Philippians 2:7
Verse
Context
The Mind of Christ
6Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But made himself of no reputation - Ἑαυτον εκενωσε· He emptied himself - did not appear in his glory, for he assumed the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of man. And his being made in the likeness of man, and assuming the form of a servant, was a proof that he had emptied himself - laid aside the effulgence of his glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
made himself of no reputation, and . . . and--rather as the Greek, "emptied Himself, taking upon him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men." The two latter clauses (there being no conjunctions, "and . . . and," in the Greek) expresses in what Christ's "emptying of Himself" consists, namely, in "taking the form of a servant" (see on Heb 10:5; compare Exo 21:5-6, and Psa 40:6, proving that it was at the time when He assumed a body, He took "the form of a servant"), and in order to explain how He took "the form of a servant," there is added, by "being made in the likeness of men." His subjection to the law (Luk 2:21; Gal 4:4) and to His parents (Luk 2:51), His low state as a carpenter, and carpenter's reputed son (Mat 13:55; Mar 6:3), His betrayal for the price of a bond-servant (Exo 21:32), and slave-like death to relieve us from the slavery of sin and death, finally and chiefly, His servant-like dependence as man on God, while His divinity was not outwardly manifested (Isa 49:3, Isa 49:7), are all marks of His "form as a servant." This proves: (1) He was in the form of a servant as soon as He was made man. (2) He was "in the form of God" before He was "in the form of a servant." (3) He did as really subsist in the divine nature, as in the form of a servant, or in the nature of man. For He was as much "in the form of God" as "in the form of a servant"; and was so in the form of God as "to be on an equality with God"; He therefore could have been none other than God; for God saith, "To whom will ye liken Me and make Me equal?" (Isa 46:5), [BISHOP PEARSON]. His emptying Himself presupposes His previous plenitude of Godhead (Joh 1:14; Col 1:19; Col 2:9). He remained full of this; yet He bore Himself as if He were empty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But made himself of no reputation,.... Or "nevertheless emptied himself"; not of that fulness of grace which was laid up in him from everlasting, for with this he appeared when he was made flesh, and dwelt among men; nor of the perfections of his divine nature, which were not in the least diminished by his assumption of human nature, for all the fulness of the Godhead dwelt in him bodily; though he took that which he had not before, he lost nothing of what he had; the glory of his divine nature was covered, and out of sight; and though some rays and beams of it broke out through his works and miracles, yet his glory, as the only begotten of the Father, was beheld only by a few; the minds of the far greater part were blinded, and their hearts hardened, and they saw no form nor comeliness in him to desire him; the form of God in which he was, was hid from them; they reputed him as a mere man, yea, as a sinful man, even as a worm, and no man: and to be thus esteemed, and had in such account, he voluntarily subjected himself, though infinitely great and glorious; as he did not assume deity by rapine, he was not thrust down into this low estate by force; as the angels that sinned when they affected to be as God, were drove from their seats of glory, and cast down into hell; and when man, through the instigation of Satan, was desirous of the same, he was turned out of Eden, and became like the beasts that perish; but this was Christ's own act and deed, he willingly assented to it, to lay aside as it were his glory for a while, to have it veiled and hid, and be reckoned anything, a mere man, yea, to have a devil, and not be God: O wondrous humility! astonishing condescension! and took upon him the form of a servant; this also was voluntary; he "took upon him", was not obliged, or forced to be in the form of a servant; he appeared as one in human nature, and was really such; a servant to his Father, who chose, called, sent, upheld, and regarded him as a servant; and a very prudent, diligent, and faithful one he was unto him: and he was also a servant to his people, and ministered to men; partly by preaching the Gospel to them, and partly by working miracles, healing their diseases, and going about to do good, both to the bodies and souls of men; and chiefly by obtaining eternal redemption for his chosen ones, by being made sin and a curse for them; which though a very toilsome and laborious piece of service, yet as he cheerfully engaged in it, he diligently attended it, until he had finished it: so he was often prophesied of as a servant, in Isa 42:1, in which several places he is called in the Targum, , "my servant the Messiah": put these two together, "the form of God", and "the form of a servant", and admire the amazing stoop! and was made in the likeness of men; not of the first Adam, for though, as he, he was without sin, knew none, nor did any; yet he was rather like to sinful men, and was sent in the likeness of sinful flesh, and was traduced and treated as a sinner, and numbered among transgressors; he was like to men, the most mean and abject, such as were poor, and in lower life, and were of the least esteem and account among men, on any score: or he was like to men in common, and particularly to his brethren the seed of Abraham, and children of God that were given him; he partook of the same flesh and blood, he had a true body, and a reasonable soul, as they; he was subject to the like sorrows and griefs, temptations, reproaches, and persecutions; and was like them in everything, excepting sin: a strange and surprising difference this, that he who was "equal to God", should be "like to sinful men!"
