Philippians 2:9-11
~16 min read
⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
TRANSCRIPT
I greet all of you in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In our previous message, we talked about the greatest humility and love the world has ever seen – how Jesus humbled Himself and came into this world, and He lived a perfect life, served as a servant; ultimately, He went the way of the cross.
The cross is the most cruel form of punishment that the human mind can ever conceive. It was believed to have originated from the Romans, and later on perfected by the Persians. This morning, we want to focus on the exaltation of Christ, and the title of our message is "The Greatest Name." Our text is taken from Philippians 2:9-11. Let me read for you, verse 9: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.
Our Lord Jesus Christ had been exalted in His resurrection, in His ascension, and right now, He is seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for you and me. At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven – this will include all the holy angels and the souls of the saints, the redeemed believers of all ages who have long been worshipping Jesus Christ as Lord. And “things in earth” – this will include the redeemed and unredeemed; the believers and unbelievers. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10 says, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” – this is in reference to the unbelievers, and Paul went on to say – “When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day”. In other words, whether as a believer you bow before Jesus as your Saviour, or as an unbeliever, you bow before Him as your Judge, you will still have to bow before Jesus because He is Lord. And “things under the earth” – these are the fallen angels and unredeemed dead who are awaiting the final judgment and eternal punishment.
What is so special about names? The name of a person is extremely important. In Bible times, the names of people would make a statement. Even today, parents like to call their children with biblical names like Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and so forth, because all these names were given to people known as heroes of the faith. Names were usually a combination of words created for an intended picture, including our Lord's name. He is called Jesus. Matthew 1:21 says, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS” – and what does Jesus mean? – “For he shall save his people from their sins”. But what is so special about the name “Lord”? Oftentimes, we use this phrase, "Jesus Christ is Lord" without pausing to consider its full meaning and intent. The full impact of the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord will only be seen when we realise that the name “Lord” is not only above all human names, but including all the unique names given to Jesus Christ.
One theologian explained it by way of illustration, allow me to quote him: “If a king was about to bestow an honour on a subject who had never previously distinguished himself – the only names he had ever received from anyone were “crook”, “bum”, “foolish”, and “good-for-nothing” – but then he did something that deserved the king's acknowledgment, and the king said to him, “Well, you have certainly distinguished yourself. You are a faithful subject.” The name “faithful” is above all the other names that had previously been given to the man, even though it may only be one step above nothing. But suppose there was a conqueror or a general who had already distinguished himself greatly. He had been decorated on many occasions, and one day he had risen to a very high position in the kingdom. To honour this general, the king would need the highest title at his disposal, and it would be especially glorious when measured against the general's other names and honours.” And that was a glimpse of what God did with Jesus. Of course, all the names given to Jesus were unique, distinguished, and amazing in their own rights. Jesus was humble, and then He was exalted.
I. Jesus is Lord
“Jesus Christ is Lord” – the glory of this title must be measured against all His other names. Take a moment and consider all the names given to Jesus Christ. He is called the Messiah, the Anointed One. This name means Jesus Christ is the promised Deliverer from whom blessing comes to Israel and the Gentile nations.
He is called the “Son of Man” – many people think this name only refers to Christ's humanity, but the title “Son of Man” means more than that; it refers especially to His coming again in glory. Daniel 7:13-14 says, "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed”. Who will come in the clouds of heaven? The Son of Man, Jesus Christ. And He will usher in the millennial kingdom whereby all people, nations, and languages will serve and worship Him. Can you imagine how glorious Jesus is to be called the Son of Man?
He is called the “Son of God”. This name points to His divinity. It is with this title that the devil addressed Him when he tempted Jesus for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:3, the devil said to Jesus, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread”. It is also with this title that the believers will call out to Him – 1 John 4:15 says, "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God”.
Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Son of Man. He's the Son of God. He is our Prophet (capital P), Priest (capital P too), and King. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the Chief Shepherd of the sheep, and many other names, wonderful names. But the title “Lord” is above them all. Why? Because it is at the name of Jesus Christ as Lord that every knee should bow and every tongue should confess, whether it be in heaven, the holy angels, and the redeemed believers of all ages, the souls of saints; or in earth, believers and unbelievers; and under the Earth, the fallen angels and the unredeemed dead who are awaiting the final judgment and eternal punishment – everyone will have to bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
II. Jesus is God
Why is the name “Lord” the name that is above every name? Why not any other of His titles? Why not another name? To answer these questions, firstly and most importantly, the phrase "Jesus Christ is Lord" identifies Him with God. He is God. The Greek word for Lord is “kurios” – it was a word used by the citizens of the Roman Empire to acknowledge the divinity of Caesar. In those days, this title was not used for the Roman emperors unless they were deified, made to be gods through a religious ceremony; only then were they given this divine title. Within the Roman Empire, there was a test phrase to check the loyalty of the people, and it was this phrase: "Caesar is Lord." Anyone who refused to say these words would immediately be arrested and executed. By that time, faithful Christians refused to say these words, "Caesar is Lord," because they insisted that only Jesus Christ is Lord. Many were killed. In other words, Jesus, not Caesar or anyone else, is divine.
Jesus Christ is Lord simply means He is God, and those faithful Christians of old refused to acknowledge anyone else as God, only Jesus, even at the expense of their lives. But it is not good enough to say that Jesus Christ is the Lord. Or worse still, Jesus Christ is a Lord. You and I ought to say, "Jesus Christ is my Lord, my God." That was the way Mary Magdalene addressed Jesus in the garden tomb on Easter morning. At first, she could not find His body, and when He appeared to her, she cried out, "My Lord." That was the confession of Thomas who initially doubted the resurrection of Christ, but later on, he cried out, "My Lord, my God." In both cases, the words were personal, "My Lord, my God."
Dear friends, it is not good enough to simply acknowledge mentally that Jesus Christ is God. You must say, "He is my God, my Lord." And the only way you can do that is you must receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour. Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? If you have, is He your only God, the only King of your life? Jesus must be our only God, our only Lord, our only King; not our money, not our bank accounts, not our houses, our children, our accomplishments, etc. So, when we say, "Jesus Christ is our Lord, our God, our King," He is not only King over our lives, our deaths, but He is also King over everything we have.
III. Jesus is Sovereign
The phrase "Jesus Christ is Lord" also indicates that He is sovereign. If Jesus Christ is God, then He must control as God controls. He must rule as God rules. Today, He controls even the smallest things of life, and one day, He will subdue His enemies forever. We need to understand the Christian life. The Christian life is not an escape from the world's troubles and problems. If it was, then God would have taken us from this world. The Christian life is also not an escape from temptations and sufferings. Many faithful Christians have experienced great temptations and sufferings, but they were victorious and they have this peace within, for they know that the circumstances of life, whether in adversities or in prosperities – God is in control of everything. Nothing happens by chance or coincidence, but by His appointment and His sovereignty. That is why Romans 8:28, which many of us are very familiar with, says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose". Simply put, the Christian ought to live a life believing that there is a sovereign purpose in everything, and everything happens under the sovereign hand of a God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present.
In that, we are always in the presence of the almighty God. Some people say that God is everywhere, and we understand they mean God is omniscient. But there are some people who mistakenly say that if God is everywhere, that means He is in the piece of matter, He is in the piece of wood, He's in the picture frame, He's in nature, He's everywhere – and that is why people will make God into an idol. That is horrendously wrong and extremely dangerous.
Remember, when King Solomon wanted to build a house for God, he said in 2 Chronicles 2:6, "But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?" In other words, Solomon was saying, "God is so magnificent that even the entire universe, the universe of the universe, cannot contain Him. And who am I to build a house for God? Who am I to build a temple for God? I am not building a house for God, but rather, I am building this place whereby we can offer sacrifices unto Him."
