The Name Above Every Name Philippians 2 9 to 11 • Marty Beamer • Bethel Baptist Sunday Worship • Jan 16 2022

In the climactic Christ-hymn of Philippians 2:9–11, Pastor Marty unpacks why the Father “highly exalted” Jesus and bestowed on Him the Name above every name—“Lord.” Drawing from Isaiah 45, he shows how this confession was both deeply biblical and politically explosive in a Roman colony where “Caesar is lord” was the expected oath. The church’s calling: exalt Christ together, endure suffering as witness, and live in confident hope of future glory—all to the Father’s praise.

Big Idea

Because the Father has exalted Jesus as Lord, the church exists to exalt Christ with joyful courage—especially through suffering—trusting that our future exaltation is secure in Him.

Sermon Outline

1. The Weight of a Name (Exod 3; the significance of “Name” in Scripture)
2. Bestowed the Name Above Every Name (Phil 2:9)—gifted, not grabbed
3. Every Knee…Every Tongue (Phil 2:10)—cosmic allegiance in heaven, on earth, under the earth
4. Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil 2:11)—the divine Name of Yahweh applied to Jesus (Isa 45:22–23)
5. Why This Matters in Philippi (and here):
   • Exalting Christ is the mission (Phil 1:27)
   • Exalting Christ is how the Father is glorified
   • The mission advances through suffering (1 Pet 2; Luke 21:13)
   • Christ’s exaltation guarantees the church’s future exaltation (Phil 3:10–11; 2 Cor 4:16–18)

Key Scriptures

Philippians 2:9–11; Isaiah 45:5–6, 22–23; Exodus 3:13–15; Philippians 1:27–30; 3:10–11; Luke 21:12–13; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18

Why It Matters

• Allegiance: Saying “Jesus is Lord” is a public pledge that relativizes every other loyalty.
• Worship & Witness: God is glorified as the church exalts the Son.
• Suffering: Trials are not detours; they are opportunities to bear witness.
• Hope: The path down (humility) is the path up (glory) for all who are in Christ.

Applications

• Filter church decisions through one question: “Will this exalt Christ as Lord?”
• Receive trials as chances to testify to Jesus rather than retreat.
• Practice weekly habits that keep His supremacy central (Scripture, prayer, gathered worship, gospel conversations).
• Name and lay down any idols (preferences, comforts, reputations) that compete with Christ’s preeminence.

Reflection Questions

1. Where is Jesus’ lordship most contested in your life right now?
2. How could your present hardship become an opportunity to bear witness?
3. What ministry, practice, or preference needs to change so our church more clearly exalts Christ?
4. Who needs to hear from you this week that “Jesus is Lord”—in word and deed?