Today’s blog post examines Philippians 2:14 and how leaders focus on others. Past posts in my series studying the book of Philippians are:
- An Introduction to the Book of Philippians
- Paul’s Greeting, Gratitude, and Group Focus (Phil 1:1-11)
- A Leader Rejoices When His Cause Advances (Phil 1:12-18)
- Paul’s Life for Christ (Phil 1:19-26)
- Leaders Lead and Live in an Ethical Way (Phil 1:27-30)
1Therefore, since there is encouragement in Christ, consolation from love, any communion by means of the Spirit, any heartfelt sympathy, 2 then complete my joy. Think the same thing, by means of having the same love, by being united in spirit, by thinking the same thing. 3Do not think with selfish ambition nor with personal conceit, but instead think of one another with humility as better than yourselves. 4In everything do not look out only for your own interests, but also look out for the interests of others. (Phil 2:1-4)[ref]Unless otherwise noted, translations used in my blog posts are my own translation[/ref]
Philippians 2:1-4 is included under the heading of what Paul had said in Philippians 1:27, “Only, at all costs, live the Gospel of Christ in a worthy manner.” Living out Phil 1:27 meant suffering for the faith (Phil 1:28-30), focusing on others (Phil 2:1-4), having the same attitude that Christ had (Phil 2:5-11), and shining brightly for Christ (Phil 2:12-18).
“The Philippians needed humility. A humble mind is the key to cooperative unity. Humility is the realization that we are creatures who are totally dependent on God, the Creator. If we are really humble before God, we are totally relying on God. This affects our attitudes toward others, for as equally dependent creatures, we cannot take pride in ourselves” (Comfort, Philippians, 168).
I. THE RESULT OF CHRIST’S WORK (2:1-2)