Q5. Others' Concerns

[Pastor Ralph]

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider others’ concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ’s example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?

[Commissioned]

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider others’ concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ’s example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?

How can we rationally consider others’ concerns more important than our own?  We can rationally prioritize the needs of others over our own when we first recognize and address the selfish pride that resides within us. Philippians 2:3 instructs us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." This means that true humility is not just about acting humbly, but also about shifting our mindset to value others genuinely, without being driven by self-interest or the desire for recognition.

When we let go of selfish ambition and ego, we can see the importance of other people's concerns more clearly. This perspective allows us to serve others from a place of love and humility, not out of obligation or to seek personal gain, but because we truly believe their needs are just as important, if not more, than our own. By adopting this attitude, we reflect Christ’s love and follow His example of selfless service. This shift in perspective is essential for building strong, loving relationships and fostering a community where everyone is valued and supported.

Does agapē love for others make good sense? Reading Philippians 2:2-5, we learn that Agape love—the selfless love of Christ— makes good sense as it calls us to shift our focus toward others. This kind of love encourages us to consider the well-being of others above our own desires. When we practice Agape love, we prioritize the needs and interests of those around us, demonstrating humility and unity. By doing so, we reflect the mind of Christ, who, in His great love, put others first. This selflessness not only strengthens our relationships but also fosters true harmony within the body of Christ.

What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? Adopting this viewpoint of Agape love profoundly shapes and nurtures humility within us. When we prioritize the needs of others and focus on their well-being, we begin to let go of self-centeredness and pride. This mindset naturally shifts our perspective from "me" to "we," helping us to recognize the value and dignity in others, regardless of their status or background.

Humility grows as we align ourselves with Christ’s example of servanthood. Philippians 2:5-7 speaks of how Jesus, though equal with God, emptied Himself, taking on the nature of a servant. In following His example, we become more willing to serve rather than to seek recognition or personal gain. Our hearts become less concerned with seeking praise or validation, and more inclined toward acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrificial love.

Furthermore, adopting this Christ-like humility also frees us from the burden of comparison, jealousy, or competition with others. When we focus on lifting others up, we experience true contentment in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives, realizing that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. In doing so, we experience a deep sense of inner peace, knowing that we are walking in step with God’s will.

Ultimately, this viewpoint transforms us, helping us to mirror the character of Christ more fully, fostering unity, and creating a spirit of mutual respect and love within our communities and relationships.

What aspects of Christ’s example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?

Christ's example of humbling Himself, as seen in Philippians 2:5-11, serves as a powerful lesson for us because it demonstrates the deepest level of humility—His willingness to endure death on the cross for the sake of all humanity. In these verses, we witness not just a moment of sacrifice, but the ultimate expression of selflessness. Jesus, though fully divine and equal with God, did not cling to His heavenly position. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking on human form and embracing the life of a servant. This act of humility reached its pinnacle when He surrendered to the most painful and shameful death of that time—crucifixion.

This should profoundly shape our understanding of humility. Christ did not act out of obligation, but out of love and obedience to the Father. His humility was not about weakness but about strength through self-denial, as He placed the salvation of others above His own rights and privileges. By lowering Himself, Jesus accomplished the highest act of service, paying the ultimate price to redeem mankind.

For us, this example teaches that true humility is not just about lowering ourselves; it is about being willing to sacrifice for the good of others, even when it costs us something significant. It challenges us to let go of our pride, ambitions, and the desire for recognition, and instead, seek to serve others in love. Christ's humility shows that the path to greatness in God’s Kingdom is through serving, giving, and putting others first.

Additionally, Jesus' exaltation by the Father, as described in Philippians 2:9-11, reveals that humility leads to honor in God’s eyes. When we humble ourselves and follow Christ’s example, we trust that God will lift us up in due time (James 4:10). Therefore, Christ’s humility is not only an example of sacrifice but also a model of how God’s power works through those who humble themselves for His glory. This teaches us that humility is the foundation of true spiritual greatness.

[Bianca]

We can rationally consider other concerns more important than our own by praying to The Lord and keeping our hearts humble and sensitive to hearing God's voice. This isn't always instant but it's something that can grow as we continue to grow. This comes by us choosing to walk in Love all the time. 

 

Yes Agape love for others make sense. When we realize that we ourselves have been forgiven of much then we need to have the same love toward others. Adopting this viewpoint helps us to remain humble and not to become arrogant and think that we are above others. Caring about other people's concerns and having love toward others help keep us from pride. 