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 he gave up his divine privileges (literally he emptied himself): The rest of 2:7-8 explains this ultimate expression of divine self-denial (cp. 2 Cor 8:9). • the humble position of a slave (or the form of a slave): Paul might have been thinking of Isa 52:13–53:12. • and was born as a human: See John 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16.
Philippians 2:7
The Mind of Christ
6Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"Slowness of Heart " Part 2
By Joshua Daniel2.6K27:21LUK 24:6ROM 6:6PHP 2:7This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself, dying to the old nature, and embracing the resurrected life in Christ. He highlights the significance of the resurrection in bringing hope, transformation, and a fruitful life, urging listeners to let go of pride and vanity to experience true change and glorification in Christ.
The Mind of Christ
By Lance Lambert2.5K00:00Mind of ChristROM 8:1PHP 2:5PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the battle for the mind in today's society, where we are constantly influenced by various media sources. He uses the example of the Darwinian theory of evolution to illustrate how our concepts shape our behavior. The speaker highlights the importance of the mind and how our concepts govern our actions. He then transitions to discussing the concept of kingship, explaining that true kingship is a challenging responsibility. The sermon concludes with a reference to Romans 8:1-6, emphasizing the freedom and fulfillment found in Christ Jesus and the distinction between the mind of the flesh and the mind of the spirit.
The Life of Abandonment
By Stephen Kaung2.4K1:02:39AbandonmentPHP 2:7PHP 2:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering Jesus Christ as the apostle and high priest of our confession. He highlights that when we focus on ourselves and our circumstances instead of considering God, we become more self-centered and hold on tightly to things. The speaker encourages the audience to see the invisible Lord and abandon themselves to Him, as this is the logical and reasonable thing to do. He also emphasizes the need to be constrained by the love of Christ and to find rest in our souls by learning from His lowly and meek heart.
Dealing With Manipulators
By Gayle Erwin1.7K47:29ManipulatorsMAT 6:33MAT 14:13MAT 20:28MRK 10:45LUK 20:21LUK 22:26PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of the little boy who offered his lunch to Jesus, which miraculously fed thousands of people. The speaker imagines the boy's reaction to being thanked and given baskets of leftovers. The sermon emphasizes that miracles can happen on ordinary days and are not limited to high-pressure emotional moments. The speaker then discusses the nature of Jesus, highlighting qualities such as servant, leader by example, humble, and childlike. The sermon also references Philippians chapter two, adding more characteristics of Jesus, including his lack of force, blind ambition, and his choice to empty himself and become human.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K44:09ChristGEN 22:2MAT 5:39ACT 4:13ROM 12:191CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transformation that occurred in the early members of the church when the power of God came down from heaven. The idea of weakness and being put to death was initially resented by these men, but when they witnessed the boldness of Peter and John after receiving the power of God, they were completely defeated in their attempts to explain and understand. The speaker emphasizes that this power came from heaven and completely changed the standard of values and ideas about power for these men. The sermon also highlights the importance of not attributing any glory to man, but rather giving all glory to God.
Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-01
By William MacDonald1.2K45:46JesusMAT 20:28LUK 7:48LUK 15:4JHN 13:4PHP 2:7HEB 10:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of servanthood and uses the example of Jesus Christ as the ultimate servant. He explains that there are two types of servants mentioned in the Bible: bond slaves and hired servants. Jesus is portrayed as a bond slave, willingly giving up his reputation and taking on the form of a servant to fulfill God's will. The speaker emphasizes Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet as a demonstration of humility and servanthood. The sermon also highlights the idea that God's providence and divine timing are at work in every aspect of life, even when it may seem like we are in a pit of misery.
