The concept of "emptying ourselves" is a profound theme in the Christian faith, rooted in the Bible's teachings on humility and self-denial. As Philippians 2:7 notes, Jesus Christ "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant," demonstrating the ultimate example of humility and sacrifice. This idea is further echoed in verses such as Matthew 16:24, where Jesus instructs his followers to "deny themselves" and take up their cross, and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, which highlights the importance of embracing weakness and emptiness as a means of relying on God's strength. By emptying ourselves of pride, selfishness, and worldly attachments, believers can, like the psalmist in Psalms 51:17, offer a "broken and contrite heart" to God, and experience a deeper sense of spiritual freedom and intimacy with Him.
Watchman Nee emphasizes that God desires us to be continuously empty in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He illustrates this through the story of a woman who had only a pot of oil, highlighting that the more we empty ourselves, the more room we create for God's fullness. The sermon teaches t