Day 12: Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. (Philippians 2:4) #fireproofyourrelationship #40daylovschallenge #GoForthInFaithMinistries
Don’t over love yourself or gloat with who you are but be interested and care about the lives of others around you and be considerate in others in love and their environment well being as well.
What Does Philippians 2:4 Mean?
Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4(HCSB)
What does Philippians 2:4 mean?
The command here is short and simple. Several important observations can be made. First, the command is to each believer. All Christians, regardless of maturity or authority, are supposed to treat others with humility and selflessness. Second, the focus is not exclusively toward others. Paul does not say, “Never look to your own interests.” In other words, we are to put the needs of others before our own, but this does not mean we completely avoid caring for our own needs. It’s hard to serve other people when your own life, health, or concerns are in ruins.
Third, we are each called to help more than just one person. This is not directed as a single “other,” but at all “others.” There’s a common cultural wisdom for each person to “pay it forward” or “each one reach one.” While these sayings have a ring of truth, they don’t completely fulfill Paul’s teaching in this verse. Believers are called to help “others,” serving the needs of a group of people. In the case of the Philippians, this included the congregation that met in a house church. Then, spreading to serve those who did not yet know Christ. And, to helping both believers and unbelievers beyond their community as part of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
Context Summary
Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian’s life. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. Here again, Paul emphasizes that how a Christian thinks—how they frame their attitude—is crucial to living a Christian life. This sets up a classic description of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, starting in verse 6.
Chapter Summary
Paul describes Jesus Christ as one willing to be humble, in obedience to God the Father. For this, God will exalt Jesus’ name above all others. Someday, one way or another, all people will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, and submit to Him. Paul wants the Philippian believers to live with contentment and unity, without complaining. Instructions are given regarding two visitors. The first is actually the one delivering this letter, Epaphroditus. The other is Timothy, Paul’s trusted friend, who hopefully will be visiting soon.
Verse Thoughts
Paul knew that one of the keys that contributes to Christian joy and walking in fellowship with the Lord is that brothers in Christ are kind and considerate to one another – having the love of Christ in their hearts and being one in spirit and like-minded in purpose.
He knew that an unselfish attitude of heart and humbleness of spirit towards our brothers and sisters in Christ was a key to maintaining our joy in the Lord – and so we are all called upon to care about the interests of others, above our own.
Oh we are not to neglect our own needs for we are called upon in everything, by prayer and supplication to make our requests known to the Lord – but we are instructed to do nothing from selfish ambition.. nor should we be motivated to impress others, but in gentle humility of heart we are to count others interests and needs as more significant than our own – that our joy may be complete.
How honouring to the Lord if we were to take this simple instruction to heart and not only look to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/philippians-2-4
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