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The Context
Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV is a famous passage from the Bible that talks about the exaltation of Jesus Christ. The passage is part of a larger section in the book of Philippians that talks about the importance of humility and unity in the Christian community. In this section, the Apostle Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate the humility of Christ, who gave up his divine status to become a servant and ultimately died on the cross for the sins of humanity.
The Passage
The passage itself reads: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Let’s take a closer look at what this passage means and why it is so important for Christians today.
The Exaltation of Christ
The first part of the passage says that God has highly exalted Jesus and given him the name above every name. This is a reference to Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of God the Father. By raising Jesus from the dead and giving him this position of honor, God demonstrated his power and proved that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.
But why is this exaltation so important? For one, it shows that Jesus was not just a human being, but also divine. This is a central doctrine of the Christian faith and one that sets it apart from other religions. By exalting Jesus, God affirms that Jesus was not just a prophet or a teacher, but also the Son of God who came to save humanity from sin.
The Submission of All
The second part of the passage talks about how every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is a reference to the fact that one day, every person will have to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. This can be seen as both a warning and a promise. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, it is a promise of eternal life and salvation. But for those who have rejected Jesus, it is a warning of the judgment that awaits them.
But notice that this submission is not forced. It says that every knee “should” bow and every tongue “should” confess. This implies a willingness to submit to Jesus, rather than a forced obedience. This is an important distinction, as it shows that God values our free will and wants us to choose to follow him. It also emphasizes the power of Jesus’ love and grace, which are strong enough to draw us to him without coercion.
The Glory of God
The passage ends by saying that the exaltation of Jesus and the submission of all creation are both for the glory of God the Father. This is a reminder that everything in the Christian faith ultimately points back to God. It is not about us, but about God’s love and grace for us.
So what can we learn from this passage? For one, it emphasizes the importance of humility and submission, both of which are central to the Christian faith. It also reminds us of the power of Jesus’ love and the glory of God, which should be our ultimate goal in life.
In Conclusion
Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV is a powerful passage that reminds us of the exaltation of Jesus, the submission of all creation, and the glory of God. It is a reminder of the central doctrines of the Christian faith and the importance of humility and submission in our lives. As we seek to follow Jesus today, may we remember the power of his love and the glory of God, and may we strive to imitate his humility and servanthood.
