In the following scripture we will see both the humbling attitude of Christ and the outcome or reward that came from it.

Philippians 2:6-11, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

As we look at this scripture we first have to take notice of the person of Christ. Christ, as we find in verse six, was “being in the form of God.” This word “being” means that He (Christ) was being who He has been from the beginning. In other words, Christ was God from the beginning and He was going to keep being God. The fact that Christ was on the earth didn’t mean that all of who He was, was going to cease.

Colossians 1:15, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:...”

Christ’s status, though now physically on the earth, was not going to change. He was, is, and always will be God. This is why (continuing verse six) He “thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Christ was not a thief. Many have come and tried to rob God of His glory but not Christ. He didn’t have too.

Now, it is important for us to cover verse six because in order to understand verse seven. In verse seven and eight we really start to understand how Christ humbled Himself.

Philippians 2:7-8, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Christ (God) came in the form of man. The interesting thing about this is the fact that Christ could have come as a king, prince, doctor, president, or anyone else that has prestige and power. However, He didn’t. He came as a servant. Christ being God Himself came not to be served but rather to serve. Jesus came and served those that would hate Him, spit on Him, steal from Him, curse Him, and even crucify Him. He also came in the “likeness of men.” Jesus came in the form of the ones that had to be saved from their wickedness and their sin. These people, as all are before Christ saves us, were completely and utterly despicable in the sight of almighty God. These people, as are we, had no good in them but yet Christ was willing to look like them, like us. Again, remember, that Christ is God. He didn’t have to do it.

Finally, we see Christ humbling Himself and “became obedient unto death...” Christ died a gruesome death for the sake of the saved. Christ endured the cross in order that we could get right with Him. Jesus had a goal as He walked this earth, to be obedient to the will of God. In the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42) we find Jesus praying, “Father if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Christ surrendered His desire to the will of the Father. Understanding these things about Christ, now we can see the outcome (rewards) of what will happen because of Christ’s obedience.

Philippians 2:9, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:...”

God has highly exalted Christ. Christ is being raised up to the highest place. This means that there is no higher place of exaltation. In other words, regardless of whether or not you praise Him, worship, Him, or acknowledge Him, He is already raised up to the highest. This was accomplished because of what was done and not because of where we have categorized Him in our daily lives.

He has been given “a name which is above every name.” Again, notice that there is no room for improvement. His preeminence and holiness can not be challenged by any. This is because of what has been done. Christ was obedient unto death and therefore has been given a name that has been and will be talked about forever. Think about all of the people who talk about Christ. There are people who love him and there are people who hate Him. There are people who praise Him and there are people who curse Him. I even know a man that says he doesn’t believe in Christ but yet he uses His name in vain all of the time. Christ’s name is above all names.

Verse ten and eleven tell us that all will worship Him. There is no choice in the matter. Everyone will worship whether on earth, under the earth, or in heaven.

Philippians 2:10-11, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The Bible is very clear that every knee will bow. Once again, it doesn’t matter if you want to or if you feel like it or even if you believe, you will bow your knee. And every tongue will confess. What is it that will be confessed? Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

Take time to think about how awesome the Lord is in that He humbled Himself to save sinners such as you and me. He didn’t have to do it and many will never believe but you can be sure of one thing, He didn’t do it in vain. He will and already has been exalted to the highest. He already has a name above all names. And finally one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Hallelujah!