READ: Philippians 2 (Focus vs. 1-11)
MEMORY VERSE
“In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4*
BACKGROUND*
At electric vehicle charging stations across the United States, some drivers overstay their time at “fast-chargers,” which are designed to help drivers quickly charge their cars and get back on the road.
To resolve this unkind behavior, one of the largest charging networks has implemented strict time limits at some of its busiest stations. When a vehicle’s battery charge reaches eighty-five percent, the driver must make room for the next car in need of a charge.
The apostle Paul encouraged believers in Jesus to humbly “value others above [themselves]” (Philippians 2:3). He addressed an issue that was grating the Philippian church—self-centeredness. The people desired recognition and distinction, not from pure motives but from “selfish ambition” (v. 3).
Paul urged the believers to have the mind of Christ and to look “to the interests of the others” (v. 4). This didn’t mean that they should forget their own needs in an unhealthy way, but that they would care for others’ needs as those who “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (v. 5).
The apostle encouraged the Philippians to empty themselves of pride and to humbly make room for others. The ultimate motivation for making room? Love.
As we seek to imitate Christ’s example each day (vv. 6-11), He can help us make room for others by viewing them with His loving eyes.
Marvin Williams
INSIGHT
Paul’s teaching in Philippians 2:1-11 describes the core values that believers in Jesus are to exhibit. Christ exemplified these principles by becoming a man, living as a servant, and surrendering to death by crucifixion (vv. 7-8).
Jesus’ example and teaching in John 13 amplify the need for believers to serve others. Hours before His crucifixion, John describes Christ having “a towel around his waist” (v. 4).
Jesus ignored His status as their leader and washed the dusty feet of all present: “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (v. 5).
His actions were complemented with these words: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (v. 14). Christ calls us to imitate His example of love and humility and serve others.
APPLICATION
How can you place others’ needs above your own? What does it mean to see others through God’s eyes?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…self-centeredness is the most debilitating issue grating the world and even more so the Church today.” Adapted
PR’s TAKE
“So in everything do to others what you would have them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is “What are you doing for others?”” M.L. King Jr.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Mahatma Ghandi
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me empty myself and make room for others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“OTHERS”
Lord, let me live from day to day,
In such a self-forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray,
My pray’r shall be for OTHERS.
Yes, others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee,
That I may live like Thee.
Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I’d do for you
Must needs be done for OTHERS.
Yes, others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be…
Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep, nor rise again
And may all efforts be in vain
Unless they be for OTHERS.
Yes, others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be…
So when my work on earth is done,
And my new work in heav’n’s begun,
May I forget the crown I’ve won,
While thinking still of OTHERS.
Yes, others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee,
That I may live like Thee.