Fargo Memorial Day Conference-09 7 Aspects of the Glory of Christ
By William MacDonald1.2K40:50ConferencePHP 2:7HEB 5:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by mentioning that they were reading from John chapter 13 and 15 earlier in the day. They then ask the audience to determine the chapter for the evening, which is revealed to be John 17. The speaker proceeds to read and discuss verses 1-5 of John 17, where Jesus prays to the Father and asks for his own glorification. The speaker then introduces the topic of the glory of Christ and mentions that they will be discussing seven aspects of this glory in the sermon.
Desert Survival Series Pt 16- Moses the Servant of God
By Don Courville1.1K38:36Desert SurvivalACT 5:29EPH 5:1EPH 5:17EPH 5:22PHP 2:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of setting a good example for our children. He warns that if parents demonstrate a lifestyle of prioritizing work over family, their children will likely follow suit. The preacher also discusses the alarming divorce rate in America and suggests that Satan is systematically breaking apart marriages. He encourages listeners to understand the will of God for their lives, which includes being filled with the Spirit and being controlled by His guidance. The preacher also addresses societal pressures for mothers to work outside the home and the undermining of the husband's role.
Hebrews Chapter 2
By Chip Brogden99932:17ExpositionalPHP 2:7HEB 1:3HEB 2:1HEB 2:12HEB 2:14In this sermon, Chip Brogdon continues his series on the book of Hebrews, focusing on Jesus as our High Priest. He emphasizes that Jesus is God's supreme revelation and the focal point of everything God has done and will do. Brogdon references Philippians 2:5-11 to highlight Jesus' humility and obedience, even unto death on the cross. He also challenges the mindset of the listeners, urging them to read the scriptures and see that Jesus is Lord, not the devil or man.
God's Great Plan of Missions
By Kayy Gordon96337:57PHP 2:7This sermon focuses on the importance of missions, highlighting the journey of a missionary who dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel in the Arctic. It emphasizes the need for vision, commitment, prayer, and fresh dedication to God's will. The sermon encourages believers to have a global vision, engage in corporate prayer, and embrace a harvest anointing for reaching the world for Jesus.
Humility Is Christ's Pattern
By Scott Hynds75829:25ISA 57:15MAT 7:29JHN 13:13ROM 8:17PHP 2:7JAS 1:22JAS 4:6REV 19:16This sermon delves into John chapter 13, focusing on Jesus washing the disciples' feet as an example of humility and servanthood. The importance of following Jesus' teachings and patterns, the necessity of humility, and the power of God's word in teaching and preaching are emphasized. The sermon highlights the significance of Jesus being both a teacher and Lord, the need for obedience along with knowledge, and the reminder that true happiness comes from knowing and doing God's will.
Audio Sermon: The Supremacy of Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill5471:26:00PHP 2:7This sermon emphasizes the power of collective prayer and fasting, highlighting the importance of being serious about interceding for lost souls. It delves into the humility of Jesus Christ, who willingly took on human form despite the vast distance between God's holiness and man's sinfulness. The speaker encourages believers to live as role models of Christ, embodying His love and compassion in their daily lives.
His Chariot
By Hattie Hammond49252:16Christian LifeSurrender to GodHumilityPHP 2:7Hattie Hammond emphasizes the importance of humility and surrendering to God, inviting the congregation to bow down in spirit and unite with the essence of Christ during the Christmas season. She reflects on the significance of Jesus' incarnation, portraying Him as the chariot that conveys divine love and grace to humanity. The sermon encourages worship that is heartfelt and genuine, urging believers to bring their hearts and devotion to Jesus, recognizing His sacrifice and the need for deeper love and connection with Him. Hammond calls for prayer for a world in need of mercy and emphasizes the joy found in Christ, especially during His birthday celebration.
