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Daily Devotions

Philippians

Philippians 
Day 
Day 37

"Equal with God..."

Text: Philippians 2:6

THE DEITY OF CHRIST

One of the fundamental truths in Christianity is the doctrine of the “Deity of Christ”. The Lord Jesus Christ is consistently presented as co-equal with God. The following text is a classic example.

“Who, being in the form of God, did not consider
it robbery to be equal with God.”

Philippians 2:6

1. “Who, being in the form of God”

a) The word “form” is to be appreciated (Greek “morph”).
b) Two references:-
i) The internal aspect (The intrinsic substance or essence)
ii) The external aspect (The outward expression)

2. “Did not consider it robbery to be equal with God”

a) Jesus shared the same Divine Essence as God the Father.
b) How Jesus thought of Himself.
i) To make a claim of equality with God was not “robbery”.
ii) He was co-equal with God and taught this truth consistently.

3. The Gospel writers

They captured this understanding very well. This was well presented in the Gospels:-

a) Deity must possess Divine attributes (among other things).

i) Eternal existence

Jesus’ eternal existence (John 1:1-2).

ii) Power to Create

He was Co-Creator with God (John 1:3).

iii) Omniscience

He was able to see Nathanael even though He was not physically there (John 1:48).

b) Deity must also possess Divine Power.

i) Power to give life (John 1:4-9)

Life is symbolised by “light” in the Gospel of John.

ii) Power to forgive sins

Jesus spoke of Himself as One who had the Power to forgive sins (Mark 2:10)

iii) Power over the elements

Jesus calmed the wind and the boisterous sea (Mark 4:39).

Jesus in deep humility spoke of Himself as “The Son of Man” and as “The Son of God”.