Christmas Songs - Hark the Herald Angels SIng - Philippians 2:1-11 - December 27, 2009

Bible Study – Christmas Songs – Hark the Herald Angels Sing – December 27, 2009

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “God’s Christmas Songs.”

Our scripture is Philippians 2:1-11.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi. Paul was in Rome under house arrest. Some believe he was in prison. Philippians is often referred to as the “joy” epistle because of the number of times Paul used the words “joy or rejoice.” The message in our scripture and the song “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” are similar. The message is GOD came from heaven to earth to save all who would believe upon HIM, JESUS. GOD was incarnate in JESUS. This is a statement of five (5) words but to probe the depths of their meaning is overwhelming.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” was written by Charles Wesley, 1739. His original words are copied below; they have been altered since he penned them. The words are a celebration of GOD incarnate in the flesh because HE came willingly from heaven to earth to give HIS life for all who would believe in HIM. GOD so loved the world ---- John 3:16.

Wesley’s orig­in­al ver­sion:
Hark, how all the welkin rings, (Meaning to make a very loud sound from heaven. 15 years later it was changed to read, Hark, the Herald Angels sing.)“Glory to the King of kings;Peace on earth, and mercy mild,God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,Join the triumph of the skies;Universal nature say,“Christ the Lord is born to-day!”

Christ, by highest Heaven ador’d,Christ, the everlasting Lord:Late in time behold him come,Offspring of a Virgin’s womb!

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,Hail the incarnate deity!Pleased as man with men to appear,Jesus! Our Immanuel here!

Hail, the heavenly Prince of Peace!Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!Light and life to all he brings,Risen with healing in his wings.

Mild He lays his glory by,Born that man no more may die;Born to raise the sons of earth;Born to give them second birth.

Come, Desire of nations, come,Fix in us thy humble home;Rise, the woman’s conquering seed,Bruise in us the serpent’s head.

Now display thy saving power,Ruined nature now restore;Now in mystic union joinThine to ours, and ours to thine.

Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface;Stamp Thy image in its place.Second Adam from above,Reinstate us in thy love.

Let us Thee, though lost, regain,Thee, the life, the inner Man:O! to all thyself impart,Form’d in each believing heart.

Let’s read Philippians 2:1-6:

Christian Humility

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not [only]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Christ’s Humility and Exaltation
5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.[1] Or to be grasped, or to be held on to

The church at Philippi communicated with Paul when he was in Rome and sent money to support him. The church had sent Epaphroditus, (ih-paf-roh-DIGH-tuhs) one of their members, with support money for Paul. While Epaphroditus was in Rome he became sick and almost died. When he got well, Paul sent this letter back to the Philippian church by him.

Epaphroditus had told Paul of a situation among two (2) women in the church at Philippi. The women, Euodias (yoo-OH-dih-uhs) and Syntyche (SIN-tih-kee) were not getting along with each other and fellow Christians needed guidance from Paul. The letter was his reply, which included a public rebuked. We do not know what caused the problem but Paul wanted the church to deal with it before it got out of hand. Paul knew that unity was important to the church. So he began the letter reminding believers they must have the mind of CHRIST in them. An important attribute of CHRIST was HIS humility. HE humbled Himself and willingly left heaven to come to earth. Paul appealed to these two (2) women to humble themselves as CHRIST did.

CHRIST humbled Himself by leaving HIS home in heaven to come to earth, as a human, to give HIS life to pay the penalty for the original sin of mankind. HE did so not for HIS sake but for the sake of all who would believe in HIM. Therefore, believers should have that same nature in them. They should look out for the interest and welfare of others over their own interest. CHRIST gave up HIS position in heaven to come to earth to serve and believers should have this same mind set and nature. Whatever the problem was between the two (2) ladies, humility should resolve it. Unity of believers was and is important. This takes us to verse 5.

It is thought that verses 6-11 were sung in the early church, which is a powerful message of fundamental Christian doctrine. In verse 5, Paul reminded fellow believers to remember who they were in CHRIST. It seems he was saying, “You sing these words, verses 6-11, in the church. You know they reflect the humility of CHRIST, WHO was GOD in heaven but HE chose to give up HIS position as GOD to come to earth as a human so that all who believe in HIM might receive salvation. Just as HE humbled Himself for you, you should have this same mind set, nature in you.” Then he quoted the hymn which carries this truth.