Difficult Passages- Lake Geneva conf.1984 - Part 1
By William MacDonald42136:12ConferenceMAT 6:33MAT 11:11JHN 13:34JHN 14:28ROM 8:28EPH 2:8PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Jesus emptying himself to come in the form of humanity. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus was not God minus humanity, but rather God plus humanity. The speaker uses biblical passages such as Luke 1:28 and 42 and Philippians 2:7 to support this idea. The speaker explains that Jesus emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant and ultimately dying on the cross, and as a result, God exalted him and gave him a name above every name.
The Birth of Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill6553:51Humility in ServiceIncarnationChristISA 7:14JHN 1:14PHP 2:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the miraculous nature of Christ's birth, highlighting the significance of the virgin birth and the incarnation as central to Christian faith. He reflects on the humility of Jesus, who came into the world not with pomp but as a servant, and stresses that the true essence of Christianity is not in philosophy but in the life of Christ living within believers. Ravenhill challenges the church to embrace the supernatural and to recognize that Jesus' coming was a divine gift meant to restore God's image in humanity, rather than merely to save from hell. He calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ, urging believers to live in humility and service, just as Jesus did.
Discovering Deep Intimacy
By Brian Guerin4828:50IntimacyOvercoming Fear of DeceptionIntimacy With GodEXO 33:11JHN 15:4PHP 2:7HEB 12:1Brian Guerin emphasizes the profound importance of intimacy with Jesus in his sermon 'Discovering Deep Intimacy.' He shares personal experiences and revelations about how God communicates through various means, urging believers to overcome the fear of deception and instead focus on cultivating a close relationship with Christ. Guerin highlights that true transformation and understanding come from spending time in the secret place with God, where one can experience His presence and guidance. He encourages the congregation to embrace this intimacy, as it opens the door to deeper spiritual experiences and a more profound understanding of God's voice.
The Price, Power and Presence of the Cross
By Shane Idleman1732:13Resurrection PowerThe CrossPHP 2:7Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of the cross in his sermon 'The Price, Power and Presence of the Cross,' explaining that the cross represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for humanity's sins and the power of His resurrection. He discusses how the world is offended by the message of the cross, which is rooted in the resurrection, and how this offense stems from the transformative power of Christ. Idleman highlights the necessity of recognizing the price paid for salvation and the importance of embracing the power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. He encourages listeners to seek the presence of God, reminding them that true hope and strength come from a relationship with Jesus. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a reminder that today is the day of salvation.
Experience
By Thomas Manton0ISA 53:32CO 1:3PHP 2:7HEB 2:10HEB 4:15Thomas Manton preaches about how Christ, as the captain of our salvation, was made perfect through sufferings, experiencing all trials and hardships that His servants may face, including poverty, forsakenness, and pain, allowing Him to empathize and pity us in our struggles. By taking on our nature and miseries, Christ offers a pledge to help and have compassion on us, having a deep understanding of the human experience and the challenges we encounter in this world.
The Cross the Way to God
By Andrew Murray0The CrossHumility and ObediencePHP 2:7Andrew Murray emphasizes that Jesus, by taking on human nature, fully embraced the burdens of sin and weakness, demonstrating how a true man should live in obedience to God. He highlights Christ's growth in wisdom and stature, his experiences of temptation and suffering, and how these prepared him for the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The cross, therefore, is presented as the only way for Jesus, as both man and Mediator, to reconcile humanity with God. This profound act of humility and obedience serves as a model for believers in their own spiritual journeys.
Conformed to the Image of His Son
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 5:12ROM 8:291CO 15:44PHP 2:7HEB 1:3HEB 2:8HEB 4:6HEB 10:5T. Austin-Sparks delves into the eternal purpose of God, emphasizing the contrast between the first Adam and the last Adam, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate image to which God intended to conform humanity. He explores the significance of Christ emptying Himself and becoming obedient unto death to bring back God's original intention for humanity. The sermon highlights the importance of obedience in God's plan, showcasing the consequences of disobedience through various biblical examples. It concludes with the call for believers to live by the life of Christ within them, leading to conformity to His image.