 

Jesus made himself into a bondservant and no reputation. This should serve as an example to us on how we are supposed to be. As we grow in our Christian walk we are supposed to be changing to be more like Jesus. So we too should have a heart of serving others and not look towards promoting our reputation and our talents in some ungodly way. Our hearts and talents should be used for serve others just like Jesus did when he walked the earth. 

[David Babcock]

Rationally is a term that seems to be associated with worldly. I am not to act as those in the world act. I have the mind of Christ. I must not consider myself more important than others. I must seek to get along with the members of the “Church “. 
 

“Good sense” seems to be another worldly term. I don’t function according to the terms of this world. 
It would seem to make humility difficult.

We should be humble!

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5)

How can we rationally consider others' concerns more important than our own?

By put on true humility, the prefect example of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Does agapē love for others make good sense?

Yes, GODLY love towards others.

What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us?

Everything!!! transparent in love.

What aspects of Christ's example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?

CHRIST humble HIMSELF to death, so that we can humble ourself for our neighbor.

[Jewells]

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider others' concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ's example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?

Phil 2:2-5Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

I think we can obey this scripture if we truly listen to one another.  Instead of judging from the outward appearances we can begin to listen to the heart.  God always sees the heart.  We have to mask and hide from one another because we are afraid of rejection, and not belonging.  We think we have to perform to be accepted.  God said you are accepted in the beloved.  Put on meekness and care for one another.  Let the world see you belong to Me by your love.  I think when Jesus washed the disciples feet he broke the customs of the day.  In that moment, in the silence of not carrying on with what would normally be expected, just going about doing the next thing, he got there attention.  They were listening.  And all judgements were silenced.  They had to observe and he told them do as I am doing.  Serve one another but first you have to listen.  If you don't listen, you will not hear the heart and you will misjudge them.  Get in a lowly place, and I will show you what to do.

 

 

[Frances Kay]

If we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we help anyone else? Each one of us is of equal importance, and so I may have to let go of what I want or need in preference to another’s want or need. As I let go of my own need or want for another’s I help to promote a climate of sharing and support. Christ gave the ultimate for us. He is God. We are not. Yes, we need to follow Christ’s example but we need to beware of pride which may lead to thinking we are a messiah and can be as great as Jesus.

[Brenda Joy]

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider others' concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ's example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?   We have to have proper discernment and if that is working properly we can prioritize needs correctly.   God's love is agape love and yes we love!  Christ was God but he was a servant and took on the position of a slave.  Christ's life was in obedience to God.  Because He was in obedience God elevated him. If we are obedient and have servant hearts God can use us.

[Mama Eve]

(Phil. 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider other's more important than our own?

Again, this brings me to humility; considering others before me. Jesus is the great example because he gave his life for us. He humbles himself so that one day we will have eternal life with him. I love what Paul is saying that we are to consider others needs before us. When we do so we bring joy to each other, but most of all we glorify God. We should never do anything from self-fish ambition or from a proud desire for personal honor. We as believers should have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.

Does agape love for others make good sense?

Yes! True agape is what Jesus Christ demonstrated for us on the cross. We can see that in (John 3:16). Agape-selfless, universal love! Agape love is so essential in the Christian  walk because we are to be Christ-like. Agape love accepts others unconditionally, with no expectations of who they are. Furthermore, love sacrifices for the good of another person. I believe in the Golden Rule-Do unto others as you would have them do unto you showing humbleness to others.

What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us?

Adopting this viewpoint is so important in the Christian life because we should be willing to embrace humble circumstances and to be associated with those less fortunate than us. When we do this I recognize God for who He is and yield my life to His will. We are to love others as God has loved us. And when we adopt this we are submitting to do the will of God.

What aspects of Christ's example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for his?

Again, Jesus is the perfect example of humility. Jesus humbled himself by doing the will of God when He was praying in the garden, because He knew His time was approaching to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus put self in its appropriate place and we as believers should put self at the foot of the Throne. 

[JLT]

I've been drawn into this blog because of the first question presented today. I've always tried my best to be humble - to serve others, and often times doing so sacrificially.  Where I am challenged here, is the suggestion that I should consider others' concerns more important than my own. To consider them of equal import, I totally get. However, to deem them as MORE important than my own concerns just seems unwise and like self-abasement to me.  Help me out here if you feel otherwise, but along with offering our care and agape love toward others, we are also to respect our own bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit and to treat it accordingly.  Failing to consider both things equally just seems inappropriate and not in accord with God's plan for our lives.  Any positive reflections on my comment will be most appreciated.

