Humiliation & Exaltation of the Son

Sermon Outline:  Sunday, December 7th, 2025
Speaker: Brandon Barnes

Text: Philippians 2:1-15

1. Introduction: The Importance of Presence and Unity

1.1. Opening Illustration

1.2. Jesus teaches that His presence is a gift to be leaned on. - John 16:7

1.3. Paul’s motivation through Christ : “if or because…”

1.4. Church is “engineered” for nearness - Illustration

2. Humility: Presence Through Yielding Rights

2.1. Christ’s supreme act of humility—yielding His rights. - Philippians 2:6-7

2.2. Application: Ways we can yield our rights to be present with others. Proverbs 25:20/ Isaiah 57:15

3. Sacrifice: Presence Through Costly Obedience

3.1. Jesus’ humility led to sacrificial obedience—even to death - Philippians 2:8

3.2. Carrying each other’s burdens fulfills Christ’s law - Galatians 6:2. Lesson/Application from Stephens Ministry

a. Listening

b. Available

c. Compassionate questions

4. Shimmering Faith: Presence Through Exaltation

4.1. God exalted Jesus, giving Him the highest honor. - Philippians 2:9-11/I Peter 3:22

4.2. Christ’s exaltation secures our eternal presence before God. - 1 Peter 3:22/ John 10:28/Hebrews 10:10 /Peter 3:18

4.3. Working out our salvation with faith and obedience creates a “shimmering faith” - Philippians 2:12-13/1 Corinthians 9:27

4.4. Our presence will fail each other, Jesus presence is “fixed”

Small Group Questions

Sunday, December 7th, 2025

Read

Philippians 2:1-15

Launch Question (Icebreaker)

When was the last time you felt truly present with someone — free of distractions, technology, or wandering thoughts? What made that moment meaningful?

Observation Questions

  • In Philippians 2:1–4, Paul lists encouragement, comfort, sharing in the Spirit, tenderness, and compassion. Which of these gifts of Christ’s presence stand out most to you, and why?

(Philippians 2:1–4)

  • Paul describes Jesus’ humility: “Who, being in very nature God… made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6–7). What does this passage reveal about the depth of Christ’s humility and presence with humanity?

(Philippians 2:6–7)

Processing Questions

  • Jesus demonstrated humility through yielding rights. What are some “rights” or privileges we often cling to that make it difficult to be present with others?

(Philippians 2:3–4)

  • The passage highlighted sacrifice through costly obedience (Philippians 2:8). How does sacrificial presence — like listening, availability, or compassionate questioning — challenge the way we normally approach relationships?

(Philippians 2:8; Galatians 6:2)

Application Questions

  • Paul says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing… Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:14–15). What would it look like for you in work or your family to “shine” with a shimmering faith this Advent season?

(Philippians 2:14–15)

  • Where do you sense God inviting you to lay down pride, distraction, or self-focus in order to be more present with Him and with others?

(Matthew 26:26–27; Philippians 2:12–13)

Closing Reflection

  • The sermon closed with Song of Songs 2:4 — “His banner over me is love.” How does knowing God delights in you reshape your ability to be present with others in humility, sacrifice, and faith?

(Song of Songs 2:4; Philippians 2:9–11)