God's Gracious Act
By A.W. Tozer0The Mystery of GodDivine HumilityPHP 2:7HEB 2:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound mystery of God's gracious act in becoming human, highlighting the incredible humility of the Infinite choosing to limit Himself by taking on the nature of the seed of Abraham rather than that of angels. He reflects on the wonder of this divine condescension and encourages believers to accept the mystery of God's actions without needing to fully understand them. Tozer cites John Wesley's wisdom in distinguishing the act of God from the method of its execution, urging us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. Ultimately, he calls for a humble acknowledgment of God's greatness and our limited understanding.
Your Personal Holy Ground
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual GrowthHumilityEXO 3:5PSA 51:10ISA 57:15MAT 5:3JHN 15:2ROM 12:1PHP 2:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:101PE 5:6David Wilkerson emphasizes that 'holy ground' is not a physical location but a spiritual state of being receptive and open to God. He illustrates this through Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where Moses had to remove his sandals, symbolizing the shedding of his reputation and pride. This act of humility allowed Moses to be in a position where God could truly work in him. Wilkerson encourages believers to pursue their personal holy ground by being honest with God and letting go of their worldly influences, leading to deeper revelations of God's presence. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to prioritize a relationship with Jesus above all else.
The Importance of Paul's Evidence
By F.F Bruce0LUK 22:27ROM 13:141CO 15:3GAL 1:13PHP 2:7F.F. Bruce delves into the life and conversion of the apostle Paul, a Roman citizen of Jewish birth who zealously persecuted early Christians until his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus transformed him into a chief herald of the Christian faith. Paul's conversion has been considered a powerful evidence for the truth of Christianity. Through Paul's Epistles, we gain insight into the early apostolic preaching about Jesus, emphasizing His divine preexistence, humanity, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and appearances to many eyewitnesses.
Jesus
By John Follette0MAT 5:38JHN 10:10JHN 14:8ACT 1:1PHP 2:7John Follette preaches about the victorious Head, Jesus Christ, who has all power vested in Him in heaven and on earth, emphasizing that believers are part of His Body and should not worry but focus on moving their hearts towards Him. Jesus, as the Son of Man, represents God's ideal concept of man and demonstrated utter dependence on God, even in His miracles and teachings. He showed obedience, devotion, and surrendered His spirit back to God, teaching causation and addressing the root of issues rather than just the immediate actions.
Letter 83
By James Bourne0PSA 51:17ISA 66:2LUK 12:49ROM 8:172CO 12:9GAL 6:14PHP 2:7JAS 4:101PE 5:6James Bourne, in a letter to Mr. M., encourages him to discern between the dead professing church and the true church of God, emphasizing the necessity of feeling the inefficiency of worldly pleasures and the desire for spiritual truth. Bourne reminds Mr. M. that judgment often precedes mercy, and there is a process of breaking down before building up in the Christian journey. He urges Mr. M. not to be discouraged by a lack of immediate peace or assurance of salvation, but to focus on humility, contrition, and trembling at God's word. Bourne highlights the importance of enduring hardships, preferring God's honor over personal reputation, and the gradual work of grace in a believer's heart.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But made himself of no reputation - Ἑαυτον εκενωσε· He emptied himself - did not appear in his glory, for he assumed the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of man. And his being made in the likeness of man, and assuming the form of a servant, was a proof that he had emptied himself - laid aside the effulgence of his glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
made himself of no reputation, and . . . and--rather as the Greek, "emptied Himself, taking upon him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men." The two latter clauses (there being no conjunctions, "and . . . and," in the Greek) expresses in what Christ's "emptying of Himself" consists, namely, in "taking the form of a servant" (see on Heb 10:5; compare Exo 21:5-6, and Psa 40:6, proving that it was at the time when He assumed a body, He took "the form of a servant"), and in order to explain how He took "the form of a servant," there is added, by "being made in the likeness of men." His subjection to the law (Luk 2:21; Gal 4:4) and to His parents (Luk 2:51), His low state as a carpenter, and carpenter's reputed son (Mat 13:55; Mar 6:3), His betrayal for the price of a bond-servant (Exo 21:32), and slave-like death to relieve us from