The Gospel-Shaped Life: Be Devoted to the Interests of Others

THE GOSPEL-SHAPED LIFE: BE DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS

An Exposition of Philippians 2:3-5 (Part 2)

By Pastor Brian Wilbur

Date:   May 27, 2018

Series: Philippians: Gospel Partnership on Mission in the World

Note:   Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION

This morning we return to our journey through Philippians. We are in the midst of an extended section of the letter than runs from Philippians 1:27 to 2:30. The first part of Philippians 1:27 is thematic for the whole section: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” All thirty-four verses in this section contribute to our understanding of what the gospel-worthy life looks like and they call us to live accordingly. What are the main features of this gospel-shaped “manner of life”?

A Summary of Philippians 1:27–2:30

Well, let me attempt to summarize this distinctly Christian way of life before we take a close look at Philippians 2:4. Here is my summary:

As people who are being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we are called to obey the Lord and follow His example, walking in humility and love toward each other for the sake of deep congregational unity, so that we can effectively work together to carry out Christ’s mission, for the glory and praise of God.

I make no claim that my summary is the best possible summary of these verses, but I do think it represents a helpful attempt to get a handle on the big picture – and having a good handle on the big picture is an important part of rightly understanding the individual parts that make up that bigger picture. In order to appreciate the unique emphasis of Philippians 2:4, we need to keep our eyes on the larger portrait.

So, let me show you where my summary is anchored in the Scriptural text. You need to see this with your own eyes, because your confidence needs to rest in what God says in the Bible, not in what the preacher says. Don’t be a people who take my word for it, but rather be a people who insist on seeing and understanding what Holy Scripture says. Don’t be a people who are content with competent public speaking in the pulpit, but rather be a people who delight to hear from God through His Word – indeed to hear from God in the inspired words of the sacred text.

My summary begins: As people who are being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Philippians 1:6 clearly states that God is at work among us who belong to Christ: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” In our section, Philippians 2:1 communicates that the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit stand at the center of our congregation and pour their divine life into our congregational life: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy.” What great spiritual blessings flow from the Lord to His people and through His people to one another! Some verses later, Philippians 2:13 testifies clearly to God’s transforming work in us: “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” God is at work among us!

As people who are being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we are called to obey the Lord and follow His example. The summons to obedience is obvious from the commands that pepper the passage. “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27); “complete my joy by being of the same mind” (Philippians 2:2); “in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Philippians 2:12 then states: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” The call to obedience is clear, and yet it so important to point out that our obedience is not merely compliance with our Lord’s exhortations but conformity to our Lord’s example. Philippians 2:5-8 sets before us the humility and sacrifice of our Lord, and summons us to do likewise:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

Our Lord was not preoccupied with self-interest, but became a humble servant who obeyed His Father and loved ordinary people like us. Humility, servanthood, obedience, suffering, sacrifice – not merely words on a page, but the very character of the life that Jesus lived for our salvation.

As people who are being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we are called to obey the Lord and follow His example, walking in humility and love toward each other. Humility and love. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Each one of us is to clothe our self with the attitude of a humble servant who holds the other members of our church family in high regard. When we look at each other we shouldn’t see boring ordinary uninteresting people. What do you do with boring ordinary uninteresting people? You dismiss them. When we look at each other we should see much loved “saints in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:1). It is not fitting to be dismissive toward God’s beloved sons and daughters, but rather to delight in them and esteem them highly. We honor them, and we love them: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Loving attentiveness to others!

As people who are being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we are called to obey the Lord and follow His example, walking in humility and love toward each other for the sake of deep congregational unity. Our humble love for each other has a larger purpose in view, namely, that we be a church community that is knit together in mind, heart, and soul. As Paul says in Philippians 2:2, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” We are members of a body – a single body – that is designed to flourish in harmony and holiness under our one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God’s plan is not to have disconnected redeemed individuals but to have a deeply connected redeemed household, a family – the family of God! As Christians we are a family, and that being the case, we must be joyfully resolved to act like one!

