Going Up by Going Down (Pt. 1)

About this sermon

The way up is the way down. Dr. David Jeremiah reveals the life-changing biblical paradox of humility from Philippians 2. Get your free copy of Turning Point's Devotional Magazine to deepen your daily walk with God: https://www.davidjeremiah.org/magazine/signup In this powerful message, Dr. David Jeremiah explores the upside-down nature of the Christian life, demonstrating how true honor begins with absolute surrender. The world teaches self-exaltation and the aggressive pursuit of personal rights, but God's word establishes a completely different standard for success. By examining the structural layout of biblical paradoxes, this study shows that losing yourself is the only way to truly find yourself. Through a deep exposition of Philippians 2, Dr. David Jeremiah traces the intentional downward journey of Jesus Christ from eternal glory into a restricted human body. Discover what it means that the Savior voluntarily emptied Himself, waived His divine privileges, and walked the path of obedience all the way to the cross. To unlock the deeper meanings behind this historical and theological reality, watch the examination of Christ's nature at 12:24, the definition of the kenosis at 16:09, and the extreme reality of His restricted presence at 19:32. Q: What does it mean that Jesus emptied Himself in Philippians 2 A: Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ did not surrender His divine deity when entering humanity, but rather voluntarily chose to lay aside the independent use of His heavenly attributes and privileges to walk among us as a perfect, humble servant. Q: Why is the Christian life considered a paradox according to Scripture A: The kingdom of God operates on a spiritual economy where believers become first by being last, find true life by dying to self, inherit spiritual riches through material simplicity, and ultimately receive divine honor by walking in absolute humility. Q: How does biblical humility lead to ultimate spiritual honor A: God actively resists the proud but pours out continuous grace upon the humble, ensuring that those who choose to lower themselves in obedience to God the Father will be supernaturally lifted up and exalted in His perfect timing. 1. Proverbs 15:33 - Humility must always precede true honor. 2. Matthew 23:12 - Exalting oneself guarantees future humiliation. 3. Philippians 2:6 - Christ possessed the full essence of deity. 00:00 Understanding the upside down nature of Christian life 01:54 Locating the foundational scripture in Philippians chapter 2 02:22 Defining a biblical paradox and its structural impact 03:16 Listing the counter-cultural paradoxes of the New Testament 04:24 Reviewing Charles Colson's testimony of prison and brokenness 05:32 Proving the way up is the way down 06:17 Tracing the Old Testament wisdom on humble living 06:57 Examining the four mini sermons of Jesus on humility 08:18 Analyzing the apostolic exhortations of James and Peter 09:08 Contrasting kingdom principles with modern secular business seminars 09:53 Introducing the famous hymn of Christ in Philippians 11:16 Following the roundtrip journey of Jesus from heaven to earth 12:24 Defending the absolute deity and eternal nature of Christ 14:25 Learning how Jesus refused His personal divine prerogatives 16:09 Explaining the theological meaning of the kenosis self emptying 18:26 Choosing to waive personal rights for a greater purpose 19:32 Comprehending the mystery of Christ's restricted earthly presence 21:13 Realizing the ultimate sacrificial purpose of the cross 23:47 Celebrating seasonal ministry updates and upcoming turning point events Stay Connected Subscribe to Dr. David Jeremiah’s official channel for more Biblical teaching: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqQ9naMCqK_wUEWoxXvh7Dw Free Resource Get your free copy of the Turning Point's Devotional Magazine: https://www.davidjeremiah.org/magazine/signup Follow #DavidJeremiah on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdavidjeremiah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidjeremiah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdavidjeremiah #DavidJeremiah #Philippians2 #BiblicalHumility #ChristianParadox #TurningPoint ASSET TITLE: Incredible Pace Asset Download code: C47e46c3f9d85eec7edf6df562554dde981e00fbd894ee0e3b84e5f43150c319:3265436-7120130 ASSET TITLE: Make Motivation Yours Asset Download code: D6cd76a9ba027e9cfe6ac08b6f3b222ed56d41f48ff5b69650618e4312772cfc:1282417-7120130