Skip to main content

The Way to Exaltation: Humility and Obedience in Philippians 2:8-9

 

Wooden cross with light shining through, symbolizing humility and exaltation.

The Way to Exaltation (Philippians 2:8-9)

"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." Philippians 2:8-9 KSB

   In Philippians chapter 2, Paul points us to Jesus as our ultimate example of exaltation. The lesson is simple yet profound: humble yourself, and God will exalt you. In God’s Kingdom, the way up is truly the way down.

   Jesus, though found in human form, chose humility and obedience even unto death on the cross. If we desire true exaltation, we must recognize that this physical body is only a form, a vessel. The real power lies in who we are as spiritual beings. Our bodies are temporary houses, but our spirit is eternal and limitless, flowing with the life of God.

   God formed humanity from the dust, but He breathed His own Spirit into us, making us living souls. Therefore, our identity is not confined to the outward appearance. With all its beauty or strength, the body is still only a form. You are a spiritual being, you have a soul, and you live in a body.

   Jesus taught that whoever humbles themselves like a little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of God. Humility is not weakness—it is strength under submission to God. It is knowing that God is your source, and everything else is a resource. All gifts, talents, and abilities flow from Him. Humbling yourself means giving God the glory rather than seeking it for yourself.

   Even when people tried to exalt Jesus, He redirected the glory back to the Father. He said, “There is none good but the Father in heaven.” He declared, “The words I speak are not mine” and “I only do what I see my Father do.” Jesus modeled humility, and because of that, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name.

   When we refuse to humble ourselves, life has a way of doing it for us. Scripture warns: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The path to exaltation is to willingly humble ourselves in obedience to God. Obedience often stretches us, requiring us to say as Jesus did, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

   Obedience is better than sacrifice. To obey is to walk in alignment with God’s plan, even when it seems difficult or doesn’t make sense. True exaltation comes when we trust Him enough to follow, no matter the cost.

The Way to Exaltation

1. Realize your form – You are a spiritual being living in a temporary body.

2. Humble yourself – Recognize God as your source and give Him the glory.

3. Be obedient no matter what – Follow God’s will even when it challenges your own.

📖 Reflection: In what areas of your life is God asking you to humble yourself and trust Him more deeply?

💡 Action Step: This week, practice humility by giving God the glory for your talents and choosing obedience, even in small daily decisions.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

  Why Me? God’s Glory (Romans 8:18) Why? That's a question often in our Souls. Why is this happening to me? Why am I having this experience? Why am I facing this health challenge? There's an answer! Why am I having these relationship challenges? There’s an answer, and it’s the same one. Why am I having this financial challenge? There’s an answer! There’s an answer to every question in your Soul, and the answer is glory. The reason for every experience in your life is so that God can get the glory. The purpose of all our challenges is not to bring us down but to transform us and bring glory to God. Why am I having this test, this trial, this tribulation? So God can get the glory. Why am I experiencing this persecution, this headache, this pain? So, God can get the glory. Why am I witnessing this miracle, sign, or wonder? So, God can get the glory. Why am I having this challenge in my local assembly, in my ministry, in my business, and in my organization? So God can get the...
Post a Comment
Read more
The Sacred Sunday Posture:  Kneeling “ A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees; if you are willing, you can make me clean (Mark 1:40).” In addition to bowing your heads and closing your eyes, many people learn to “get on your knees and pray.” Often, it’s at night before going to sleep. Parents instruct their children to kneel on the side of the bed and say their prayers. Perhaps you have fond memories of kneeling and reciting the Lord’s Prayer or the 23 rd Psalm. Or maybe you were taught, like me, “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord, my soul, to take. God bless mommy, daddy...” Kneeling is a physical way to revere God as your Creator and remember that God is your Source. “Know that it is the Lord, who is God. It is he that has made us and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3).” Without reverencing and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where Is the Love? Learning to Recognize God's Presence Through Galatians 5

  Where Is the Love?    One of my favorite duets is by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack: "Where Is the Love?" It asks, "Where is the love that you said you would give to me?" It's a timeless question and one that’s just as spiritually relevant today.    In Galatians 5 , Paul writes to the churches in Galatia about the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He helps believers understand how to discern what’s truly of God. And here's the spiritual compass: love is God's signature . "And envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."   Galatians 5:21 (KSB)    Whatever you do whether it’s cooking a meal or making a major decision ask yourself: "Where is the love?" Is love your motive? Is love present in your tone, your actions, your intentions?  Paul’s letter urges us to determine whether we are operati...
Post a Comment
Read more