Therefore, when we say we are always in the presence of the almighty God, it is different because God is so glorious that He cannot be confined by any of these humanistic ideas that we have. God loves us, and He is the sovereign Lord who orders the events of our lives to lead us into His perfect and desirable will. It is not meaningless or tragic when difficulties come into your life, or when you encounter afflictions, or when you face a devastating medical condition – God knows everything. He knows about it, and He has even permitted it to come into your life, so that He might accomplish something for you that will be for your good. All things work together for good.
So, when adversities come, do not be discouraged. Turn to God and seek His ways. You must pray, "Jesus Christ is my Lord. He is my God. He's in control, and if He allows these things to come into my life, it must be for His sovereign purposes." As you do that, and the more often you do that, you can be certain that God is making you more and more into the person He wants you to be.
IV. Jesus is Coming Again
There is one final reason why Jesus Christ is Lord is so marvellous, and it means that Jesus Christ is coming again. I would like you to turn to two wonderful passages in the Bible. Firstly, Hebrews 2:8, the author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 2:8, "Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him” – and the writer of Hebrews continues to say – “But now we see not yet all things put under him". In other words, everything is subjected to Christ, although humanly speaking, we are not able to see with our eyes at this moment. But the time will come when Jesus Christ is to be Lord over everything, completely, absolutely. And then we will be able to see it with our very own eyes. That is the day when Jesus will return. He will conquer evil and establish His righteous will forever.
Isn't it true that whenever something terrible happens to us, our first human reaction is, "Why, God? Why? Where are You, God? If everything is subjected to You, why is this thing happening to me?" The reason why we pray such a prayer is because we do not see the sovereign control of God at this moment. Our human eyes cannot see, although we know that He is in control. The Bible tells us the time will come when we will be able to see it with our very own eyes. That will happen when our Lord Jesus comes again.
The second passage is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This is a well-known passage that speaks of Christ's return. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. It is also a passage that most pastors would preach from in a funeral service, especially just when the casket is being lowered into the grave. Here, the Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Thessalonica. He was speaking to them about death, and he explained to them that since God had raised up Jesus from the dead, He would also raise up those who are united with Him by faith.
But I would like to draw your attention to one interesting observation about this passage. Notice in this passage, Paul referred to Christ by His personal name, His most human name, Jesus. Let us look at verses 13 and 14. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him”. In other words, concerning those believers who have died and were buried, you may be sorrowful. There's nothing wrong with being sorrowful, but do not be sorrowful like those who have no hope. The unbelievers have no hope. Why? Because if we believe that Jesus was risen from the dead, then we must also believe in His promise that He will raise up those who believe in Him, and God will raise their bodies from the dead and bring those bodies to be with Him forever.
Notice Paul used the name “Jesus”. “Jesus died and rose again”; those “which sleep in Jesus”. But when will that happen? When will our dead bodies be raised from the graves? When Jesus returns in the clouds. So, when Paul started to speak about Christ's return in the clouds, interestingly, he no longer used “Jesus” or the name “Jesus”. But instead, he used the word “Lord”. From this point onwards, the name “Lord” was used, and it was used a total of five times. Look at verse 15, "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16). That is the resurrection of the dead. “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” – that is the rapture – “and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).
Five times, the word “Lord” was used. It is not by chance or coincidence that Paul would switch from the name “Jesus” to the name “Lord”. Essentially, he was associating Christ's second coming or His coming in the clouds with the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus will first come in the clouds, and all those who believe in Him, they will be raptured. But before the rapture would occur, all those who are dead and buried, their bodies will be risen first to be united with their souls in a glorified body, and then they will be with the Lord Jesus.
