Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

Philippians 2:1-5

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ² Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV) 

Por tanto, si hay alguna consolación en Cristo, si algún consuelo de amor, si alguna comunión del Espíritu, si algún afecto entrañable, si alguna misericordia, ² completad mi gozo, sintiendo lo mismo, teniendo el mismo amor, unánimes, sintiendo una misma cosa. ³ Nada hagáis por contienda o por vanagloria; antes bien con humildad, estimando cada uno a los demás como superiores a él mismo; ⁴ no mirando cada uno por lo suyo propio, sino cada cual también por lo de los otros. ⁵ Haya, pues, en vosotros este sentir que hubo también en Cristo Jesús, (RVR 1960)

Paul finishes Chapter one of his letter to the church at Philippi encouraging them (and us) to live for Christ 1:27 (ESV)  Only let your manner of life be worthy^[h] of the gospel of Christ…

He then begins Chapter 2 with a statement expressing how v.1 “If there be therefore” which in the Greek is like a double negative when read, by that I mean he is basically saying there is this encouragement and comfort, consolation of love, fellowship in the Spirit, and affection and compassion. In v.2 he further states that, Fulfil ye my joy, how are they (we) to do that? Simply by being like minded having the same love toward one another, by living a life that reflects our faith and and sharing the Gospel. 

Our main text today v.3 in the ESV uses selfish ambition or conceit for strife and Vainglory of the KJV.  I really like how the AMP version expounds upon this verse:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

Paul is telling us and asking us at the same time, what motivates you? Is is self? If it is then there is an issue because that attitude will only bring about strife which in only rare cases do we see it being a good thing (One should strive to do their best in school). Our attitude should always be God focused, which I would say by doing so almost insures a [an attitude of] humility. It is pretty hard to be self righteous when you are trying to emulate and focus upon the most Holy Creator of all mankind. He will bring you to your knees or you are just another great pretender. 

Two quick comments on v.4 and v.5 before I finish for today. The KJV rendering of v.4 has often confuse folks and others have used it to say; ‘see we are to look out for others before ourselves’. But a close look at the actual wording in the Greek is better translated by the ESV  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others and others like it. We are for certain to look out for our own interests especially those of our immediate family, that includes our church family FIRST, then Paul says do not neglect the needs of others. Today many want us to reverse that order and it is wrong. 

Paul closes this section of chapter 2 v.5  with the same exhortation he gave in 1:27 to live for Christ; Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility]. 

So the question is are we doing are all to live with out Strife and Vainglory? Note the picture above, I chose this picture of a the lone sailboat or a reason, those who live among us who refuse to give up their self, live a adrift in the vast sea of loneliness because they never experience the true joy of fellowship with like minded believers and God. 

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Vain-glory, self-delight and pride

(William Plumer, “Vital Godliness: A Treatise
on Experimental and Practical Piety” 1864)

In practical piety, there is no greater mistake
than the persuasion that if we are pleased with
ourselves–that God is also pleased with us.

Vain-glory, self-delight and pride—
blind, bewilder, and intoxicate!

On the other hand–shame for our own vileness,
sorrow for our shortcomings, self-loathing for
undeniable turpitude of our soul–are profitable.

Men must either part with their pride and good
opinion of themselves–or they must part with
the hope of a blessed eternity. You must either
take your place in the dust before God–or be
cast down to hell.

“What a wretched man I am!” Romans 7:24

“I abhor myself!” Job 42:6

“Behold, I am vile!” Job 40:4

“Woe is me! For I am undone!” Isaiah 6:5