Verse 6 begins with WHO, which refers back to CHRIST in verse 5. CHRIST before HE chose to come to earth as a human was in heaven. HE existed as GOD. Paul used the words “existing in the form of GOD.” The Greek word for “existing” carries the meaning of a continuing state or condition, which means CHRIST has always been GOD throughout eternity past. The Greek word “form” meant outward appearance of inner reality. In other words, CHRIST was completely GOD and heavenly beings saw HIM as the Son of GOD. There was no question about HIS Deity. HIS outward form identified HIM as the Son of GOD. Since HE was GOD, HE did not use that power to make Himself any different than a normal human when HE came to earth as a human. GOD chose to take on the form of a human being, subject to all that a human is and their limitations. HE chose to give up HIS right as GOD and transfer all HIS power and trust to GOD the FATHER. HE was totally dependent upon GOD, HIS FATHER just as all believers depend upon GOD for their care, nurturing, spiritual growth, spiritual maturity and direction. GOD desires an intimate loving relationship with all HIS children.

When CHRIST chose to be fully human HE was subjected to everything a human would be subjected to. HE grew in the womb of Mary, had a natural birth and had to be cared for just like any baby. HE felt pain, hunger, thirst, sorrow, happiness, illness and any other human emotions and feelings. HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. HE knows what it is like being a human being.

To me this is so neat to think that HE totally depended upon GOD, HIS FATHER. HE wanted to be totally dependent upon GOD just as all believers are. HE wanted to feel what believers feel. When HE wanted things to go HIS way, out of human compassion, HE had to trust the FATHER that HIS way was better. HE could have chosen to keep HIS power as GOD to manifest it upon earth but HE did not. I think HE chose not to because HE wanted to experience what all believers experience after salvation. Every believer must trust GOD for all of his/her needs through relationship. CHRIST and GOD were ONE as HE wants us to be ONE with the FATHER. GOD’S desire for all believers is for them to be made into the image of HIS SON, JESUS.

CHRIST had to empty Himself of HIS Deity so HE could become completely human. That is humility.

Let’s read Philippians 2:7-8:

7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.

CHRIST emptied Himself of HIS form as GOD and took on the form of a human with the nature of a slave or servant. A slave serves his/her master. CHRIST was 100% human. HE manifested Himself fully in the form of a human, yet HE was 100% divine. In human form HE had chosen the limitations of a human and not to keep any of HIS power and authority as GOD. HE was subject to death, as proof, HE gave HIS earthly life on the cross. HE was completely dependent upon GOD, HIS FATHER. HIS life as a human was an example to all believers of the relationship they can have with GOD through HIM. Believers must keep in mind that CHRIST sought to do only the will of the FATHER. Believers battle their flesh and through the process of sanctification are being made into the image of CHRIST.

Let’s read Philippians 2:9:

9 For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name,

CHRIST freely chose to completely trust GOD, HIS FATHER and gave up HIS place in heaven to become a human. Because HE remained faithful to HIS redemptive purpose, GOD the FATHER exalted HIM and gave HIM authority over all, including the final judgment. HIS decision to come to earth was out of love for ever person who would believe in HIM.

Let’s read Philippians 2:10-11:

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Since CHRIST is exalted above all, there will be a time when every human who has ever lived and every heavenly being will bow to HIM and every tongue will acknowledge HIM as LORD. When CHRIST is acknowledged for WHO HE is, it brings glory to GOD the FATHER.

What Paul has written is sound fundamental Christian doctrine. It is the heart of the Christian faith. Let’s see if we can put it all together:

CHRIST has always been:

Genesis 1:26a - 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. The reference to “US” is the Trinity – GOD, THE FATHER, THE SON (JESUS) and THE HOLY SPIRIT.

John 1:1-5:

1 In the beginning[1] Gn 1:1 was the Word,[2] The Word (Gk Logos) is a title for Jesus as the communication and the revealer of God the Father; Jn 1:14,18; Rv 19:13. (JESUS) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.[3] Col 1:16; Heb 1:2 4 Life was in Him,[4] Other punctuation is possible: . . . not one thing was created. What was created in Him was life and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome[5] Or grasp, or comprehend, or overtake; Jn 12:35 it.

JESUS abode was in heaven as GOD until HE chose to give up HIS position as GOD and come to earth as a human. HIS position, as GOD with the experience of living as a human, was restored after HIS death on the cross. WHO better to understand us when we approach HIM with our problems, fears and concerns?

The Trinity formed man and GOD placed Adam in charge of the garden. Genesis 2:8-9:

8 The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there He placed the man He had formed. 9 The Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the midst of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.[10] Pr 3:18

Genesis 2:15-17:

15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,[16] Gn 3:1–2 17 but you must not eat[17] Lit eat from it from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”[18] Gn 3:5

Adam was responsible for the care of the garden. He had freedom to choose. Adam could eat the fruit from the tree of life. In fact, GOD told him he could “eat from any tree, except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for the day you eat from it, you will certainly die”. Adam could have chosen to eat the fruit from the tree of life and live forever but he didn’t.

