Good morning, Grace Bible Church! It is so wonderful to see you all here. Praise the Lord for bringing us together. If you would, stand with us as we sing praises to our Lord and Savior.
The Power of Considering Others
We’ve been studying Philippians, and Paul has been painting a picture of what it means to live as a follower of Christ in community. Today, I want to focus on one crucial phrase from Philippians 2: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
This is a challenging command, isn’t it? Count others more significant than yourselves. Not just as important as you—more important. How is that possible? It’s possible because of what Christ did for us.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself… (Philippians 2:5-6)
The Context: No One Has an Independent, Isolated Faith
Paul says in verse 17: “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” He uses Old Testament language—the drink offering was wine poured out on top of a burnt offering, symbolizing the worshiper’s labor and joy in serving God.
Here is the key point: Paul says their faith was expressed through service. Their faith didn’t exist in isolation—it was poured out in ministry, in giving, in building up the body of Christ. That’s what being the church looks like.
Discipleship Is Not a Formula, It’s a Framework
Often, we think of discipleship as something formal—a curriculum, a class, a program. But Paul’s picture is more organic. Discipleship happens when one believer pours into another, when we consider each other’s needs, when we build each other up in the faith.
When we count others as more significant—when we serve them, encourage them, lift them up—we are living out the Great Commandment. We are loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Three Ways to Consider Others This Week
- Pray for someone — Not just briefly, but specifically. Lift up a need they have to the Lord.
- Serve someone — Look for an opportunity to meet a practical need—a meal, a ride, a helping hand.
- Encourage someone — Send a text, make a call, write a note. Remind them of God’s faithfulness.
When We Consider Others, We Reflect Christ
The world is watching. When they see a community of believers who genuinely care for each other—who set aside their own interests to serve one another—they see Christ. That’s the witness we’ve been called to: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Prayer
Father, help us to count others more significant than ourselves. Give us eyes to see needs around us. Give us hearts to serve generously. Help us to be a church that reflects Your love to a watching world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.