Philippians 2:6 – “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of one of the most powerful passages about Jesus in the Bible. Paul is explaining the humility of Christ by showing that He is fully God, yet He did not cling to His divine privileges.

The phrase “being in very nature God” means that Jesus was and is fully divine. He was not just a good teacher or a prophet—He has always existed as God. He shares the same essence, power, and authority as God the Father.

Yet, despite His divine nature, Jesus did not use His equality with God for His own benefit. He could have come to earth in majesty, demanding honor and worship, but instead, He chose to humble Himself and become a servant (Philippians 2:7). He willingly laid aside His rights and privileges to save humanity.

This verse teaches a profound truth: Jesus, though God, embraced humility for our sake. He did not act in selfishness or pride but in love and selflessness.

Historical Context

Paul wrote Philippians while in prison, likely in Rome around AD 60-62. He was writing to a church in a Roman colony where status and power were highly valued. The Romans believed that those in positions of honor should assert their power over others.

But Jesus did the opposite. Instead of using His divine power to dominate, He chose to lower Himself. This message would have shocked the Philippians, who lived in a culture that encouraged people to climb the social ladder.

Paul is urging the church to follow Jesus’ example of humility, rather than seeking personal glory or advantage over others.

Theological Implications

This verse contains essential teachings about Jesus and the nature of God:

• Jesus is fully God. He is not a lesser being or created by the Father—He has always existed as God (John 1:1).
• Jesus willingly humbled Himself. He did not have to give up His divine privileges, but He chose to do so out of love.
• True greatness is found in humility. The world values power, but God values self-sacrifice and love.
• Jesus’ actions reflect God’s heart. Some people think of God as distant or power-hungry, but Jesus shows that God’s nature is one of humility and love.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of a larger poetic passage (Philippians 2:6-11), sometimes called the “Christ Hymn.” It likely was an early Christian song or creed used to teach about Jesus’ nature.

Key phrases:

• “Being in very nature God” – The Greek word morphē (translated “nature”) refers to Jesus’ essential being. He was not just godlike—He was fully divine.
• “Did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” – Some translations say “grasped” or “exploited.” The idea is that Jesus did not hold onto His rights for selfish gain.

Instead of grasping for power, He chose to let go for the sake of others. This is the opposite of Adam, who, in the Garden of Eden, tried to “be like God” (Genesis 3:5). Jesus, though truly God, willingly laid aside His privileges to save humanity.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 1:1-2 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• Colossians 1:15-16 – Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” and was involved in creation.
• Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus is “the exact representation of God’s being.”
• Isaiah 53:3-5 – A prophecy of the Messiah’s humility and suffering for others.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges modern Christians in several ways:

1. True humility means giving up personal rights for the sake of others. Our culture often tells us to “demand what we deserve,” but Jesus teaches a different way.
2. Power is not the goal—serving others is. Jesus, though God, served rather than demanded recognition. Do we do the same?
3. Our faith is built on humility. If Jesus chose humility over power, we should follow His example in our relationships, workplaces, and churches.
4. God calls us to self-sacrificing love. Living for others instead of ourselves reflects Jesus’ attitude.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some people wrongly think of God as distant, harsh, or uninterested in humanity. But this verse destroys that misconception.

God is not selfish or power-hungry. He is love. Jesus, as God, showed this by willingly lowering Himself to save us. He didn’t demand His rights—He gave them up to rescue us.

This means we can fully trust God’s heart. If Jesus was willing to humble Himself for our sake, then we can be sure that God is always working for our good.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly reveals who Jesus is.

• He is fully divine. He wasn’t just a man or a prophet—He was and is God.

• He willingly humbled Himself. His humility was not forced—He chose it.

• His humility led to salvation. Because Jesus let go of His divine privileges, He was able to take on human flesh, suffer, and die for our sins (Philippians 2:7-8).

• Matthew 20:28 – Jesus came to serve, not to be served.

• John 10:11 – Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

• Luke 22:27 – “I am among you as one who serves.”

• 2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

Jesus’ entire mission was one of humility and sacrifice. If we are His followers, our lives should reflect that same spirit.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse shape your understanding of who Jesus is?
2. In what ways do you struggle with holding onto status, recognition, or personal rights?
3. How can you follow Jesus’ example of humility in your daily life?
4. Why do you think Paul used Jesus’ humility as the foundation for Christian unity?
5. How does this verse challenge the way you think about power, leadership, and influence?