June 12, 2018: SOAP #3113: 1Kings 12; 2Chronicles 10,11; Philippians 2
Scripture: Philippians (NIV) 2:6 Who [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Observation: For Jesus, being born as a man was not enough. Even then He humbled Himself, becoming willing to submit to that which was required of Him, even death. And if that was not enough, and in the justice of God it was not, the death was on a cross, showing it was under the curse of sin.
We see five steps of emptying/humbling that the Son completed:
#1. …from being God to making Himself nothing; #2. …to taking on the nature of a servant; #3. …to becoming a man; #4. …to death; #5. …to death under the curse as a criminal.
What a contrast to the five “I wills” of satan in Isaiah 14:13 and 14:
#1. “I will ascend to heaven; 2. I will raise my throne above the stars of God; #3. I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. #4. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; #5. I will make myself like the Most High.”
It was satan’s goal was to raise himself to the place from which Jesus was willing to descend. How we should appreciate the great sacrifice of our Precious Savior. It is no wonder that the Father has highly exalted Jesus! Note: Philippians 2:9,10.
Application: Satan’s goal was to gain for himself; Jesus goal was to gain for others—for me! Being like Jesus means that I must be willing to humble myself. What is my goal?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, today, help me walk humbly before God and people. Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 