Series Week 3: Emptying Self
We live in the era of the “Personal Brand.” From the time we are young, we are taught to build our platforms, curate our images, and “climb the ladder” of success.
Our world values the “Self-Made” man and the “Self-Promoted” woman. We are told that our worth is found in how much space we occupy—how much influence we have, how many titles we hold, and how many people report to us.
But here in Philippians 2, we encounter a concept that is completely “upside down” to the modern mind. It’s the concept of Downward Mobility.
While we are busy trying to “make something of ourselves,” the Creator of the universe was busy “making himself nothing.” While we scramble to protect our rights and our reputations, Jesus was voluntarily laying His aside.
The struggle for the contemporary believer isn’t just about being “nice”; it’s about the terrifying, beautiful invitation to Empty Self. It’s the realization that we don’t find our life by building a monument to our own name, but by becoming a servant to the names around us.
Today’s Question: What would happen in your home, your workplace, and your heart if you stopped trying to “fill the room” with your presence and started trying to “empty yourself” for the sake of others?
Transition to the Text
“Let’s look at the ‘Kenosis’—the emptying of Christ. As we read Philippians 2:5–11, we aren’t just reading a theological poem; we are looking at a blueprint for a new way of being human. Let’s see how the One who had everything gave it all up so that we could have everything in Him.”
Scripture: Philippians 2:5–11 (NIV)
Part I: The Mindset of Messiah (Verse 5)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Cross References:
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
- 1 Peter 2:21: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Why We Struggle:
Our natural “mindset” is self-preservation and self-promotion. We struggle to lay down our rights because we fear that if we don’t look out for ourselves, no one else will. We often treat the “mind of Christ” as a lofty theological goal rather than a practical requirement for our daily relationships.
Know This:
The call to “Empty Self” is not an abstract suggestion; it is a command for how we treat the people sitting in the pews next to us. Unity in the church is not the result of everyone agreeing on everything; it is the result of everyone adopting the humility of Jesus.
Exegetical Commentary:
The Greek phrase touto phroneite carries the idea of “let this way of thinking be your constant attitude.” It is a present imperative, meaning it is an ongoing, daily choice. Paul is not just asking for a change in behavior, but a fundamental shift in the “inner disposition” that drives how we interact with others.
Theological Reflection:
This verse serves as the ethical bridge to the “Christ Hymn” that follows. It teaches us that Orthopraxy (right living) must be rooted in Orthodoxy (right belief). We cannot truly love like Jesus until we learn to think like Jesus—moving from a “What about me?” mentality to a “How can I serve?” mentality.
Your Response:
Identify a specific relationship where you have been insisting on your own way. What would it look like to “have the same mindset” as Christ in that situation today?
Part II: The Great Descent (Verses 6–8)
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Cross References:
- John 1:1, 14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
Why We Struggle:
We live in a world that tells us to “climb the ladder.” We struggle with the idea of “downward mobility.” We spend our lives trying to make something of ourselves, while Jesus spent His earthly life “making himself nothing.”
Know This:
Jesus did not lose His divinity when He became a man; He chose not to use His divine “rights” for His own benefit. The King of the Universe put on the apron of a servant.
- He didn’t just die;
- He died the most shameful, painful death possible—the cross.
Exegetical Commentary:
The phrase “made himself nothing” is the Greek word ekenōsen (from which we get Kenosis). It literally means “He emptied Himself.“
- He didn’t empty Himself of His deity,
- but of His status and privileges.
The contrast between morphē Theou (nature of God) and morphē doulou (nature of a servant) is the most dramatic “status drop” in history.
Theological Reflection:
This is the heart of Christology. It reveals that God’s nature is not defined by “grasping” power, but by “giving” it away. The cross is not an accident of history; it is the ultimate expression of God’s character. Jesus “emptied” His cup so that ours could be filled with grace.
Your Response:
What “rights” or “privileges” are you holding onto too tightly? Practice the “Kenosis” of Christ by choosing to serve someone who can do nothing for you in return.
Part III: The Divine Exaltation (Verses 9–11)
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Cross References:
- Isaiah 45:23: “By myself I have sworn… ‘Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.'”
- Revelation 5:12-13: “In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain…'”
Why We Struggle:
We want the “exaltation” without the “emptying.” We struggle with the patience required to wait for God to lift us up, often trying to force our own recognition or “name-brand” success in our timing.
Know This:
Exaltation is God’s work, not ours.
- Because Jesus went to the lowest place (the cross),
- the Father raised Him to the highest place (the throne).
- One day, every person who has ever lived will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. The only question is whether we do it now by choice, or then by necessity.
Exegetical Commentary:
The word “Therefore” (dio) links the humiliation of Christ directly to His exaltation. The “name that is above every name” is likely Kyrios (Lord), the Greek translation of the sacred Hebrew name for God (YHWH). This is a cosmic declaration: the crucified Carpenter is the Sovereign King.
Theological Reflection:
This section points us toward Eschatology (the end times). It guarantees the final victory of Christ. It shows that the path to true glory always leads through the valley of humility. It reminds us that our primary purpose—and the purpose of all creation—is to bring “glory to God the Father.”
Your Response:
Bow your heart today in a fresh act of submission. Use your tongue to “acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” over your family, your finances, and your future.
Closing Reflection
HEAD – What to Understand
Understand that “Emptying Self” is the defining characteristic of the Christian life. It is the voluntary laying down of our rights and status to serve others, following the pattern of the One who left the throne for the cross.
HEART – What to Feel
Feel the profound humility of God. Let your heart be moved by the fact that the Creator of the stars allowed Himself to be “made nothing” for your sake. Feel the security of knowing that because He is exalted, your future is in the hands of the Lord of all.
HAND – What to Do
Identify a “servant task” this week—something “below your pay grade” or something that usually goes unnoticed. Do it with a joyful heart, specifically as an act of “emptying” your own ego to honor Christ.
Key Takeaways
- The Mindset Shift: Unity requires us to stop looking out for “number one” and start looking out for others.
- The Great Descent: Jesus didn’t just come to earth; He came to the bottom of the social and legal ladder.
- The Power of Obedience: True greatness is found in obedience to the Father, even when it costs us everything.
- The Final Verdict: Jesus is Lord. Living for His glory is the only life that ultimately matters.