Prison Letters: Christ-like attitude (Pt.5) (2 of 2)

(Part 2 of 2) 

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”-Philippians 2:5-11

Although Jesus had every right to employ all the authority, power, and divine privilege afforded Him, He did not see His personal rights as being greater than God’s divine purpose.  Instead, the passage states that He gave up His divine privileges. The phrase “He gave up” is translated from the Greek word: Kenosis which means “to empty.” Not only did Jesus lay aside those divine privileges, He emptied Himself of the idea that His personal rights were greater than God’s redemptive purposes. 

The Apostle Paul, probably felt this on a very personal level.  He had been wrongfully imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Every right and privilege had been stripped from him, yet within that context he sees God’s greater purpose in what he is walking through. It isn’t easy for us to walk in that kind of attitude, although Jesus repeatedly taught it:

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”-Matthew 5:38-43 

Our attitude determines our response. Because Jesus did not see His personal rights as being greater than God’s redemptive purpose it caused him to choose a position that would allow Him to fulfill God’s divine plan. He did not see Himself above becoming a servant, nor did He see it as beneath Him. 

He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death. Even being painfully aware of the path He was on and being able at anytime call upon His rights, authority and privilege, He chose rather to forgo his individual liberties for the benefit of others. (Hebrews 12:2)

Paul’s attitude in prison was not positive or negative. It was Christ-like. He was settled in his thinking regarding God’s redemptive plan and we see that reflected in his response. 

Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church