Philippians 2:21
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For all seek their own - This must relate to the persons who preached Christ even of envy and strife, Phi 1:15; these must be very careless whether souls were saved or not by such preaching; and even those who preached the Gospel out of good will might not be fit for such an embassy as this, which required many sacrifices, and consequently much love and zeal to be able to make them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "They all" (namely, who are now with me, Phi 1:14, Phi 1:17; Phi 4:21 : such Demas, then with him, proved to be, Col 4:14; compare Ti2 4:10; Plm 1:24). seek their own--opposed to Paul's precept (Phi 2:4; Co1 10:24, Co1 10:33; Co1 13:5). This is spoken, by comparison with Timothy; for Phi 1:16-17 implies that some of those with Paul at Rome were genuine Christians, though not so self-sacrificing as Timothy. Few come to the help of the Lord's cause, where ease, fame, and gain have to be sacrificed. Most help only when Christ's gain is compatible with their own (Jdg 5:17, Jdg 5:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But ye know the proof of him,.... They had had an experiment of him, a trial of his spirit, and a proof of his gifts and ministry, when he was among them with the apostle at his first preaching the Gospel to them, to the conversion of Lydia, and of the jailer, and their households, which laid the foundation of a Gospel church state among them, see Act 16:3. The Vulgate Latin version reads in the imperative, "know ye the proof of him"; but the former reading is to be preferred: that as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the Gospel; he served not the apostle, but with him; he served God as the apostle did, in the Gospel of his Son; he served Jesus Christ, whose Gospel he preached, the interest and spread of which he greatly laboured in with him, as a fellow servant or work fellow; see Rom 16:21; which expresses the modesty of the apostle, and the great honour put upon Timothy, and which was not abused by him; for as a son honours, obeys, and imitates his father, so did he honour the apostle, and give him all respect and reverence that was due to him on account of his office, age, and usefulness; and obeyed his orders cheerfully, going wherever he sent him, and doing whatever he bid him; and imitated him in his ministry, in his constancy, diligence, and zeal, having a true filial affection for him.
Philippians 2:21
Timothy and Epaphroditus
20I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs.21For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.22But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Road to Reality - When We Have Failed, What Next? - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan3.0K26:03FailureMAT 16:24JHN 2:21JHN 2:23PHP 2:21In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experiences as a missionary in India and the challenges he faced. He reflects on the sacrifices and dangers that missionaries endure, including physical abuse and even death. Despite the fear and pain, the speaker realizes that the most important thing in life is to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. He emphasizes the need to reflect the nature and image of God, rather than seeking personal gain or success. The speaker concludes by encouraging listeners to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
When We Have Failed, Part One
By K.P. Yohannan1.8K25:59FailurePSA 73:25MAT 6:33MAT 16:24JHN 2:23JHN 6:66PHP 2:21In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon shares his personal experiences as a missionary and the challenges he faced in preaching the gospel. He reflects on the sacrifices made by missionaries and the persecution they endure for their faith. Despite the hardships, Brother K.P. emphasizes the importance of continuing to serve God and trusting in His plan, even in the face of failure. He encourages listeners to pursue a deeper relationship with God, denying themselves and dedicating their lives to Him.
Seek Only God's Approval Part One
By K.P. Yohannan1.7K24:56Approval Of GodMAT 6:33MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 2:23PHP 2:21HEB 11:24In this sermon, the speaker challenges the audience to give up their money and pursue a deeper relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of knowing God intimately and encourages the audience to let go of anything that hinders their relationship with Him, including friendships, entertainment, and material possessions. The speaker also highlights the need for self-denial and total submission to God, using the example of the apostle Paul. He warns against seeking personal gain and emphasizes the narrow road of following God's will. The sermon references Bible verses such as Matthew 16:24 and John 2:23-24 to support these teachings.
Little Foxes & Dead Flies
By Bill McLeod1.4K24:09Sin1CO 10:24PHP 2:3PHP 2:21JAS 2:51PE 2:2In this sermon, Bill McLeod shares a personal experience of a man named George Bell who was a successful witness and soul winner. Despite his initial envy towards George, God challenged Bill to examine his own heart and live out the biblical principle of esteeming others better than himself. This encounter led Bill to a profound spiritual transformation as he knelt at the altar and experienced the touch of Jesus, reducing him to absolute humility. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of approaching the Word of God with sincerity and a hunger for growth, while laying aside malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking.
