Philippians 2:6–8 (NIV)

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!

Paul shows us in this text, that Jesus’ example of greatness is shown through humility. Let me suggest that this perspective and approach can help with stabilizing our happiness. There is an aspect of happiness that is not found in what we can gain, but in what we are willing to give for God and others.

There is something in all of us that wants to go up. We want to move up the ladder. We want more recognition, more influence, more comfort, more success, and sometimes even more control.

But Philippians 2, gives us a completely different picture of greatness and happiness. Paul points us to Jesus while addressing believers who needed to learn how to live together in humility and unity, while stabilizing their happiness. Before he tells them, what humility looks like, he points them to the ultimate example….. Jesus Christ.

I. Christ Had The Position But Refused The Privilege.  Vs.6

Paul begins with Christ’s identity. Jesus was not a good man who eventually became God’s Son, He wasn’t simply a prophet who represented God, nor was He an angel who came down from heaven. He was God in flesh. The phrase “very nature God” speaks to Christ’s divine nature. Jesus possessed the very nature of God. Jesus had everything, but He didn’t make everything about Himself. That’s humility. Let me suggest this, that humility isn’t thinking less of yourself. But humility is refusing to make yourself the center of everything. Arrogant, self-centered people, are usually insecure and unhappy people. 

II. Christ Poured Himself Out. Vs 7

Christ voluntarily laid aside the privileges and status associated with His divine glory and took on the role of a servant. “The King became a servant.” John 1:14 says: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus didn’t love humanity from a distance. He came down into our mess. Love is not only about what you feel; love is also about what you are willing to sacrifice. Jesus demonstrates sacrificial love.

This should challenge the way we approach relationships, family, church, ministry, and even our faith.

Sometimes God will call you to serve when you don’t receive recognition, call you to forgive when you believe you have every right to hold the offense, call you to give when you’d rather keep, or even call you to stay faithful when walking away seems to be easier. Philippians 2, reminds us that you don’t have to understand sacrifice to obey the One who sacrificed everything for you.

III. Christ Took The Posture Of A Servant. Vs 7-8

Paul intentionally places two realities side by side: God and Servant. The highest One took the lowest position. He took the nature of a servant. Service became the posture through which He lived.

And that forces us to ask a difficult question: What is my posture? 

Kingdom greatness, and our happiness can be measured by service, and not our status.

Jesus’ humility was demonstrated through His obedience. And His obedience had a cost. Death on a cross.

The cross was one of the most humiliating and brutal forms of execution during that time. Yet Jesus willingly endured it. Why? Maybe because, obedience to the Father for Him, was greater than His own desire for comfort, happiness and greatness.

Obedience is proven, and our happiness can be strengthen when God’s will cost us something.

It’s easy to obey when obedience benefits us. It’s easy to praise and be happy when life is going well.

But what happens when life hurts? What happens when doing the right thing costs you? What happens when following Christ means saying no to yourself?

Paul reminds us through Jesus, that obedience isn’t determined by convenience. Obedience is determined by commitment. Jesus went all the way through Calvary. His obedience carried Him all the way to where God’s purpose required Him to go.