Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

September 28
Friday


LOOKING OUT
FOR OTHERS

READ:
Philippians 2:3-8
__________________________

Let each of you look
out not only for his
own interests, but
also for the interests
of others. __ Philippians 2:4
___________________________

In giving of ourselves, we manifest the essence of Jesus' character, for it has always been His nature to think more about others than He thinks of Himself. Why else would He humble Himself and become "obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8 ).

Our natural tendency is to consider our own intersts first__to look at everything from the perspective of our own needs and wants. But with Jesus' help we can unlearn that habit. We can begin to think of the best interests of others__their wants, their concerns, their needs.

And so we must ask ourselves: Do we consider others' interests more important than our own? Do we get as excited about what God is doing in and through them as we do about what He is doing in and through us? Do we long to see others grow in grace and gain recognition, though it may have been our efforts that made them successful? Do we find satisfaction in seeing our spiritual children surpass us in the work they are called to do? If so, such is the measurement of greatness.

We are most like our Lord when our thoughts for ourselves are lost in our thoughts for others. There is no greter love than that (John 15:13). __ David Roper
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~~~~~~~~~~~~Lord, grant me a heart of compassion~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~So burdened for others' needs~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~That I will show them Your kindness~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~In attitudes, words, and deeds. __ Fitzhugh~~~~~~~~~~
____________________________________________________________

The more you love the Lord,
the more you will love others.

*************Today's Bible Reading __ Philippians 2:3-8************

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

5 Let this mind be in you
which was also in Christ
Jesus, 6 who, being in the
form of God, did not
consider it robbery to be
equal with God, 7 but made
Himself of no reputation,
taking the form of a
bondservant, and coming in
the likeness of men. 8 And
being found in appearance
as a man, He humbled
Himself and became
obedient to the point of
death, even the death of
the cross.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

In this passage, Paul cites Jesus as the supreme example of selfless
humility (vv.5-8 ). In His incarnation, Christ "emptied Himself" (v.7
NASB). In this "self-emptying" (Kenosis), Christ did not replace His
deity with humanity. Instead, He added humanity to His deity. Paul
makes it clear that the "emptying" is that of the change from the
"form of God" (v.6) to "taking the form of a bondservant" (v.7).
Christ suspended or set aside certain divine privileges__His heavenly
glory (John 17:5) and the indepenent exercise of His authority and
powers (John 5:19; 7:16; 8:28; 12:49; 17:8 ) __ and subjected Himself
to the will of the Father (John 5:30; 6:38 ). __SKT

[splash]

Thanks for posting Cimi!

I know I need constant reminding to put others first before myself.

Love ya!