Philippians 2:5-11b: 5 Day Devotional

Day 1: The Humility of Christ
Jesus, though in the form of God, did not cling to His divine privileges. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking on human form and becoming obedient to death on a cross. This act of humility is a profound example for us to follow, teaching us that true greatness lies in self-sacrifice and service to others. Jesus' humility is not just a historical event but a theological cornerstone that binds us together as believers. His willingness to descend from divine glory to human frailty and then to the ultimate humiliation of crucifixion is a powerful reminder of the lengths to which God will go to redeem humanity.

In a world that often equates greatness with power and status, Jesus' example challenges us to rethink our values. True greatness, according to the Gospel, is found in humility and self-sacrifice. As we reflect on Jesus' humility, we are called to emulate His example in our own lives, putting others before ourselves and seeking to serve rather than be served.

Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you can practice humility today. How can you put someone else's needs before your own in a tangible way?


Day 2: The Incarnation's Tangibility
John emphasizes the sensory experience of Jesus' incarnation—seeing, hearing, and touching Him. This tangible reality is crucial for our fellowship with God and each other. It reminds us that our faith is not just a set of beliefs but a lived experience rooted in the historical reality of Jesus Christ. The early disciples' firsthand experiences with Jesus underscore the importance of the incarnation as a real, physical event that has profound implications for our faith.

The tangibility of Jesus' incarnation means that our relationship with Him is not abstract or theoretical. It is grounded in the reality of His life, death, and resurrection. This tangible reality invites us into a deeper fellowship with God and with one another, as we share in the lived experience of following Jesus.

1 John 1:1-3 (ESV): "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How can you make your faith more tangible today? Consider a practical way to experience and share the reality of Jesus' presence in your life.


Day 3: Correcting Human Pride
The humility of Christ serves as a corrective to human pride, which has been a stumbling block since the Garden of Eden. The serpent's lie that disobedience would make us like God is the root of all sin. In contrast, Jesus' humility and obedience to the Father's will, even unto death, provide the antidote to our pride and sin. Human pride often leads us to seek our own way, to assert our independence from God, and to elevate ourselves above others.

Jesus' example of humility and obedience stands in stark contrast to this. By submitting to the Father's will and humbling Himself, Jesus shows us the true path to righteousness and fellowship with God. His humility is a powerful reminder that our worth and identity are found not in our achievements or status, but in our relationship with God.

James 4:6-7 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where pride has taken root. How can you practice humility and submission to God's will in that area today?


Day 4: The Path to Exaltation
The Christ Hymn shows that the path to exaltation is through humility and obedience. Jesus' descent into human form and His subsequent exaltation by God illustrate that true glory comes through self-sacrifice and submission to God's will. This is a powerful reminder that our path to eternal life involves humility and repentance. Jesus' journey from divine glory to human frailty and back to exaltation is a model for us to follow.

In a culture that often celebrates self-promotion and personal achievement, Jesus' example challenges us to seek a different path. True exaltation, according to the Gospel, comes not from elevating ourselves, but from humbling ourselves before God and others. As we follow Jesus' example, we are invited to trust in God's promise of exaltation for those who humble themselves.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice humility and trust in God's timing for exaltation? How can you submit that area to Him today?


Day 5: The Futility of Earthly Titles and Accomplishments
The Habsburg Knocking Ceremony illustrates the futility of relying on titles and accomplishments for eternal significance. In the end, only humility and repentance matter. This story serves as a poignant reminder that our true identity and worth are found in our relationship with God, not in our earthly achievements. The ceremony, where the emperor's titles are recited and then rejected, underscores the transient nature of worldly status and accomplishments.

In contrast, the Gospel calls us to find our worth and identity in Christ alone. Our earthly titles and achievements, no matter how impressive, cannot secure our place in God's kingdom. Only through humility, repentance, and a relationship with Jesus can we enter into eternal fellowship with God.

Matthew 23:11-12 (ESV): "The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection: Reflect on your own achievements and titles. How can you shift your focus from these earthly accomplishments to your relationship with God? What steps can you take today to practice humility and repentance?