Epistle to the Philippians

1. Phil 2:3 – NKJV “[Let] nothing [be done] through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” ILG –[Doing] nothing according to rivalry neither according to empty conceit but in humility, esteeming one another above themselves. nothing is an adjective modifying someone doing, or better yet who should be not doing through or according to – kata rivalry,strife,selfish ambition – the wrong motive Rom 2:8, II Cor 12:20, Gal 5:20, Phil 1:16, James 3:14,16 conceit, empty conceit, vain glory What does this type of conduct look like? Do we always perceive this? How does the Holy Spirit work here? Epistle to the Philippians Phil 2:3-4, Humility of Mind 1 April 1, 2012 Bob Eckel

2. Not consistent with the principle of grace which is our walk – Gal 5:26 but in humility or lowliness of mind a deep sense of one’s (moral) nothingness Acts 20:19, Eph 4:2, Col 3:12, I Pet 5:5 And it’s the cross – which is nothing but humbling – Phil 2:5-8 And all are made equal there This attitude is consistent with our identification The alternative brings glory only to the flesh Contrast this with false humility And doesn’t this fit your own experience at times? Col 2:18, Col 2:23 esteeming one another esteem – hēgeomai present middle deponent participle - usually used in the active tense consider, deem, account above or better than themselves Epistle to the Philippians Phil 2:3-4, Humility of Mind 2 April 1, 2012 Bob Eckel

3. to have risen above, be in a higher position of rank or power, be superior to Rom 13:1, Phil 3:8, Phil 4:7, I Pet 2:13 Define ‘better than’ From whose perspective? Rom 3:9 - What then? Are we better [than they]? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. Heb 1:4 - having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. The walk In Christ Rom 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; This is who we are! Therefore, let’s walk by faith! Phil 2:4 NKJV “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Epistle to the Philippians Phil 2:3-4, Humility of Mind 3 April 1, 2012 Bob Eckel

4. ILG – Not the things of themselves every person looking at, but also the things of others each person. Notice ‘only’ is not in the ILG. Is this important? Was Christ ever preoccupied with Himself? Are we to be like Christ? No, we are In Christ! But also is in the 2nd phrase in this verse. Does this imply that we are and can be concerned with ourselves? Look (observe, mark, contemplate) (not) is present active imperative – (don’t - self) or do it (others)! on his own interests or things heautou – himself or themselves Phil 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. for or on the interests or things of others – tough grammar here Epistle to the Philippians Phil 2:3-4, Humility of Mind 4 April 1, 2012 Bob Eckel

5. on the things is simply the article ho – this, that, these of others is actually an adjective, modifying an article? the things of others looking on is implied No plural in English definite article, thus things This attitude is one of interest, encouragement, fellowship. Self gain is not the motive or apparent. Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. What about being a busy-body? I Pet 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. What’s a busybody? allotriepiskopos - one who takes the supervision of affairs pertaining to others, a meddler in other men's affairs. Epistle to the Philippians Phil 2:3-4, Humility of Mind 5 April 1, 2012 Bob Eckel

6. The motive is self, not others. The take-home message: Christ, Others, Self Epistle to the Philippians Phil 2:3-4, Humility of Mind 6 April 1, 2012 Bob Eckel