The world will go through this period known as the Tribulation. Seven years of Tribulation, intense pain, suffering, persecutions, calamities, pestilences. And after the seven years of Tribulation, then our Lord's second coming will occur. He will come with all the glorified saints, and then He will defeat Satan and His demons, cast them into the bottomless pit, and all of us will reign with Jesus for one thousand years, known as the Millennial Kingdom. What a blessed hope!
Do you look forward to the Lord's soon coming? The early Christians looked forward to His coming, and it gave them great strength in times of trouble, even in martyrdom. They had a prayer to express this hope, and it was preserved for us in the Aramaic language in 1 Corinthians 16:22, and it is the word "Maranatha." This word is composed of two Aramaic words, "come, Lord," which means "our Lord, come," or "our Lord is coming." So, every time when the early believers cried out "Maranatha," they were all looking forward to the Lord's coming again in the clouds. Each time they called out, "Jesus Christ is Lord! Maranatha!" They were calling out for His soon return. And what was Jesus' reply? Three times in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, Revelation, Jesus said, "Behold, I come quickly”, “Behold, I come quickly”, “Behold, I come quickly" (Revelation 3:11, Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12). Jesus will come soon.
Dear friends, as we live our lives on this earth, there may be trials, temptations, afflictions, pains, and troubles of all sorts. And each time, we call out, "Jesus Christ is my Lord" – this is the greatest name. Each time we cry out, "Jesus Christ is my Lord," we are acknowledging that He is God, He is in control. Nothing can happen to us if He does not permit. Nothing can ever happen to us outside His knowledge, His power, and His control. And He says, "I will come soon." So, when we cry out, "Jesus Christ is Lord," we are essentially telling Him, "Lord Jesus, come quickly and take us home, whether it be by the rapture or whether it be by the resurrection."
We may die, and our bodies be buried in the graves. But Jesus Christ is Lord – He will come, and our bodies will be risen from the graves to be united with our souls in a glorified state. What a blessed hope! So, as we live our days on this earth, do not be discouraged. Do not be disheartened. Do not be disappointed. There will be trials – cling on to this greatest name and never let it go. Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Let us pray.
Our Father in heaven, indeed, as we consider this greatest name, Jesus Christ is Lord, we know that whether as believers, we bow before Him as our Saviour, or even for the unbelievers, they bow before Him as their Judge, everyone will have to bow before Jesus because He is Lord. Jesus Christ is our God. He is sovereign. He is in control of all things. Even at this moment, we are in His presence. He is watching over every one of us. He knows our thoughts and even in the deepest recesses of our hearts; He knows what is happening in our lives and what will happen in the future. He is sovereign, and He promised us that He will come soon. So each time as we cry out, "Jesus Christ is my Lord," we are crying out to Him as our God, our only King. We are acknowledging that He is sovereign, and that He will come to take us home, to be with Him forever and ever. We want to cling onto this greatest name, the greatest name the world has ever known. Jesus Christ is Lord. My Lord and my God. Father in heaven, we thank Thee that Thou has spoken to us in a most special way. May Thou continue to minister Thy Word to each and every one of us. And as we sing our final hymn, “Blessed Be The Name”, help us to sing with our hearts in tune with Thee. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
SERMON OUTLINE
THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANSThe Church at PhilippiThe Church at PhilippiPhilippians 1:1-2
The Joy of A Spirit-Filled Life (Part 1)The Joy of A Spirit-Filled Life (Part 1)Philippians 1:3-5
