1. Philippians 2:5-11 Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness...

2. …And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name… Philippians 2:5-11

3. …that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

4. Is Easter about being FULL or being EMPTY?

5. FULL? It is true that for many Easter is all about filling yourself will chocolate Easter Eggs! But Jesus did say in John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” Full or Empty?

6. Today, I would like us to look at 3 things with regard to Easter Emptiness! 1.Easter is about an EMPTY LIFE. 2.Easter is about an EMPTY CROSS. 3.Easter is about an EMPTY TOMB. Full or Empty?

7. 1. Easter is about an EMPTY LIFE. In Vs 7 Jesus showed that THE WAY TO BE FULL IS TO BE EMPTY. “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,” Real ‘fulfill’ment comes when we’re empty of our own desires and make Jesus our heart’s desire! Full or Empty?

8. We serve a Lord that specialises in filling emptiness! In Genesis 1 we see an EXPANSE OF NOTHING that God turned into a beautiful universe! In John 6 we see EMPTY STOMACHS (5,000 plus) that he filled with food (We note that in all 4 gospels, Jesus gave thanks prior to even breaking the bread showing to the multitudes and to us that only God can fill our emptiness!) Full or Empty?

9. In John 2 we see EMPTY WATER POTS at a wedding feast. The host ran out of wine and the people began to scurry about. He allowed them to feel their emptiness/inadequacy and then gave them the solution. He took empty water pots, filled them with water, and then worked the miracle! The joy that the world has to offer is just temporary, it always runs out. The result is always a void left over emptiness. But the joy of the Lord is ever new and ever satisfying! Full or Empty?

10. 2. Easter is about an EMPTY CROSS I’ve never appreciated the crucifix with a little figure of Jesus on it. Jesus isn’t there anymore! The cross is empty and yet it is full of God’s promises! THE EMPTY Cross tells me that I can be EMPTY OF SIN! The Empty Cross – Tells me that I can be free from my past and have a great life in and through Jesus. Full or Empty?

11. 3. Easter is about an EMPTY TOMB Truly, the greatest symbol of new life is found in an empty tomb! "But the angel answered and said to the women, ’Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:5-7 Full or Empty?

12. In Philippians 2:8-9 Jesus showed us that THE WAY TO LIVE IS TO DIE. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Without The Empty Tomb – There is No Saviour, No Salvation and no Hope! Full or Empty?

13. Are we prepared to let God empty us this morning so that we can filled with His Life? Emptied of sin? Emptied of self? Emptied of substitutes? Full or Empty?