As people who are being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we are called to obey the Lord and follow His example, walking in humility and love toward each other for the sake of deep congregational unity, so that we can effectively work together to carry out Christ’s mission. As God’s people, we have work to do, we are partners in the ministry of the gospel (Philippians 1:3-7), and we live under a sacred mandate (Matthew 28:18-20) to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, plant and strengthen healthy churches, and reflect the light of God’s glory in our world, including right here in the Oxford Hills. In Philippians 2:15 Paul says that Christians are to live faithful lives “in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Then going back to Philippians 1:27-30, we read:  

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”

Thus we see that single-minded “side by side” unity is integral to carrying out our mission! God calls us not only to be face to face as brothers and sisters who love one another, but also to be side by side as fellow soldiers who fight together for the cause of Christ and labor diligently to advance the gospel. In his book entitled Evangelism, J. Mack Stiles writes that if a local church has an evangelistic culture, then “everyone is engaged” and “all … pull in the same direction together.”[1]

All this – all that we have spoken of so far – is for the glory and praise of God. In all that we are and do, our ultimate goal must not be to bring honor to South Paris Baptist Church or to our amazingly humble and sacrificial congregational life or to our great skill in making and nurturing disciples or to our remarkable growth in holiness. Not that we have attained to such heights, of course, but hopefully you understand the point: we are worshipers of the living God, and we know that He alone is worthy of highest honor, and the purpose of our life together as a congregation is to display His glory and bring honor to Him. On “the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10) our transformed righteous lives will draw attention “to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11). Our Lord Jesus Christ is exalted as the Sovereign King of the whole universe, and the whole universe ought to acknowledge “that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:11) In Philippians 4:20 Paul writes, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Of course, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who is equal with God (Philippians 2:6), is worthy of highest honor alongside His Father. Therefore Paul had this great ambition to honor Christ, and in Philippians 1:20 he expressed the desire “that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20) To be a Christian means that God has graciously brought you into the joyful recognition that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead and is “highly exalted” and has “the name that is above every name” (Philippians 1:9); to be a Christian means that you bow down in humble admiration before His great name (Philippians 1:10) and gladly confess “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 1:11). Therefore our whole life is now an act of worship unto the Lord: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).   

As people who are being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we are called to obey the Lord and follow His example, walking in humility and love toward each other for the sake of deep congregational unity, so that we can effectively work together to carry out Christ’s mission, for the glory and praise of God.

Do you see this in our passage?

LOOK TO THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS

If you grasp these great realities that Paul is speaking of in Philippians 1:27–2:30, then you will be in a better position to understand and apply the particular instruction in Philippians 2:4. Let me read it again:

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Now I hope you understand why it is so important to read verse 4 in the larger context. A heretic could stand up and wax eloquent on verse 4 by saying: don’t be selfish, but be devoted to each other. And the heretic’s message might have absolutely nothing to do with Jesus or with the gospel or with God’s transforming grace or with the Spirit-empowered fellowship that draws us together in congregational unity or with the mission that we are called to pursue together or with the glory and praise of God. No Jesus, no gospel, no grace, no Holy Spirit, no deep fellowship, no mission, no worship. Just: don’t be selfish, but be devoted to each other. And there are many people who will cheer on a message like that.

So, I hope that our journey through the larger context makes it clear why verse 4 is so important and how it functions in a Christ-centered church family that is eager to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

As we turn now to verse 4, notice the progression that follows from verse 3. The point of verse 3 is that we ought to esteem others as significant and valuable in their person: I value you, I hold you in high regard. When you see your Christian brothers and sisters, you see valuable people who are “more significant than yourselves.” This humble disposition of honoring others leads naturally to verse 4: if you highly value another person, then you will care deeply about that person’s interests, concerns, needs, troubles, and blessings. So, the logic of verses 3-4 seems to be: I highly value you and therefore I care deeply about the whole range of interests that pertains to you.