the slavery of sin and death, finally and chiefly, His servant-like dependence as man on God, while His divinity was not outwardly manifested (Isa 49:3, Isa 49:7), are all marks of His "form as a servant." This proves: (1) He was in the form of a servant as soon as He was made man. (2) He was "in the form of God" before He was "in the form of a servant." (3) He did as really subsist in the divine nature, as in the form of a servant, or in the nature of man. For He was as much "in the form of God" as "in the form of a servant"; and was so in the form of God as "to be on an equality with God"; He therefore could have been none other than God; for God saith, "To whom will ye liken Me and make Me equal?" (Isa 46:5), [BISHOP PEARSON]. His emptying Himself presupposes His previous plenitude of Godhead (Joh 1:14; Col 1:19; Col 2:9). He remained full of this; yet He bore Himself as if He were empty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But made himself of no reputation,.... Or "nevertheless emptied himself"; not of that fulness of grace which was laid up in him from everlasting, for with this he appeared when he was made flesh, and dwelt among men; nor of the perfections of his divine nature, which were not in the least diminished by his assumption of human nature, for all the fulness of the Godhead dwelt in him bodily; though he took that which he had not before, he lost nothing of what he had; the glory of his divine nature was covered, and out of sight; and though some rays and beams of it broke out through his works and miracles, yet his glory, as the only begotten of the Father, was beheld only by a few; the minds of the far greater part were blinded, and their hearts hardened, and they saw no form nor comeliness in him to desire him; the form of God in which he was, was hid from them; they reputed him as a mere man, yea, as a sinful man, even as a worm, and no man: and to be thus esteemed, and had in such account, he voluntarily subjected himself, though infinitely great and glorious; as he did not assume deity by rapine, he was not thrust down into this low estate by force; as the angels that sinned when they affected to be as God, were drove from their seats of glory, and cast down into hell; and when man, through the instigation of Satan, was desirous of the same, he was turned out of Eden, and became like the beasts that perish; but this was Christ's own act and deed, he willingly assented to it, to lay aside as it were his glory for a while, to have it veiled and hid, and be reckoned anything, a mere man, yea, to have a devil, and not be God: O wondrous humility! astonishing condescension! and took upon him the form of a servant; this also was voluntary; he "took upon him", was not obliged, or forced to be in the form of a servant; he appeared as one in human nature, and was really such; a servant to his Father, who chose, called, sent, upheld, and regarded him as a servant; and a very prudent, diligent, and faithful one he was unto him: and he was also a servant to his people, and ministered to men; partly by preaching the Gospel to them, and partly by working miracles, healing their diseases, and going about to do good, both to the bodies and souls of men; and chiefly by obtaining eternal redemption for his chosen ones, by being made sin and a curse for them; which though a very toilsome and laborious piece of service, yet as he cheerfully engaged in it, he diligently attended it, until he had finished it: so he was often prophesied of as a servant, in Isa 42:1, in which several places he is called in the Targum, , "my servant the Messiah": put these two together, "the form of God", and "the form of a servant", and admire the amazing stoop! and was made in the likeness of men; not of the first Adam, for though, as he, he was without sin, knew none, nor did any; yet he was rather like to sinful men, and was sent in the likeness of sinful flesh, and was traduced and treated as a sinner, and numbered among transgressors; he was like to men, the most mean and abject, such as were poor, and in lower life, and were of the least esteem and account among men, on any score: or he was like to men in common, and particularly to his brethren the seed of Abraham, and children of God that were given him; he partook of the same flesh and blood, he had a true body, and a reasonable soul, as they; he was subject to the like sorrows and griefs, temptations, reproaches, and persecutions; and was like them in everything, excepting sin: a strange and surprising difference this, that he who was "equal to God", should be "like to sinful men!"
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 he gave up his divine privileges (literally he emptied himself): The rest of 2:7-8 explains this ultimate expression of divine self-denial (cp. 2 Cor 8:9). • the humble position of a slave (or the form of a slave): Paul might have been thinking of Isa 52:13–53:12. • and was born as a human: See John 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16.