Small Group Guide

August 17

Responding to Christ’s Exaltation (Philippians 2:10-11)

Humble Lights series

Application questions:

1. Bowing the Knee

Philippians 2:10 – “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

  • Am I willing to bow the knee to Christ now, or am I resisting His authority until it will be too late?

2. True Submission

Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…”

  • In what areas of my life (finances, family, career, desires) have I not fully submitted to Christ as Lord?

3. Worship in Eternity

Revelation 5:11-12 – “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels… saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb…’”

  • How does the reality that angels and saints will worship Christ forever shape the way I worship Him today?

4. Living Among Unbelievers

Romans 14:11 – “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”

  • How should the certainty of unbelievers one day confessing Christ affect the way I live and witness among them now?

5. Confession of the Tongue

Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart…”

  • Do my words daily reflect a heart that truly believes Jesus is Lord?

6. The Cost of Confession

John 20:28 – “Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”

  • Am I willing to confess Jesus as Lord even when it costs me—whether in reputation, relationships, or comfort?

7. Unity in the Body

John 17:21-22 – “…that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you…”

  • How am I promoting unity in my church family, reflecting the love and mutual submission within the Trinity?

8. Glory to the Father

Philippians 2:11 – “…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

  • Do I live in such a way that Christ’s exaltation in my life brings glory to God the Father?

9. The Urgency of Now

2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

  • Am I waiting to get serious about following Christ, or am I bowing the knee and confessing Him as Lord today?

10. The Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5 – “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”

  • How can I imitate Christ’s humility and obedience this week in my home, work, and church relationships?

Sermon Outline:

Title: Responding to Christ’s Exaltation
Text: Philippians 2:10-11

Introduction

  • Congregational singing in many languages points us to the theme of unity in Christ.

  • Philippians 2:6–11 traces Christ’s journey: pre-existence → incarnation → humiliation → exaltation.

  • Today: our response to His exaltation (vv. 10–11).

I. Universal Submission to Christ as Lord (v. 10)

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

  1. The cultural backdrop in Philippi

    • Citizens bowed to Caesar as “Lord” in public life.

    • Paul contrasts this with the true Lord—Jesus Christ.

  2. Who will bow the knee?

    • In heaven – angels and redeemed saints (Rev. 5:11).

    • On earth – all living people, believers and unbelievers.

    • Under the earth – demons and the condemned, bowing in terror (James 2:19).

  3. Illustration – Ancient kings placing their foot on the neck of conquered enemies.

    • Christ’s enemies will become His footstool (Ps. 110:1).

II. Universal Confession of Christ as Lord (v. 11a)

“Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…”

  1. Not universal salvation but universal acknowledgment.

    • Even rebels will confess Christ’s lordship.

  2. The early church’s dangerous confession: “Jesus is Lord.”

    • Contrasted with “Caesar is Lord.”

    • The title “Lord” is central in the NT: 747x compared to only 2x “Savior” in Acts.

  3. Examples of confession in Scripture:

    • Angels (Luke 2:11).

    • Disciples (John 13:13).

    • Thomas (John 20:28).

    • Paul (Romans 10:9).

  4. Application:

    • Will you confess Christ now willingly or later by force?

    • Empty words of “Lord, Lord” are not enough (Matt. 7:21–23).

    • True confession requires submission of all of life.

III. Ultimate Purpose of Exalting Christ as Lord (v. 11b)

“…to the glory of God the Father.”

  1. The Father glorified in the Son’s exaltation.

    • No jealousy within the Trinity.

    • Perfect unity and mutual honor.

  2. The Trinity as our model for unity and humility.

    • Jesus prayed for His followers to reflect this unity (John 17:21–23).

    • Believers are called to mutual submission, respect, and love.

  3. Application:

    • Bow to Christ now.

    • Submit to His rule.

    • Put on the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5).

    • Live in unity, glorifying the Father through Christ.

Conclusion

  • One day every creature will bow and confess Christ’s lordship.

  • The only question: Will you bow now in willing worship or later in forced submission?

  • Will you live today in joyful confession of Jesus as Lord, to the glory of God the Father?