Both verses call us to have an others-orientation. Verse 3: Not self-promotion, but others-promotion. Verse 4: Not narrow self-interest, but a big heart for the well-being of others. Since Paul is writing to the congregation and is concerned about their congregational unity, it is important to say that narrow self-interest could include a narrow interest in one’s own family. Yes, we should by all means care deeply for the interests of our spouse and children, but that is not the main point in this passage. If everyone here only cared deeply for the interests of your own household and close relatives, then we would not be obeying verse 4, which is aimed at promoting the verse 2 experience of having “the same mind” and “the same love” and “full accord” and “one mind” (Philippians 2:2) throughout the entire congregation in which all of us – all of us! – are “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

It is true, of course, that the Lord wants husbands and wives to love each other, and the Lord wants parents and children to love each other, and the Lord wants family members to care for their relatives. All this is part of faithful Christian discipleship. However, this care for one’s family is not the point of this passage. The main point of this passage is care for the members of the church family. Therefore, in light of Paul’s appeal for congregation-wide unity in Philippians 2, I want to encourage family members to think about the implications of Philippians 2:4 for your family. Husbands, wives, parents, and even children: learn to graciously influence your family to care deeply about “the interests of others” outside of your family; cultivate in your family a loving concern for your Christian brothers and sisters; and involve your whole family in ministry to the body of Christ.

Verse 4 calls us to lift up our eyes beyond our own little world of self and family, and to see all our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to seize opportunities to advance their interests.

There are at least two ways in which we must be transformed, if we would live in accordance with verse 4. Yes, verse 4 is meant to be lived! The point of noticing “the interests of others” is not to acquire an encyclopedic knowledge of everyone’s business. How sad it would be to have laser-sharp analysis of people’s interests and needs, but to never help them with love-saturated actions! The Lord would have you “look… to the interests of others,” not to be a curiosity-seeker, commentator, or critic, but rather to be a humble servant who does what is needful and helpful to build up your brothers and sisters.     

In order for this to happen, there are two ways in which we must be transformed. God calls us to a transformation of vision and to a transformation of definition. Let’s consider these one at a time.

TRANSFORMATION OF VISION

In speaking of a transformation of vision, I am referring to the word “look”: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (italics added) The Greek word translated “look” can mean “look at” or “regard attentively” or “take heed” or “consider.”[2] The idea present in verse 4 is not mere mental awareness, but to look at or look to with care and love. Paul prayed that the Church’s “love [would] abound more and more” (Philippians 1:9). He has spoken of the “comfort from love” (Philippians 2:1) and of “having the same love” (Philippians 2:2). So “[looking] to the interests of others” must involve loving attentiveness.

When I say that God, in verse 4, calls us to a transformation of vision, what I mean is that our vision of looking at interests with loving attentiveness has to be enlarged beyond natural self-interest. Paul begins with the recognition that we gravitate very naturally to our “own interests.” We all have a strong interest in self: we care for self, comfort self, feed self, protect self, and seek good things for self. Self’s interests receive much loving attentiveness from self! While it is true that we each bear responsibility for a basic level of self-care, when the first part of verse 4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests,” thus assuming the validity of self-care, the point is not to motivate you to look after your “own interests” with greater zeal. The logic of verses 3-4 is:

• verse 3: do not pursue self-exaltation (“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit”), but honor others (“in humility count others more significant than yourselves”);
• verse 4: do not be preoccupied with self-interest, but care deeply for “the interests of others.”

In other words, do not get drowned in your own little world of self-interests. Of course we have to take care of ourselves in basic ways. The command to neighbor-love presupposes that we attend to our own needs: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) You don’t need to be told to love yourself. You intuitively love yourself: you eat when you’re hungry and drink water when you’re thirsty and throw on a sweatshirt when you’re cold and seek rest when you’re tired. Basic self-care is totally natural. What is unnatural is to extend that same care to a large number of other people – to be as concerned for the well-being of others as you are for yourself.

The call of Philippians 2:4 is an enlarged vision in which you behold your Christian brothers and sisters with loving attentiveness. With love in your heart, you enter into the cares and troubles and joys of the other members of your church family: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15; see also 1 Corinthians 12:26) We are called to enter into each other’s sufferings and troubles (1 Corinthians 12:26). Philippians 4:14 tells us that the Philippian congregation shared Paul’s trouble and Philippians 4:15-16 tells us that on more than one occasion they sent Paul financial support for his needs. They thought about Paul’s interests. People gave about $4500 for South Paris Baptist Church’s recent Youth Mission Trip: people were thinking about the Youth Mission Team’s interests and the interests of gospel ministry in New Brunswick.

