Course: Jesus the Son of God

Section One: The Son of God became the Son of Man.

Lesson One (outline)

Lesson Title: The Son of God became Man.

Text: Philippians 2:1-11

Introduction: The humiliation of Christ, Philippians 2:5-11.

Equal with God but made Himself of no reputation.

Introductory illustration: The greatest example of humility. (Philippians 2:3-5).

Quote: 'The Son of God became the Son of Man so that sons of men can become the sons of God'.

Examples of humility: Having a willingness to serve by seeking to lift others without self interest. (Think of ways to do this).

Main Points:

1. Jesus Christ is truly God. Philippians 2:7, 'Made Himself of no reputation' (Greek 'kenosis'). Literally means 'emptied Himself'.

Question: What did the Son of God empty Himself of when He became man? He could not empty Himself of the attributes of deity.

The eternal attributes of God – eternity; omnipresent; omniscience, etc.
Attributes of nature: Even natural things cannot be fully understood - The contradiction of time and space.

2. The Lord left heaven where the angels worshipped Him. (Isaiah 6:1-3).

He was worshipped in heaven. (Isaiah 6:1-3).
He was conceived as a babe. (Luke 1:35).
He took upon Himself the nature of man. Matt. 1:23; Isaiah 7:14. Isaiah 9:6, 'Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. Galatians 4:4.

3. He is the mediator between God and man. (1 Timothy 2:5)

Summary:

1) He emptied Himself of the glory that He had in heaven

2) He became a man to be a servant

3) He is the ladder that reaches from God to man.