Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The speaker describes Philippians 2:5–11 as “the self-emptying story of Jesus” with a downward “flight of steps” followed by exaltation; what does that progression reveal about what God the Father delights to honor, and how does that reshape our instincts about what a “successful” Christian life should look like?
Another way to ask: In Philippians 2:5–11, Jesus goes down in humility and then God lifts him up. What does this show God loves to honor, and how should it change what we think a “successful” Christian life looks like?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, the “flight of steps” shows that the Father delights to honor humble, obedient self-giving—Jesus is exalted precisely because he went down in lowliness and obedience. That reshapes “success” away from worldly impressiveness toward the pattern of lowering ourselves, serving, and trusting God with the outcome.
- The speaker describes the story as Jesus starting “at the height, equal with God,” then “continue to lower himself,” and finally “bursting forth, vindicated to be even higher high.”
- Jesus “did not take his equality with God as something to be grasped… or… exploit to his own advantage.”
- Jesus “made himself of no reputation… emptied himself… [took] the form of a slave.”
- Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of a cross.”
- “Therefore, God has highly exalted him,” and the story culminates in confession that “Jesus Christ is Lord.”