Keep on Keeping On
By George Verwer93340:00PRO 6:6ISA 40:29MAT 6:33PHP 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making God our ultimate goal. He references Isaiah 40:29, which speaks about waiting upon God and how He renews our strength. The speaker also highlights the challenge of living out the message of seeking God's kingdom first, stating that it is easier to sing about it than to actually live it. Additionally, the speaker discusses the need to learn how to handle hurt and avoid bitterness, using the example of Paul in Philippians 2:21. Finally, the speaker emphasizes the significance of genuine praise and thanksgiving, emphasizing that true worship comes from the heart rather than just external expressions.
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory
By Chip Brogden1ISA 9:6MAT 6:13JHN 1:14JHN 3:30GAL 2:20EPH 2:10EPH 2:19PHP 2:10PHP 2:21Chip Brogden preaches on the three-fold benediction concluding the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the Kingdom, Power, and Glory belonging to God. The Kingdom signifies the ongoing spiritual battle between light and darkness, with the assurance that God's Throne endures forever. The Power of Jesus is unmatched, demonstrated through His authority and miraculous works, transforming lives and empowering believers. The Glory of God is revealed in Jesus, the King of Kings, deserving all praise and adoration, leading to a future acknowledgment of His lordship by all. Believers are called to align themselves with God's ultimate purpose, allowing Christ to increase in their lives and decrease self, preparing for His Kingdom's full manifestation.
What’s in Your Scope? (Pt. 1)
By Allan Halton02CO 4:18GAL 6:2PHP 2:4PHP 2:21COL 3:2Allan Halton preaches on the importance of focusing on eternal, unseen things rather than temporary, visible things. He emphasizes the need to consider and care for the needs and concerns of others, not just our own. By shifting our focus to the well-being of others, we experience liberation from self-centeredness and find victory in serving one another. Paul's commendation of Timothy as a selfless and caring individual serves as an example of seeking the things of Jesus Christ by genuinely caring for others.
Our Lord's First Disciples John 1:35-51
By R.A. Torrey0EvangelismDiscipleshipGEN 28:12ISA 45:22MAT 25:31MRK 10:52LUK 15:20JHN 1:35JHN 3:14JHN 6:37PHP 2:21REV 22:17R.A. Torrey explores the calling of Jesus' first disciples in John 1:35-51, emphasizing the importance of looking upon Jesus, following Him, and bringing others to Him. He highlights how John the Baptist's testimony led his disciples to seek Jesus, and how their encounter transformed their lives, prompting them to share the good news with others. The sermon illustrates the steps of experiencing Jesus, from hearing and looking to abiding and testifying, showcasing the relational aspect of faith. Torrey also addresses the divine knowledge of Jesus and His ability to see into the hearts of men, as exemplified in His interactions with Nathanael. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to actively seek Jesus and invite others into a relationship with Him.
John 10:14-19
By St. John Chrysostom0EZK 34:2LUK 10:22JHN 10:11JHN 10:16ROM 5:10ROM 8:32EPH 2:15PHP 2:21TIT 3:3John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of being a good shepherd, drawing parallels between the shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep and Christ who sacrificed Himself for humanity. He emphasizes the need for shepherds to care for and protect their flock, contrasting the selfless dedication of a shepherd with the selfishness of hirelings. Chrysostom highlights Christ's unwavering commitment to His sheep, even in the face of opposition and danger, showcasing His ultimate act of love by laying down His life for all. He delves into the significance of Christ's resurrection, proving His divine power and authority over life and death.
I Alone Am Left
By Anton Bosch0DEU 31:61KI 19:14ISA 53:3MAT 11:3JHN 6:68JHN 15:20PHP 2:21HEB 13:51PE 4:13Anton Bosch preaches about the common experience of despair and loneliness faced by many men of God throughout the Bible, including Elijah, Moses, Job, the prophets, John the Baptist, Paul, and even Jesus. He emphasizes that true Christians and leaders are not measured by popularity but by faithfulness to God, as demonstrated by the examples of Noah, the Israelites, and the small number of faithful individuals in various situations. Bosch encourages believers to find comfort in the promise of God's presence and faithfulness, even in times of discouragement, disappointment, and abandonment.
What Happened?
