Today’s text is one of the most powerful proof texts for the Deity of Christ. If you ever doubted that Jesus Christ was God, a careful reading of today’s text makes clear that Jesus is not only “The Son of God”. But He is also, “God the Son”. 

Let’s read it today in the New Living Translation…

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 (NLT) 

In writing this, the Apostle Paul is quoting directly from Isaiah 45:23 where the One True Lord, God Almighty proclaims that someday every knee will bow to Him alone. And every tongue will confess allegiance to Him alone. 

Let’s look at the original context of that quote…

For there is no other God but me, a righteous God and Savior. There is none but me. Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to me.” Isaiah 45:21b-23 (NLT) 

The Old Testament makes clear that God is a jealous God and will not share His glory with another. Yet, in today’s text, we see the Apostle Paul applying this great pledge of allegiance that is to be given to God alone, to Jesus Christ. This either means that Paul is suggesting high treason or Paul is declaring that allegiance to Jesus is indeed equivalent to allegiance to Jehovah God. 

Jesus Himself taught –  … the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him. John 5:22-23 (NLT)

Understand and embrace the fact that Jesus is the ultimate. He is the ultimate example of love and humility. He is the ultimate man. And He is the ultimate God! 

That’s why the Apostle John wrote:Whoever has the Son has life;whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. 1 John 5:12 (NLT)

 Pastor Mike