Exalted Lowliness (2025-07-20, Greg Lanier, Philippians 2:5-11)

Sermon on the "Christ-poem" in Phil 2:5-11 by Pastor Greg Lanier Application questions: Reflect on the hypothesis that this passage may be a kind of early Christian confession that pre-dates Paul’s letter to Philippians?   What does that possibility reveal about the state of theology in the very early Church?  How does verse 6 teach the “preexistence” of the Son of God? Why does that matter theologically?  How do verses 6b-8 reach the humiliation of Jesus in the flesh? How did the Son “empty himself”? What does "subtraction by addition” mean?  What is “hypostatic union” and how does it show up in this passage?  If Christ was already perfectly divine, what does it mean that he was “exalted” in verses 9-11?   How does Paul apply these glorious truths to a situation of conflict? How can you apply it to similar situations in your own life?  Reflect on the main idea: "Big thoughts about God impact even our littlest problems.” What are some situations in your own life where deep theology can help?  Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com