(2026 Philippians Summer Series #5) Having a Real Relationship with Jesus Part Two: A New Humility

Philippians Study: Having a Real Relationship with Jesus

Part Two: A New Humility

Lesson 5: Philippians 2:5–11 (Go to ESV Bible Verses)

Read the passage carefully several times

1. What is Paul’s admonition (5)? Review what it means practically to have this mind (1–4). If this mind is already “yours in Christ Jesus,” why does Paul urge us to “have” it?
2. How is Christ’s mind first described (6)? What does “in the form of God” mean? What does “a thing to be grasped” mean (see verses 3a,4a)? In having the mind of Christ, why is this way of thinking the first step?
3. What did Christ do (7)? What did it mean for him to “empty himself”? To “take the form of a servant”? That he was “born in the likeness of men”? How can we imitate Christ’s incarnation more practically?
4. What was Christ’s ultimate way of humbling himself (8)? Why would dying on a cross require such humility? In his case, how was this the ultimate “obedience”?
5. How is Christ’s exaltation described (9–11)? How did it happen? What does it mean to “bow to our knees” at the name of Jesus? How is his exaltation an example for us (Luke 14:11)?
6. Reflecting on this passage, what step of humility or obedience will you take this week to “have this mind” in your daily life and relationships?