PHILIPPIANS 2:3-8
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Vs. 3
not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Vs. 4
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Vs. 5
Who, being in very nature[a] God,did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; Vs. 6
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,being made in human likeness. Vs. 7
And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Vs. 8
Empty is telling God I have nothing within, I carry nothing, accepting that we are unsatisfactory. Depriving ourselves of something and coming to our Father to refill us and use us. Emptying oneself is seen in the life of Jesus.
HOW DO WE EMPTY OURSELVES?
- We must admit that we have nothing within
- We must accept that you are meaningless
- We must deprive ourselves of everything
- We must learn to see that another man is better than us
- See oneself as a root out of a dry ground
- Accept that we have no form
MATTHEW 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Vs. 3
Emptying oneself means being poor in spirit which means that no matter how much you have grown spiritually, you still pant and yearn for more of God’s spirit in you because some people attain certain spiritual heights and begin to call themselves spiritual giants.
PRODUCTS OF SELF-EMPTINESS
OBADIAH 1:3-4
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Vs. 3
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord. Vs. 4
HUMILITY: Humility was seen in the life of Esther. Grace is a machinery for lifting the humble. A proud man or woman is someone who thinks he or she does not need help from anybody. Feeling over familiar with the Bible. For one to be refill, one needs to submit oneself.
OBEDIENCE: Obedience is seen in the life of Jesus Christ. For one to be see his or herself empty one needs to look to the cross for only when we see how obedient Jesus Christ was to do the will of the father, only then can we learn total obedience.
HEBREWS 5:7-10
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Vs. 7
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Vs. 8
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Vs. 9
Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Vs. 10
It take humility for one to see himself empty and worthless.
ISAIAH 53:1-2
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Vs. 1
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him Vs. 2
Only those who empty themselves and see others better than them can be filled up or replenished.
JAMES 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a] Vs. 6
If you are not hungry for Christ, it is because we are too full of ourselves. He exalt those who empty themselves.
1 PETER 5:5-6
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Vs. 5
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Vs. 6