“Jesus, Riches to Rags”

(Philippians 2”5-11)

Introduction: We have heard of the miracle of the virgin birth, the journey to Bethlehem, the shepherds, the Magi and their gifts, the Star in the East, and the precious manger scene, but what about before Jesus was born? What was on the mind of God and Jesus before this blessed event? For Jesus gave up so much for us, when He was born, before He was sentenced to die on the cross.

1. Jesus gave up His power! (vs. 5-6)

A. “form of God” - essence of or attributes of God. Christ was God!

1 Corinthians 4:4

B. “equality with God” - same in every respect as God the Father. John 10:30

C. “to be grasped” - to seize, carry off by force. He did not hold on to the power and glory of heaven, but shared it with us! Romans 8:16-17

2. Jesus gave up His protection! (vs. 7)

A. “emptied himself” - to lay aside. He gave up His glory, not His divine nature. He took on the limitations of the flesh. 2 Corinthians 8:9

B. “bond-servant” - a slave, voluntarily became a slave, one who obeys. Matthew 20:26-28

C. “likeness of men” - not appearance only but genuinely human. Hebrews 2:14-18

3. Jesus gave up His position! (vs. 8)

A. “humbled Himself” - a voluntary humiliation, a lowly position. John 13:12-17

B. “becoming obedient” - giving ear to. He did what man was intended to do, live by God’s will. John 4:34

C. “point of death” - ultimate boundary of obedience, the cross! Hebrews 12:2

CONCLUSION: Jesus gave up everything so that we might live. That is the true meaning of Christmas! Everything we worship, everything we adore, everything we sacrifice our lives for, He gave up!