Philippians 2:3-4
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Application: 

By definition, a servant serves others, not himself. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves is a radical statement. “Nothing” doesn’t allow for exceptions. It would be a lot easier if Paul had said, “Don’t do most things out of selfish ambition or conceit.” That would allow us an escape clause. But “nothing” requires ongoing commitment to humility.

Servants think in terms of the benefits others will receive; they do not think of how they will benefit from serving. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. Christian service is other-centered.

If you want to have a servant mindset, you should look to the ultimate servant, Jesus Christ, and adopt the same attitude he had (2:5). If anyone deserved to be served, it was the Son of God. He existed in the form of God. But he didn’t consider his equality with God as something to be exploited for his own gain (2:6). Instead, he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant (2:7). 

What did Jesus give up to do that? Well, he didn’t empty himself of deity; he didn’t stop being God. Rather, he took on human flesh and became a servant. He didn’t let his deity stop him from expressing humanity. Like pouring water into a container, Jesus poured the entirety of his deity into the container of his humanity, resulting in him being fully God and fully man. In theology, this is known as the hypostatic union—two natures in one person, unmixed forever.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1240-1241

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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My book, “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

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