[hanks]

Q5. (PHILIPPIANS 2:2-5) 
How can we rationally consider others' concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ's example of humbling Himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us? 
We start by having a right view of God and ourselves. We live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16), in humility count others more significant than ourselves, and look to the interests of others (Phil 2:3-4). This will change our mindset from self-centeredness to one of other-centeredness – to serving and caring for others just as Jesus did for us.  Yes, loving others makes good sense. We need only think of the love the Saviour has for us “a vast, wide, deep, unmeasurable love that passeth understanding.” We can abide in His love by keeping His commandments (John 15:10) – “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). As Jonathan Edwards said, “We must view humility as one of the most essential things that characterizes true Christianity.” Jesus says again and again humble yourselves, and I will exalt you (Luke 14:11). This gives us hope and encouragement. To humble ourselves we need to gain the mind of Christ – His values and attitudes must become ours. For this to happen, we need to earnestly and regularly pray for the Holy Spirit to change our hearts, for it is impossible to do it in our own strength. We are humbled by His example. By the very act of leaving heaven, coming to earth, and taking the form of man, Jesus Christ demonstrated an unfathomable humbling of Himself. Throughout His life on earth, Jesus demonstrated a spirit of profound humility, saying that He came “not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28). 
 

[Kak]

Q5. When we have a’right view’ and have made an accurate self assessment of ourselves we can see outside our own selfishness and consider the needs of others as more important than our own needs. It also gives us the opportunity of serving God by being aware and willing to take time to listen and help others , rather than being too proud to take time to get involved in the nitty gritty of others lives. 
Agape love makes good sense because Jesus practiced it and He is our great example. To be able to practice Agape love we must be humble because it is selfless love. Selfless love and pride are not compatible but humility and selfless love work hand in hand. If we practise selfless or Agape love it will help us to become more humble. Jesus spent His earthly life being humble and offering Agape love, He is our teacher and our great example to imitate. We need to pray that God will give us the strength to continually practise Agape love and to give us the humility we long for but cannot obtain without His help . 

[Brother Clifford wilson]

Only through God's grace and unconditional love can we be filled with supernatural agape love, God is infinite, and we are finite.  Agape love is the highest form of love.  Agape love is also spiritual love. We are not able to show agape love without the Holy Spirit leading us in devotion, prayer and meditation.   The inner man can be filled with delight, joy and love.  The outer man can then show this strong love.  Jesus is the example of supernatural love. Jesus humbled himself before the father, still being equal to God he became a man and servant.  Jesus shows us how to live a humble life; that through his grace we know and sense what real agape love is.  Jesus died on the cross to show the ultimate love for his creation.  While we cannot duplicate his agape love, we are being led by the Holy Spirit to reach a spiritual form of Christlike love.  Access to this supernatural love can be attained by living a holy life and humbling ourselves before the Lord and our fellow man.  Agape love overflows in the spirit of the inner man and flows to the outer man through the grace of God.

[Clelie]

In the example of Jesus’s life on earth , we see how He exemplified humility by the way He lived  and acted. If we are to follow Jesus,  we are to act as He did.  Jesus ministers to the lowly. He showed love to the unloved and had no time for Himself . We may not be able to liveJesus life on earth to the full, but we need to practice what He showed  us, love and humility in all aspects of our life for we want to be like Him ,serving others as He did in sincere love and humility.

[Zanele Tlhakanelo]

We can rationally consider others' concerns more than ours by first emulating Christ. He set a pattern for us to understand that whatever we do unto men, we are doing that to God. Phillipians 2 verse 5 says we must have the same attitude as of Christ Jesus. Though He was God, He did not consider Himself as God the Father and He understood the mandate that He came on earth as the Son of God to fulfill the Will of the Father. Focusing on others assist in diminishing our self-centeredness as we will always prioritize the needs of others over and above our needs. True humility expects us to consider other people first before our own ambitions and in our country South Africa we have one of the principles as "Batho Pele" meaning People/Others First." How I wish that this principle may be followed even in our country and throughout the world, we would not be subjected to all these social-ills.

