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QUESTION 76:
What does it mean in Philippians 2:7, where we read "made Himself of no reputation?"

ANSWER:
The order of Philippians 2:6-8 is sevenfold. To take them in chronological order they are as follows:

• In the "form of God."
  
• Made Himself of no reputation.
  
• Took upon Himself the form of a servant.
  
• Made in the likeness of men.
  
• He humbled Himself, (as a man).
  
• Became obedient unto death.
  
• Even the death of the cross.
  

The phrase, "...thought it not robbery to be equal with God" Philippians 2:6, means that He did not hold on to the form (or position) of being God. It does not mean, He ceased to be God, but took upon Himself another form and position as a servant. Maybe an illustration will help. If President Clinton would leave the white house and go out on the streets of Washington and work on the sewer line, he would have made himself of no reputation as president, but still he is every bit the president.

The servant hood of Christ began in eternity. Before the foundation of the world He was the eternal Son of God. Coequal with God. Before the laying of the foundation of this world He left that form (mode of expression, translated shape three times) and took upon Himself another "form," that of a servant. Thus He made Himself of "no reputation." To stoop from the position of God eternal to that of a servant was making Himself of no reputation. He further stooped to death, even the death of the cross.

He died for you and me. Are you saved? Have you trusted Him?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen