[:en]SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 2
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest but also to the interest of others” (Philippinas 2:3-4)
Paul asked the Philippian believers “to love one another in one spirit and purpose” by following Christ’s example of humility. He told them not to be selfish but rather, treat others with respect and concern.
Christ’s humility is manifested in the following ways”
- His being is God but He does not consider equality with God (v. 6)
- He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant and being made in human likeness (v. 7)
- He appeared as a man and humbled himself by being obedient even to death on the cross (v. 8)
“Therefore, God exalted him to his highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (vs. 9-11)
In his absence, Paul urged the Philippians to continue to work out salvation with fear and trembling (v. 12). He instructed them not to complain, argue or gossip so that they could shine for Jesus in this dark and depraved world. Paul regarded his life as a drink offering dedicated to the Lord through his sacrifice and service.
TIMOTHY:
Timothy has served with Paul in the work of the gospel. He was Paul’s helper and representative to carry on the ministry in his absence.
EPAPHRODITUS:
Paul called Epaphroditus “My borther, fellow work, fellow soldier and a messenger. He was in fellowship with believers, a worker in furtherance of the Good News, a soldier that battles for the faith of the Gospel and a messenger to serve the needs of fellow Christians. He was the one who brought financial assistance given by the Philippian Christians to Paul. He became sick and almost died. When he recovered, Paul sent him back to Philippi and asked the Philippian church to welcome and honor him.
LESSON:
The secret to Christian unity of heart and mind is humility. To be humble means lowliness of mind. It is a submissive mind and self-less thought willing to lay aside his own privilege and put on the form of a servant. Pride and self-seeking are hindrances to joy and peace.
Complaining, aruging or gossiping are very harmful to church. It makes the world get a false impression of Christ. Our life should be characterized by the fruit of the Spirit – love joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. We should shine like stars in the universe.
Follow the example of Christ’s humility, Paul’s sacrifice, Timothy’s faithfulness and Epaproditus’s service.[:zh]SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 2
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest but also to the interest of others (Philippians 2:3-4)
Paul asked the Philippian Christians to love one another in one spirit and purpose by following Christ’s example of humility. He told them not to be selfish but rather treat others with respect and concern.
Christ’s humility is manifested in the following ways:
- His being is God but He does not consider equality wth God (v. 6)
- He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant and being made in human likeness (v. 7)
- He appeared as a man, and humbled himself to die on the cross (v. 8)
As a result, God exalted Him to His highest place and gave Him the name that is above any name that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (vs. 9-11)
In his absence, Paul urged the Philippians to continue to work out salvation with fear and trembling (v. 12). He instructed them not to complain, argue or gossip so that they could shine for Jesus in this dark and depraved world. Paul regarded his life as a drink offering dedicated to the Lord through his sacrifice and service.
TIMOTHY:
Timothy had served with Paul in the work of the gospel. He was Paul’s helper and representative to carry on Paul’s ministry.
EPAPHRODITUS:
Paul called Epaphrodidtus “my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier and a messenger”. He was in fellowship with believers, a worker in furtherance of the Good News, a soldier that battles for the faith of the Gospel and a messenger to serve the needs of fellow Christians. He was the one who brought the financial assistance given by the Philippians to Paul. He became sick and almost died. When he recovered, Paul sent him back to Philippi and asked the Philippian church to welcome and honor him.
LESSON:
The secret to Christian unity of heart and mind is humility. To be humble means lowliness of mind. It is a submissive mind and selfless thought willing to lay aside his own privilege and put on the form of a servant. Pride and self-seeking are hindrances to joy and peace.
Complaining, arguing or gossiping are very harmful to church. It makes the world get a false impression of Christ. Our life should be charactirized by the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, fiathfulness, and self control. We should shine like stars in the universe.
Let us follow the example of Chrit’s humility, Paul’s sacrifice, Timothy’s faithfulness and Epaphroditus’s service.[:]