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Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

As we continue our journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, I’m struck by the profound call in Philippians 2:1-4 to think of others first. This week, we explored how true joy comes from humility and unity, emphasizing that our lives should reflect the love of Christ by prioritizing the needs of those around us.

Paul begins with four powerful "if" statements, affirming the encouragement, love, and fellowship found in Christ. He urges us to be unified in spirit and purpose, reminding us that being “in Christ” transforms our hearts and minds. When we recognize the immense grace and mercy we’ve received, our natural response should be to extend that same love to others.

In a world filled with self-promotion and individualism, the challenge to consider others as more important than ourselves is countercultural. Paul reminds us that selfish ambition and conceit have no place in the life of a believer. Instead, we are encouraged to exhibit humility, which is not self-deprecation but a genuine elevation of others’ needs above our own.

Reflecting on my own life, I recognize times when I’ve allowed fear of judgment or concern for my own reputation to hinder my witness. Sharing the gospel can feel daunting, but the truth is that the need for others to hear about Jesus far outweighs our personal discomfort. If we truly believe in the transformative power of the gospel, we must prioritize sharing that hope with those around us.

This week, I challenge each of you to think of practical ways to put others first. Here are a few ideas to consider:

  1. Reach Out: Contact someone in need and offer your support or simply listen.
  2. Share Your Story: Be open about your faith with a friend or colleague.
  3. Pray for Others: Make it a point to pray for the needs of those around you this week.
  4. Invite Someone: Bring a friend to church, creating space for spiritual conversations.

As we embrace this call to humility, let’s remember that true joy is found in serving others and reflecting the love of Christ in our actions. May we live in such a way that our church becomes a beacon of hope and unity, glorifying God in all we do.

Let’s pray for the courage to live out this challenge, putting aside our selfish ambitions and embracing the needs of others. Together, we can create a community that embodies the heart of Christ.

If you missed the sermon this Sunday, you can watch/listen to it HERE.