Sermon Notes + 10.18.2026
SERMON NOTES
The Name Above Every Name
Philippians 2:1-11
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The Reformation doctrine of salvation through Christ alone is taught throughout Scripture but perhaps nowhere more directly than Philippians 2:1-11. As the Apostle Paul addresses the need for unity and humility in the church, he points to Jesus as the perfect example of what it means to serve others in the greatest way according to their greatest need. Paul begins with the incarnation, where Jesus took on the form of a servant even though He was eternally in the form of God. By doing so, Jesus gave up status and privilege in order to be born in the likeness of men. Being found in human form, Jesus was obedient to the Father in every way, even to the point of dying on a cross, where he died in the place of sinners. In light of Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death, God the Father has exalted Him and bestowed upon Him the name that is above every name. Consequently, everyone shall bow the knee to Jesus and confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, thus proving that salvation is through Christ alone.
01. Salvation is through Christ alone because no other person has done what He has done. His eternal sonship, incarnate state, perfect life, atoning work, resurrection from the dead, ascension into heaven, ongoing intercession, promised return, and eternal reign have earned Him the name that is above every name.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. What is Paul’s request in verse 1? How do we demonstrate encouragement, participation in the Spirit, affection, and sympathy at Northpoint? What is the definition of humility according to verses 3-4? How can we purposefully put the interests of others above our own for the sake of the gospel at Northpoint?
2. In all likelihood, Philippians 2:5-11 comes from an early Christian hymn. What do the “lyrics” teach us about Jesus? How important is it to sing worship songs that are theologically substantive? In what way does this early hymn point to both the theological reality of who Christ is and the experiential aspect of His work on our behalf?
3. Philippians 2:6-7 is a famously contested passage regarding the divinity of Christ, as some have falsely believed that Jesus was not divine (v. 6) or that He ceased to be divine when He became human (v. 7). Why is it important to know that Jesus has always been fully God and that He became fully human? See John 1:1-14; Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:11-14; and Hebrews 1:1-14 for further insight.
4. What are the evangelistic implications of Philippians 2:9-11? If you were to share this passage with a non-Christian, how might this exclusive claim to salvation through Christ alone be received? Can you envision yourself lovingly yet firmly standing by this claim? Would you be able to explain, from this passage or others, why Jesus is the only way of salvation?
5. When the Reformers argued for salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, they were intent on removing any additional requirements to our faith. What additional requirements are added today to the simple gospel of repentance from sin and faith in Christ? Are you confident that Christ alone is sufficient for your salvation?
For Further Reading: Stephen Wellum, Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior (Zondervan, 2017)