Romans 12 exhorts us, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor…. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:10, 13) Do you see how the Lord calls us out of our own little shell and calls us to love and honor and serve others? Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” That is remarkable! How often when we speak are we thinking mainly about ourselves and airing our own opinions! The Lord tells us that our speaking ought to be constrained by what is in the best interest of others, that they might receive grace and be edified through our words. Further, we are to take “the interests of others” into our heartfelt prayers: “keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Are you devoting your life to “the interests of others,” especially your brothers and sisters in the Lord?

The call upon us is not to get lost in our own little world, but instead to learn the blessing of self-forgetfulness. Give up the addiction to comfort and pleasure and safety and having your own way, and instead learn to serve others with joy. All around you are fellow worshipers of God Almighty, fellow servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, fellow temples of the Holy Spirit, fellow soldiers on the battlefield of gospel mission, fellow disciples who are learning to walk in holiness and oppose sin – and all of us Christians are called to do this together, as one body of believers. And the way to do this together is where each one is lovingly attentive to all the others – caring, honoring, praying, serving, and considering it a great privilege to stand “side by side” with your fellow saints.

We must be experiencing a transformation of vision.

THE TRANSFORMATION OF DEFINITION

We must also be experiencing a transformation of definition. I know, that sounds really uninspiring, but stay with me, because this is really important. Here’s the question: What are “the interests of others”? Who gets to define those interests? How you answer those questions will have a significant impact on how you love other people.

Let’s start with the second question: Who gets to define those interests? I suppose there are four possible answers to that question. If you get to define your interests, then my job is to care for your interests as you define them. If I get to define your interests, then my job is to care for your interests as I define them. If others get to define your interests, then my job is to care for your interests as others define them. If God gets to define your interests, then my job is to care for your interests as God defines them. Which is it?

Suppose I come to you and say, ‘Charlotta and I would like to go to England for a couple weeks this July in order to watch the tennis Championships at Wimbledon and hopefully see Roger Federer win his 21^st major title. We’d like to hire a short-term nanny and take her with us to care for the kids, since they won’t be agreeable to sitting through long tennis matches. As you can imagine, this vacation comes with a substantial price tag. But we’d like you, our loving church family that is here commanded to look out for others’ interest (and that would include our interests!), to award a bonus of $15,000 so that we can go have a great time across the pond!’   

Now you know, implicitly, that this doesn’t sound right. In fact, someone might stand up and protest, ‘Verse 4 applies to you, too, Pastor! It sounds like you are violating verse 4 by seeking your own interests at our expense!’ Fair enough! But that just makes my point, namely, that it is not obvious who gets to define what “the interests of others” are? What is your reason for saying that my family’s interest in going to Wimbledon doesn’t count as an interest that is worthy of “the interests” envisioned in verse 4? Let’s be honest: verse 4 by itself doesn’t answer the question of who gets to define these “interests.” We are to “look… to the interests of others,” but those interests are not defined or explained. The larger context, however, will help us answer our question.

First, we have Paul’s example in Philippians 1:21-26. There you may recall that Paul expressed what was in his best interest, namely, “to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Philippians 1:23) If you take other considerations out of the equation, then going home to be with Jesus is the best thing that could happen to Paul. But Paul going home to be with the Lord is not the best thing that could happen to the Philippians. Therefore Paul “[looks] not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of [the Philippians].” In Philippians 1:24-25 Paul says, “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.” What then was in the best interest of the Philippians? To experience growth and gladness in the gospel – and Paul knew that he could further their interest.

Second, we have Jesus’ example in Philippians 2:6-8. The whole point of verse 6 is that Jesus, the Lord of glory who has always enjoyed “equality with God” did not settle for doing what was in his best interest: “though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,” that is, a thing to be used for His own advantage, comfort, and ease. Instead, He “[looked]… to the interests of others.” But His loving attentiveness to our interests was the overflow of a more fundamental commitment to do the Father’s will: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient [that is, obedient to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) Jesus’ love and obedience to the Father came first, and His love and service toward us flowed from it. In other words, Jesus loved us at the Father’s direction, on the Father’s terms, and for the Father’s glory. So consider: Jesus didn’t think it was in “the interests of others” to keep performing miracles to feed people’s physical bodies if those same people were blind and indifferent to the spiritual nourishment that Jesus offered (see John 6:1-71). We also must love one another at the Father’s direction, on the Father’s terms, and for the Father’s glory.