Elements of True JoyElements of True JoyPhilippians 1:3-6
The Joy of a Spirit-filled Life (Part 2)The Joy of a Spirit-filled Life (Part 2)Philippians 1:6
What are the Things Most Important to Us?What are the Things Most Important to Us?Philippians 1:7-8
Growing in GodlinessGrowing in GodlinessPhilippians 1:9-11
Message 5: Praying for the ChurchMessage 5: Praying for the ChurchPhilippians 1:9-11
Growing in GodlinessGrowing in GodlinessPhilippians 1:9-11
Are All Things Really Working For Good?Are All Things Really Working For Good?Philippians 1:12-14
In Times of AdversityIn Times of AdversityPhilippians 1:12-18
Trouble in the ChurchTrouble in the ChurchPhilippians 1:15-18
For to Me to Live is Christ, to Die is GainFor to Me to Live is Christ, to Die is GainPhilippians 1:19-26
To Live is ChristTo Live is ChristPhilippians 1:19-26
Living Worthy of the GospelLiving Worthy of the GospelPhilippians 1:27-30
Live your life worthy of the GospelLive your life worthy of the GospelPhilippians 1:27-30
The Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Part 1)The Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Part 1)Philippians 2:1-2
Let's Have FellowshipLet's Have FellowshipPhilippians 2:1-4
Essential Principles of Spiritual Unity (Part 2)Essential Principles of Spiritual Unity (Part 2)Philippians 2:3-4
The Ultimate ExampleThe Ultimate ExamplePhilippians 2:5-8
The Ultimate ExampleThe Ultimate ExamplePhilippians 2:5-11
What Is Christmas?What Is Christmas?Philippians 2:6-11
The Greatest NameThe Greatest NamePhilippians 2:9-11
Living a Sanctified LifeLiving a Sanctified LifePhilippians 2:12-13
Work Out Your Own SalvationWork Out Your Own SalvationPhilippians 2:12-18
Moving Forward Not BackwardMoving Forward Not BackwardPhilippians 2:13-14
Stop Murmuring and ComplainingStop Murmuring and ComplainingPhilippians 2:14-16
The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: PaulThe Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: PaulPhilippians 2:17-18
The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: TimothyThe Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: TimothyPhilippians 2:19-24
The Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentThe Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentPhilippians 3:1-2
True Believers Worship God in Spirit and in TruthTrue Believers Worship God in Spirit and in TruthPhilippians 3:3, John 4:4-30
Nothing to Boast OfNothing to Boast OfPhilippians 3:3-6
What Is Gain To Me Is LossWhat Is Gain To Me Is LossPhilippians 3:7-9
The Power of Christ's ResurrectionThe Power of Christ's ResurrectionPhilippians 3:10-11
What are Your Spiritual Goals?What are Your Spiritual Goals?Philippians 3:10-11
Pressing Toward The MarkPressing Toward The MarkPhilippians 3:12-14
Pressing Toward the MarkPressing Toward the MarkPhilippians 3:13-14
Morning Devotion 2: God’s High Calling for YouMorning Devotion 2: God’s High Calling for YouPhilippians 3:13-14
How to Know the Will of GodHow to Know the Will of GodPhilippians 3:15
Who Are You Following?Who Are You Following?Philippians 3:16-19
Heavenly Or Earthly MindedHeavenly Or Earthly MindedPhilippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
How Do You Stand Fast?How Do You Stand Fast?Philippians 4:1
How to Maintain Christian UnityHow to Maintain Christian UnityPhilippians 4:2-3
Having Peace in Times of Trouble [Part 1]Having Peace in Times of Trouble [Part 1]Philippians 4:4-7
The Cure for AnxietyThe Cure for AnxietyPhilippians 4:6-7
Message 6: Praying for the TroubledMessage 6: Praying for the TroubledPhilippians 4:6-7
Having Peace in Times of Trouble [Part 2]Having Peace in Times of Trouble [Part 2]Philippians 4:8-9
Learning To Be Content [Part 1]Learning To Be Content [Part 1]Philippians 4:10-12
How To Be An Overcoming ChristianHow To Be An Overcoming ChristianPhilippians 4:13
Learning To Be Content [Part 2]Learning To Be Content [Part 2]Philippians 4:13-19
My God Shall Supply All Your NeedsMy God Shall Supply All Your NeedsPhilippians 4:19
Living By Grace and For God's GloryLiving By Grace and For God's GloryPhilippians 4:20-23
