Light Brings Salt
Volume 2, Issue 23 June 13, 2004
Dedicated to the
Systematic Exposition of the Word of God
Reflecting True Humility.
Here we have to
examine Phil. 2:3-4 to see the practical application in the life of the
believer or how this same thinking and having the same love, this unity of
spirit and oneness of purpose is to manifest itself in the life of the
committed believer in Jesus Christ in our service to and relationship with one
another.
2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of
mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; 2:4 do not (merely) look out for your own
personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Paul's first exhortation is that
we "do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit." Both of the words used here for selfishness
and conceit emphasize a self centered approach to life in that everything is
done to promote themselves in deference to the needs of others. This is hardly something
that promotes unity in a congregation, this is the reason it is often
translated disputes or strife. Empty
conceit describes one who has
acquired a thirst for glory, the limelight and does not have a
basis for that praise, therefore its
empty, worthless praise.
Those two characteristics present the negative, attitudes that we
should not have. Paul quickly shifts to the
positive. "but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as
more important than himself."
This exhortation is to think
in a certain way described by the
first part of the word tapeinos, that is to be lowly
therefore lowly thinking or to think with humility. Humility was not something that the Greeks of the day
regarded very highly in their literature or thinking. What Paul is saying is
that we as Believers are to view ourselves as less important than others. We are to make a conscious sure judgment
resting on the careful weighing of the facts; adding up the facts and drawing a
conclusion the basis of which is the fourfold appeal of Jas. 1:2.
This in no way
means we are to have a false or
unrealistic view of our own gifts compared to others, but it does mean that
consideration for others must precede concern for ourselves.
Summary Observations of 2:3
1. Paul admonishes
them against dispositions which are hostile to unity and the goal of maturation
and glorifying God.
2. Nothing should
be done or even contemplated from the standpoint of selfishness or conceit.
This is not just to apply
in church but also in the home, on the job therefore in every
circumstance.
3. Selfish
ambition, evriqei,a, describes one who calculates
everything that they do, every action they take, every relationship that they
pursue is designed to promote themselves and their own interests. Therefore
exhibit no sensitivity towards others.
4. Selfish ambition
is definitely a characteristic that does not promote unity anywhere it is
found.
5. The idea behind
"empty conceit" is related
to the result of selfish ambition in that what is gained is devoid of any
lasting and real glory. They have a
thirst for glory, the limelight but without a genuine basis for glory or
praise.
6. So, whatever is
attained from selfish ambition gives the individual an imagined advantage but not
a real advantage in life. Imagined speaks of fantasy land thinking.
7. The real
advantage results from BD, the Word of God, applied in our life, in whatever niche
you find yourself.
8. An imagined
advantage is always based on something that does not commend one to God. 1 Cor
9. One's personal
appearance, talents, I-Q, strength, possessions, wealth, etc. do not give one a real
advantage.
10. A real
advantage that commends one to God and is eternal. (What is eternal about
anything in point #9)
2 Cor
11. Faith
recognizes the real and forever-advantages in life as we walk by faith. 2 Cor 5:7
The human viewpoint says their is nothing that is forever.
All the BD you learn, all the
Divine Good you produce as you use that BD,
not only glorifies God in time but also in eternity as you are given
eternal rewards for that DGP.
12. The reality of
salvation places one in possession of real advantages, things that the kosmos,
the world system cannot bestow:
#1 - Eternal life
#2 - being blessed
with all spiritual blessings
#3 - resurrection body
13. Faithfulness to
God in one's niche is the critical issue.
Are you going to worship and serve
God faithfully no matter the external pressures?
14.
If we are to fulfill the exhortation here to regard our fellow believer as more
important than ourselves certain things must be kept in mind.
15.
First, that as believers we are all the products of God's grace. 1 Cor
16.
Apart from Christ we can do nothing. Jn 15:5; Phil 4:13
Remember the 4-fold appeal in 2:1 revolves around
our position in Christ.
17. Grace
orientation produces a modest, humble opinion of oneself, not self defamation.
18. We are not to
have a false or unrealistic view of our own spiritual gifts related to others
in the body of Christ, but that we are to have consideration for others, a sensitivity for other's needs, this is to precede a
concern for our own.
19. We need to
remember that we are all members of the body of Christ and all have an
important function to fulfill. 1 Cor
It takes
every member of the body doing its part to realize the unity and purpose that
God has established for us in time.
20. We must constantly test our instincts and desires that derive their source in the sin nature that would enlarge our own self importance over others.
Our
overt response and responsibility to this attitude of true humility is
indicated in 2:4 do not (merely) look out for your own personal interests, but also
for the interests of others.
To look out for - skope,w refers to looking attentively at, to look at something closely, here to consult one's own
interest as the consequence of self-centeredness.
Paul's
exhortation is to widen our circle of consideration. We must learn to think
beyond ourselves and give serious consideration to others, to not be so self absorbed.
Observations on 2:4
1. The
self-centeredness that considers only one's "own rights," plans and interests must be replaced by
a broader outlook that includes the interests of others.
2. This does not
mean that your own needs and concerns are to be totally ignored.
3. We are NOT to
neglect the needs of our families in order to involve ourselves in the good of
others, -- MUST BE A BALANCE. 1 Tim 5:8
4. Paul's
exhortation here is that as Believers your scope of concern is to be wide
enough to include others. Rom
5. We need then to
be sensitive to the niche and testing of others.
6. When Believers
exercise this mutual concern, problems of disunity quickly disappear.
7. Pray for an
increased awareness of others and the wisdom to apply it with understanding.