Third, we have Timothy’s example in Philippians 2:19-21. Here Paul states his plan to send Timothy to the Philippian congregation: “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 2:19-21) This passage gives us a clear picture of what “the interests of others” truly are. When Paul says that Timothy “will be genuinely concerned for your welfare,” he means that Timothy will be lovingly attentive to your interests. But then Paul immediately adds that Timothy’s genuine concern will be governed and shaped by “[the interests] of Jesus Christ.” Unlike ministers who are preoccupied with themselves, Timothy will cherish “your welfare” as someone whose preeminent loyalty is to Jesus and to Jesus’ interests. Do you see this? The welfare of others is bound up with their advancement in the interests of Christ, with their growth in the things of God, with their “progress and joy in the faith,” and with their faithful participation in the fellowship and mission of the Church.

My hope is that these three examples, all from the larger context of Philippians 1-2, persuades you that “the interests of others” are not interests that are defined by any of us, but rather are interests that are defined by God. My job is to seek your best interests as defined by God. Your job is to seek my best interests as defined by God. That probably doesn’t include a trip to Wimbledon! Our job is to seek each other’s best interests as defined by God.

This goes right along with how Paul prayed in Philippians 1:9-10, that the Philippians’ “love [would] abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…” We must learn to understand what the true interests of other people actually are, in light of God’s priorities and purposes. God gets to define those interests, and our role is to recognize them. In general, we may say that seeking “the interests of others” means that I am helping my fellow Christians live a faithful Christian life, I am encouraging my brothers and sisters in their walk with God, I am standing alongside them as a minister of grace in the midst of their trials and troubles, I am strengthening them to be a bright shining light for the Lord in this dark world, and I am promoting their active participation in the fellowship and mission of the Church.

Now someone may ask, ‘Okay, I get what you’re saying. But I do have a question: What about practical help? You are putting the emphasis on spiritual support, but what about physical needs, financial needs, relational needs? Are you saying that the only way to serve “the interests of others” is by speaking a word of spiritual encouragement? Or can we serve “the interests of others” by addressing their physical, financial, and relational needs?

Great question! And the answer is a clear and enthusiastic yes – yes, we ought to serve each other’s physical, medical, financial, relational, educational, and other practical needs, provided that God’s big purpose is shaping our overall approach.

Here is what I mean, and I don’t want to mince my words: On Judgment Day, there will be people who gave themselves to addressing people’s practical needs (health, literacy, socialization, recreation), but they never addressed the most pressing needs of the soul and the need to be rescued from sin. These people didn’t know Jesus and the people they helped didn’t know Jesus. And on that day these lost people and the lost people that they helped, will not be able to comfort themselves with the thought that they cared for “the interests of others.” Health care without Jesus and literacy without Jesus and social betterment without Jesus and friendship without Jesus have no eternal value – none! What good is a little progress in seven decades of earthly life if it is followed by “infinite loss”[3] and unending misery in hell?

But this doesn’t mean that it is okay to fall off the other side of the horse. Our heavenly Father does care about our practical needs (e.g., Matthew 6:25-34). It is God’s idea that our life and home and work and world are profoundly physical in nature – and this physicality is good! As the faithful Father, God provides for our physical and this-worldly needs. Just don’t forget why! God doesn’t supply our practical needs so that we can use our well-fed, well-clothed, well-sheltered, well-studied, and well-skilled lives to live for ourselves and do what we want. Remember the logic of that familiar verse, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things [practical, physical provisions] will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) God supplies our practical needs so that we have nourishment and strength to continue living for the glory of God and the good of other people. That’s why you have a closet of clothes and a pantry of food and a house or apartment to live in and a car to get around in and a checking account and a job to make ends meet and a family to share life with and a measure of health and a sharp mind or an array of useful skills – all this is not for you to get bogged down in your own little world of self-interest, but all of it is to enable you to get wonderfully ‘lost’ in God’s big world of serving others for Jesus’ sake!

So yes, we ought to care about each other’s practical needs, but in the right way. I want you to be alive, because it’s difficult for you to live out verse 4 with the rest of us if you’re dead! I want you to be alive and clothed and sheltered and funded, so that you are better positioned to live productively for Jesus! I want you to be literate and educated and able to communicate and get along with others, so that you are better positioned to understand and communicate the gospel to other people! I want your tank to be sufficiently filled up with the blessing and encouragement and friendship and support that come through the Lord’s people, so that you can pour yourself out in service to others. Therefore, let us meet the full range of needs that others have, but let us do so in a way that is “worthy of the gospel of Christ” – let us do so with the warmth of Christ’s love, let us do so with a desire to strengthen others in their faith (and that makes spiritual words of encouragement really important!), and let us do so for the glory and praise of God. Let us meet each other’s needs so that everyone can be lifted up and supported as a valued and vital participant in our Christ-centered congregation that is working together to carry out Christ’s mission.

Brothers and sisters, be devoted to the interests of others in a radically Christ-centered, gospel-shaped, church-strengthening, and God-glorifying way. Let the sweetness of Christ flavor all of our loving words and loving deeds toward one another. Give to one another all that is needful and helpful, and generously give it because of Jesus and for Jesus and to promote Jesus’ work in and through His people. Amen and amen!

BENEDICTION

What a remarkable thing that we are called to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14), to be filled and empowered by the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9-14), to have within us the mind of Christ and to reflect His attitude of humble service (Philippians 2:3-8), and to then actually serve one another in the name of our Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17). This call to humble service has been beautifully expressed in a song entitled “The Servant Song,” composed by Richard Gillard.

THE SERVANT SONG

“Brother, Sister let me serve you,

let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I might have the grace,

to let you be my servant too.

“We are pilgrims on a journey,

We are family on the road.

We are here to help each other,

Walk the mile and bear the load

“I will hold the Christ-light for you,

in the night-time of your fear.

I will hold my hand out to you,

speak the peace you long to hear.

“I will weep when you are weeping,

when you laugh I'll laugh with you.

I will share your joy and sorrow,

till we've seen this journey through. 

“When we sing to God in heaven,

we shall find such harmony.

Born of all we've known together,

of Christ's love and agony.

“Brother, Sister let me serve you,

let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I might have the grace,

to let you be my servant too.”[4]

Brothers and sisters, if you understand Philippians 2:4, then you will be blessed if you do what it says![5]

May God Almighty be with you!

ENDNOTES

[1] Stiles, J. Mack. Evangelism: How The Whole Church Speaks of Jesus (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches book). Wheaton: Crossway, 2014: p. 54.

[2] Strong’s Concordance accessed through Bible Hub. Available online: http://biblehub.com/greek/4648.htm.

[3] Note a stanza from the hymn “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” by Julia H. Johnston: “Sin and despair, like the seawaves cold, / Threaten the soul with infinite loss; / Grace that is greater – yes, grace untold – / Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.”

[4] Richard Gillard, “The Servant Song.” Copyright 1977, Maranatha Music Inc.

[5] As Jesus said in John 13:17, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”

BIBLIOGRAPHY

NOTE: My inclusion of a bibliography reflects my interaction with other teachers in the preparation of my sermon. While the main part of my preparation involves my direct interaction with the biblical text, I find it helpful to invite other “discussion partners” into my preparation process. My mention of these teachers (writers, speakers, etc.) does not imply any particular level of agreement with them, nor does it constitute an endorsement of their work. That said, I am appreciative of those – past and present – who are seeking to faithfully teach God’s Word, and I am happy to benefit from their labor.

Boice, James Montgomery. Philippians: An Expositional Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000.

Calvin, John. Calvin’s Bible Commentaries: Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Translated by John King. Forgotten Books: 2007 (orig. 16^th century).

Carson, D. A. Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996.

Hansen, G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippians (Pillar New Testament Commentary). Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009.

Hellerman, Joseph H. Embracing Shared Ministry: Power and Status in the Early Church and Why It Matters Today. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2013.

Silva, Moisés. Philippians: Second Edition (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.

NOTE: I also consulted the multiple commentaries on Philippians 2:4 that are available through Bible Hub. Available online: http://biblehub.com/commentaries/philippians/2-4.htm.