BIG IDEA: Jesus Christ descended in humility and rose in victory, so that through union with him we are redeemed, purified, and reconciled.
I. The Humiliation of Christ (vv. 5–8)
+ Incarnation: God became human to rescue sinners.
+ Sinless Life: Jesus perfectly obeyed where we failed.
+ Sacrificial Death: Jesus died in our place, paying our penalty, removing our guilt, and reconciling us to God.
II. The Exaltation of Christ (vv. 9–11)
+ Resurrection & Ascension: Christ rose victorious and ascended into glory, validating our redemption.
+ Session & Intercession: Christ reigns in authority and continually intercedes for us, securing our perseverance.
III. Application: Our Union with Christ (v. 5)
+ The Christian life isn't about trying harder; it’s about being who you already are in Christ.
+ Union with Christ changes our identity, fuels our fight against sin, and empowers our pursuit of holiness.