Reference

Philippians 2:5-11
God and Human Government

The Cross (vv. 5-8) A. Christ willingly surrendered His self-willed deity B. Christ willingly submitted to the limitations of humanity C. Christ willingly succumbed to an agonizing death 1. Agonizing physically 2. Agonizing emotionally 3. Agonizing spiritually The Crown (vv. 9-11) A. Christ’s exaltation 1. The Father exalted His Person 2. The Father exalted His Position B. Christ’s glorification 1. Global 2. Universal C. Christ’s vindication More to Consider Definitions of Political Systems Communism: You have two cows. The government takes both of them and gives you part of the milk. Socialism: You have two cows. The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor. Fascism: You have two cows. The government takes both cows and sells you the milk. Nazism: You have two cows. The government takes both cows, then shoots you. Bureaucracy: You have two cows. The government takes both of them, shoots one, milks the other, then pours the milk down the drain. Capitalism: You have two cows. You sell one of them and buy a bull. In a democracy, everyone has two cows, then a vote is taken, and whatever the majority decides to do, you do, and that's no bull! Pulpit Helps, August, 1992, p. 8. I want to give a word of caution here. Be very careful about calling Jesus your Lord if He is not your Lord. He made the statement that many would call Him Lord, Lord, and even perform miracles in His name, yet He will say, “I never knew you” (see Matt. 7:21–23). My friend, you had better know Him as your Savior before you say He is your Lord. If He is your Savior, then you can become obedient to Him as your Lord. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Philippians/Colossians) (electronic ed., Vol. 48, p. 53). Thomas Nelson. The person with the submissive mind, as he lives for others, must expect sacrifice and service; but in the end, it is going to lead to glory. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). Joseph suffered and served for thirteen years; but then God exalted him and made him the second ruler of Egypt. David was anointed king when he was but a youth. He experienced years of hardship and suffering, but at the right time, God exalted him as king of Israel. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 76–77). Victor Books.