Lesson 18: Philippians 2:3
The Blueprint — The Verse
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More wrote to Philippi, a Roman colony proud of its citizenship and status. The church faced internal rivalry, and PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More pointed to Christ's example of self-emptying humility as the pattern for community life.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
urges unity and calls believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ. PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More describes Jesus' descent from divine glory to the cross before applying that model to everyday relationships in the church.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Where do selfish ambition or vain conceit show up in your relationships?
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What does valuing others above yourself look like in practice?
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How does Christ's humility inspire you to serve?