Agape love is what God the Father demonstrated to us by giving us His Only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If God showed us His unconditional love, as His disciples, we are expected to do likewise. Our love should not be based on certain conditions but as God the Father did, we must love Him with all our heart, soul and mind and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Love is not based on who you know and what has that person done for you. The agape love is understanding that we are all made in the image of God and after His likeness, therefore, we are all like Him.

Adopting this attitude humbles us because we must understand that Christ gave up His Life for us so that we can receive the wonderful gift of salvation without paying any ransom. Christ's Life was ransom for me to be freed from eternal death. We are therefore expected to do good to all the people and let the self die and always think about what will benefit others.

Aspects that are instructive to us become illustrative when we do not consider whatever positions we occupy as being supreme. Christ being God did not consider Himself equal when living in the flesh but humbled Himself in obedience of God. As human beings we like to be elevated and acknowledged in public but Christ was humble even when they scourged Him. Christ was humiliated but still maintained His humility and as such verse 9 says " Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names." Therefore, we need to humble ourselves so that God can elevate us and not elevate ourselves because being humbled by God may be the most painful experience.

[Elle Jee]

I’ll repeat what I’ve posted before because it seems to fit the questions. 

My goal every day is to die of self and to seek God first in all things.

I must be careful complimenting others, and I must react carefully to compliments given to me, so that neither will fall into prideful thinking. 

I try to recognize a person in need and offer help, assistance, share the Word with them to show that I feel they are indeed important, seen and heard. I pray that my behavior shows that I don’t think I’m better than them. I’m not. Some people are annoying, and as Mother Teresa teaches; Love them anyway.

Every example of Christ - He humbles himself, so I must study the Word to try to live by His example. 

 

 

 

 

[Janzie]

On 8/12/2024 at 8:33 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider others’ concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ’s example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?

We can rationally consider others concerns more important than our own by being humble before them and consider their needs more important than our own.                           Agape love for other makes good sense because it corresponds to humble service to those in need.

Adopting this viewpoint makes us humble, getting away from selfishness, and we then think on the concerns of others and not on our own concerns.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2:5-8

We are to follow Jesus steps by humbling ourselves.

[Lisa Wolf]

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider others’ concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ’s example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us?

Humility is key to our walk with Jesus as He was humble (Matthew 11:28-30). “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I appreciate that Jesus invites us to take His yoke and learn from Him.  The verse in Philippians 2 that gives me hope is verse 13: "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  I praise God that He will help me learn humility.  In the Philippians passage, we learn that Jesus "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."  So, as far as rationally considering other's needs more important than our own, we can do that on a limited basis and slowly build that time to more.  We can choose to make our needs less important.  Agapē love for others does make good sense because sometimes others are difficult to love and only God's Love for them will triumph in the situation.

[Krissi]

The word "rationally" in the first question stumps me. I'm not sure we can rationally consider others more important than ourselves, but can only irrationally -- with faith -- regard others as worthy of service. For example, though self-preservation is a rational act, plenty of secular people die in wars, or for a cause that they consider greater than their own lives. For Christians to do the same seems extreme, but not irrational from a worldly perspective. In the end, belief in God is in itself irrational. So the best we can do is to make a rational choice to act irrationally, which in this case means putting the needs of others above our own.

None of this makes "good sense." Faith itself is not sensible though great minds have tried to make it so by wedging it into philosophical patterns of rationality. It is not sensible to believe in a God we cannot see who gave His only Son (God has children?) to die for our sins ... this is irrational and makes very little sense. The God who created the universe didn't need to redeem it, from our perspective, because he could have created it in such a way that sin never entered the picture, so creation in itself is senseless.

The problem with rationality and common sense is their limitations. They only understands some, want to understand all, and are constantly stymied and frustrated by their lack of progress. What we consider rational, God may think is goofy. What we see as irrational, God renders rational. Or maybe rational is not a apt description of Him in the first place?

We regard others as better or equal to ourselves because the category of rationality doesn't apply. We do it out of obedience and ask God to help our heart agree. Personally, I've learned to  "just do it," not because it makes sense, but because it seems to be what God is telling me to do in a particular situation, His rhema.

Christ's birth and life seem far more humble than his death. He deigned to live with us, not above us, which a rational God would have done. In His superiority, He lived like a carpenter and then an itinerant rabbi gathering disciples/pupils to Himself. He healed disgusting diseases without flinching. He saw the underside and suffering of humanity and didn't hesitate to enter in. I suppose this is our example, to live like Christ, that is, to be like Him as well as to enter into the lives of others who are unlike us.