Satan talked Eve into partaking of the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil. She liked it and did not fall over dead. Adam was apparently standing close by and she gave him some of the fruit. When he ate it both of their eyes were opened. This is the original sin and condemned mankind to death. Eve sinned by eating the fruit but Adam was watching and was responsible for the garden. He did not try to stop her. When he ate of the fruit both knew the impact of sin. GOD held him responsible but GOD would use the seed of woman to redeem mankind from the penalty of the original sin.

Genesis 3:15:

15 I (GOD) will put hostility between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your • seed and her seed (JESUS). He (JESUS) will strike your head, and you will strike his (Satan) heel.[11] Heb 2:14; 1 Jn 3:8

GOD had the plan of salvation and redemption before HE formed the world. HE gave man freedom of choice. GOD’S foreknowledge did not prevent HIM from creating mankind, even though HE knew they would sin.

GOD revealed HIS plan of salvation through the prophets and at the right time HE allowed HIS ONLY SON to come to earth to be incarnated as a human. CHRIST willingly left HIS home and position as GOD in heaven by empting Himself of HIS Godly form to take on HIS human form. HE relinquished all HIS power as GOD and trusted GOD, THE FATHER completely with HIS earthly life. HE agreed to become 100% human, subject to all the limitations a human. HE had freedom of choice and was capable of sinning, yet we know HE remained sinless. The best glimpse we have of CHRIST’S deity while HE was on earth was on the mount of transfiguration –
Matthew 17:1-2:

1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (KJV) This was CHRIST’S final exam before being crucified, HE was sinless.

JESUS’ earthly ministry was coming to a close and HE was praying to HIS FATHER in John 17:1-5: (Jesus Prays for Himself)

1 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You, 2 for You gave Him authority over all flesh;[1] Or people so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him. 3 This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ.[2] Jn 5:38; 6:29 4 I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with that glory I had with You before the world existed.

I think that last statement in verse 5 is so powerful. HE remembered what it was like being GOD at the time when HE was about to give HIS earthly life for the sins of mankind. HE remembered HIS power. What has this got to do with anything? I believe that the temptation of JESUS, when HE was betrayed by Judas to the moment HE gave up HIS earthly life were the most intense times of HIS ministry. Satan wanted HIM to reclaim HIS power as GOD and take matters into HIS own hands from a human perspective. This was particularly true in the final moments while HE hung on the cross. To me the intensity to take matters into HIS own hands were recorded in Matthew 27:46 - 46 At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken[23] Or abandoned Me?”[24] Ps 22:1

GOD, CHRIST’S FATHER, had turned HIS eyes from HIM because HE had become sin. I am sure Satan was working full time, such as, “Your FATHER doesn’t love YOU, come-on it is time for YOU to use your power. Don’t YOU remember the power YOU had when YOU were in heaven! YOU must act now!!! This is GOD’S plan for YOU. YOU must take matters into YOUR own hands.” Satan did not want CHRIST to give HIS life on the cross.

CHRIST could have come down from the cross. HE could have called legions of angels to come to HIS aid and defense. But HE remained faithful, trusting HIS earthly life to the hands of GOD HIS FATHER. Trust is what HE desires for all believers. JESUS did trust GOD to the end. GOD raised HIM from the dead and gave HIM HIS Glorified body. Forty (40) days after HIS resurrection, HE ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER. Boy are we glad HE remained faithful because of HIS faithfulness believers have forgiveness for their sins, receive eternal life, become children of GOD through the miracle of rebirth, are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT, have assurance of salvation, and citizenship in heaven. All because of CHRIST agreeing to humble Himself and come to earth as a baby to be born in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem (House of Bread).

CHRIST chose to give up HIS position as GOD and to be incarnated as a human. HE chose to give HIS life to pay the penalty for the original sin that condemned mankind to death. HIS death removed the barrier of sin between mankind and GOD. Just as GOD chose to empty Himself of HIS Deity and come to earth, each human has a choice to make. If GOD believed it so important to do all of this for the sake of mankind, every person should pay attention and receive the free gift of salvation.

Will people humble themselves and empty themselves of their humanness and choose CHRIST as their SAVIOR? Ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins, believe that HE died on the cross for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. If you prayed this prayer, thank HIM for coming into your life and share this Good News with others.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!