Notes
It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
Philippians 1:15-18
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 1:21
The Church in Philippi faced challenges like persecution, false teaching, and internal dissension. Paul’s letter to this Church reminds us today of the importance of staying humble, being unified, and serving others in our walk with Jesus.
Pride comes in different forms, and it can be subtle–you can become prideful even as we’re walking with Christ. Or sometimes, we judge others for not doing something for the Church, when we are the person He’s called to do it. Or, we listen to the devil who says God is withholding things from us.
God has called each one of us specifically for a specific purpose; none of our journeys will look same. But we let ourselves get stuck on small things that divide us, when we should be united together as followers of Christ despite our differences. The hope of the world isn’t based on gre preaching, awesome worship, or politics–the hope of the world is Jesus and Jesus alone.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as bett than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:3-4
Fruitful work means to serve, and we’re all called to serve. We serve because we understand the mercy and grace God has shown us. We believe every breath is a gift from Him. Serving creates humility and humility destroys pride. Start today–not tomorrow, not next week. Start serving today. Prioritize relationships–first serve God, second serve your spouse, third serve your children. Servi changes your heart. Start impacting the people around you now–don’t wait, because life is short and every day is a gift.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2:6-11
God is love. All we should want is to sound like Him, to speak to people like He would and touch people’s lives like He does. Put others’ needs before your own. Crush the pride in your life; serve God, serve your family, serve the Church, and serve everyone you meet.
Group Questions
- What can help us realign our hearts if we find ourselves becoming prideful?
- What are some things that divide the Church today? How can we overcome divisions and focus on unity in Christ?
- Paul emphasizes serving in every relationship, starting with God, then family, and others. How can you intentionally serve in these areas this week?
- What are some practical ways you can make an immediate impact through service?
Prayer
Thank you for the gift of Jesus who showed us what it means to live with humility and a servant’s heart. Help us to get rid of the pride in our hearts and live lives that reflect your love. Teach us to serve othe with joy and to live for your glory.