THE NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME
Text: Phil 2
23 September 2007
(I) REJOICING IN BEING SAVED IN THE NAME OF JESUS
“Therefore..” Philippians 2:1 – Inferring Particle
1. Reviewing our salvation
a) Becoming saints in the name of Christ
“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi…” Philippians 1:1
b) Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2
c) Believing in Christ and suffering for His sake
“…not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29
2. Relevance today – Basis of our relationship in the name of the Lord.
“…if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy” Philippians 2:1
a) Consolation in Christ
b) Love
c) Fellowship of the Spirit
d) Affection and Mercy
(II) SAFEGUARDING OURSELVES AGAINST THE DANGER OF HAVING THE NAME OF CHRIST DISHONOURED
1. The danger of strife
a) Through selfish ambition ( Philippians 2:3 )
b) Through looking at one’s own interest ( Philippians 2:4 )
c) Through complaining and disputing ( Philippians 2:14 )
2. The danger of being part of a crooked and perverse generation. (Philippians 2:15)
(III) THE CULTIVATION OF HAVING A PROPER REGARD FOR THE LORD’S NAME
1. Cultivating the mind of Christ – Deep humility
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5
a) Emptying of desire for reputation
“But made Himself of no reputation…” Philippians 2:7
b) Taking the nature of a lowly slave
“…taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7
c) Debasing oneself
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself…” Philippians 2:8
d) Fully obedient
“…and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8
2. Honouring the name of the Lord
a) Bowing at the name of Jesus
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” Phillippians 2:10
b) Honour His Lordship
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” Phillippians 2:11
3. Being blameless children of God
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation…” Phillippians 2:14-15