served God first always, without complaint! Our thoughts are always to center on God's will, above our own. We are to love one another and serve others whenever we can. Hebrews 1:3: "He is the reflection of God's Glory and bears the impress of God's own being, sustaining all things by His powerful command and has purged sins away." There isn't a single soul that can do that. Only Jesus. However, we are to do whatever we can, whenever we can to honor Him. It is and always will be God. Titus 2:14: "He offered Himself for us in order to ransom us from all our faults and to purify a people to be His very own and eager to do good." Ephesians 2:9,10: "We are God's work of art, created in Christ Jesus for the good works which God has already designated to make up our way of life." May we keep our focus on Him.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible