A Fresh Perspective - 04/11/08
In Paul's letter to the Philippians in 2:6-11 Paul quotes an early Christian hymn. The hymn celebrates Jesus' self-giving unto death and his vindication by God. What I like about this hymn is that it presents the death of Jesus in the context of his life - the way the Gospels do it. He died the way he lived.
He did not cling to or grasp for equality with God. He did not seek to exploit his unique position in relationship to God. He did not aspire for or pursue personal greatness - unlike his disciples. (Like James and John who wanted to be vice-president and secretary of state, seated on Jesus' left and right). Jesus would have none of that. He emptied himself of pride and selfish ambition, and lived humbly for the good of others - a servant of God and a servant of humanity. He was obedient to the will and cause of God in the world, even unto death on a cross, where he was rejected, humiliated, and crucified.
At this point in the hymn the subject changes. Up to this point it is Christ who decides and acts. Jesus humbles himself, relinquishes his rights and claims, serves others and is obedient to God. But then in verse 9 it is God who acts. God exalts him and gives him the name or title, Lord. He died as a common criminal, executed by the Romans, rejected by the religious establishment, and deserted by his friends. But God raised him up, God vindicated him.
The interesting thing is that Paul quotes this hymn not to argue or defend Christological doctrine, but to call the church to adopt the same mindset, the same orientation toward life, the same humble, self-giving attitude of Christ Jesus.
There was discord in the church fellowship, and Paul calls them to relinquish all selfish ambition and pride, and give attention to the needs and interests of others - "Be of the same mind, having the same love . . . Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus" (2:1-5).
New Testament scholar Fred Craddock remarks that the hymn is so rich Christologically, in proclamation and implication, that one can easily forget what Paul sought to say to the Philippians by means of the quotation - sort of like pulling out a cannon to shoot a rabbit.
But then, maybe not. Perhaps Paul knows that the greatest threat to the church is not incorrect doctrine, but pettiness. And there is a pettiness among Christians today that divides the church over doctrine. It's the pettiness of having to be right.
The answer to divisiveness and discord in the Christian fellowship is not a new statement of doctrine on which all must agree, but the humble, self-giving attitude of Jesus, who aspired not for divinity, but to be a servant of humankind and to be obedient to God's cause in the world.
Chuck Queen is Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Frankfort (CBF affiliated). You can access his sermons and past articles at www.ibcfrankfort.com. He welcomes your comments at cqueen@fewpb.net