Phil 2:6-11

[EricCKS]

This Sunday’s reading, specifically the underlined part. Is Paul using the word slave literally as we modern folks understand it. Or is there a translation issue going on here? Reason I ask is that it appears to be human is to be a slave… slave to our humaness, our weaknesses, indulgences, etc. How do you read this?

Thanks Eric

Who, 3 though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 4 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; 5 and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 6 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name 7 that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, 8 of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 9 to the glory of God the Father.

 

[TOME]

Eric,
I think Paul was using this term “slave” in the same way we all understand it. Someone who is owned and/or is under the total control of another.

But the important theme here is what Paul is trying to tell the Phillipians on how they must live. I would say more than imitating Christ Jesus’ humility but making that same spirit of humility - the total service to others, and this is the real message - a total part of their (our) being, that is it must become “Who” we are as opposed to just “What” we do. Personal humility in total service of others is the key concept here.

 

[PraRFLEsEkHm]

TOME:

Eric,
I think Paul was using this term “slave” in the same way we all understand it. Someone who is owned and/or is under the total control of another.

But the important theme here is what Paul is trying to tell the Phillipians on how they must live. I would say more than imitating Christ Jesus’ humility but making that same spirit of humility - the total service to others, and this is the real message - a total part of their (our) being, that is it must become “Who” we are as opposed to just “What” we do. Personal humility in total service of others is the key concept here.

These verses also might help with undersyanding:

1COR 6:19 Or know you not, that your members are the temple of the Holy Ghost, who is in you, whom you have from God; and you are not your own ?
6:20 For you are bought with a great price. Glorify and bear God in your body.

1COR 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, [being] a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, [being] free, is Christ’s servant.
7:23 You are bought with a price; be not made the bondslaves of men.

Christ bought us with His blood - though we are free, free to choose what we do and whether or not to honor that purchase. Nevertheless we are bought - honoring that purchase and being slaves, elevates us to the status of sons. Sons of God through reciprocated Love, brothers of/in Christ and as such heirs to eternal life, free to Love God for all eternity. Not honoring that purchase brings eternal death apart from God. Because we are purchased, bought with the price of Our Lords death, yet given the option of eternal life through His resurrection.

Peace

John