By K.P. Yohannan0ServanthoodVision and PassionJDG 21:25ACT 5:411CO 1:27PHP 1:29PHP 2:21PHP 3:4K.P. Yohannan addresses the decline of passion and vision in movements over time, illustrating how organizations can shift from being vibrant and radical to becoming rigid and bureaucratic. He reflects on the historical trajectory of movements like the YMCA and the Salvation Army, emphasizing the need for continual renewal and adaptation to avoid stagnation. Yohannan warns against the dangers of prioritizing structure over heart, and external rewards over genuine service, which can lead to a transactional mindset. He encourages a return to servanthood and faithfulness, highlighting that true value lies in a heart willing to serve rather than in titles or recognition. The sermon calls for introspection on how individuals and organizations can maintain their original zeal and purpose.
Comfortable Christianity
By Horatius Bonar0SacrificeUrgency of ServiceMAT 25:40ROM 12:1PHP 2:21JAS 2:14Horatius Bonar challenges the notion of 'comfortable Christianity,' urging believers to reflect on their spiritual complacency and self-indulgence. He questions whether modern Christians are truly living as 'living sacrifices' to God, as exemplified by the apostles, or if they are merely seeking their own comfort while neglecting the needs of the world. Bonar calls for a wake-up call to action, emphasizing the urgency of serving others and dedicating oneself to God's work, rather than indulging in worldly pleasures. He warns that while Christians remain idle, souls are perishing, and the return of Christ is imminent. The sermon serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize spiritual commitment over personal comfort.
False Professors
By Charles Finney0Hypocrisy in FaithTrue Service to God2KI 17:33MAT 6:24MAT 7:21LUK 9:23ROM 12:1GAL 6:7PHP 2:21COL 3:23JAS 1:221JN 2:15Charles Finney addresses the issue of false professors in his sermon 'False Professors,' emphasizing that many individuals claim to fear God while actually serving their own idols and selfish interests. He illustrates how people may perform religious duties out of a fear of judgment rather than genuine devotion, and he challenges listeners to examine their true motivations and commitments. Finney categorizes various groups of people who, despite their outward religious practices, prioritize personal gain and comfort over the service of God and the salvation of souls. He calls for a radical re-evaluation of what it means to serve God, urging believers to make their lives a true reflection of their faith. Ultimately, he warns that mere profession without true service is hypocrisy.
Exposition on Psalm 112
By St. Augustine0PSA 111:1ISA 40:8MAT 25:34LUK 6:371CO 3:17GAL 6:9PHP 2:21St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, emphasizing the conversion of Haggai and Zechariah as a symbol of the restoration of the temple and the believers as the holy temple of God. He encourages living a life in obedience to God's commandments, finding delight in them, and sowing seeds of mercy for a mighty harvest. St. Augustine highlights the importance of being merciful, forgiving, and generous, as these actions lead to eternal treasures in heaven and a righteous, enduring legacy. He concludes by stressing the significance of having a steadfast heart, unwavering faith, and hope in the unseen blessings prepared by the Lord.
Why Did Christ Die?
By Zac Poonen0MAT 16:24LUK 9:23ROM 6:61CO 15:32CO 5:142CO 5:17GAL 2:20GAL 5:24PHP 2:21COL 3:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the profound truth that all believers died with Christ on the cross, a revelation uniquely given to Paul, not found in the writings of Peter, John, or James. Christ's death was not only for the forgiveness of sins but also to free believers from living self-centered lives, a root cause of sin. Living for oneself frustrates the purpose of Christ's sacrifice and hinders victory over sin. The key to overcoming sin lies in crucifying self-centeredness and making decisions that glorify God and benefit His kingdom, rather than seeking personal gain.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For all seek their own - This must relate to the persons who preached Christ even of envy and strife, Phi 1:15; these must be very careless whether souls were saved or not by such preaching; and even those who preached the Gospel out of good will might not be fit for such an embassy as this, which required many sacrifices, and consequently much love and zeal to be able to make them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "They all" (namely, who are now with me, Phi 1:14, Phi 1:17; Phi 4:21 : such Demas, then with him, proved to be, Col 4:14; compare Ti2 4:10; Plm 1:24). seek their own--opposed to Paul's precept (Phi 2:4; Co1 10:24, Co1 10:33; Co1 13:5). This is spoken, by comparison with Timothy; for Phi 1:16-17 implies that some of those with Paul at Rome were genuine Christians, though not so self-sacrificing as Timothy. Few come to the help of the Lord's cause, where ease, fame, and gain have to be sacrificed. Most help only when Christ's gain is compatible with their own (Jdg 5:17, Jdg 5:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But ye know the proof of him,.... They had had an experiment of him, a trial of his spirit, and a proof of his gifts and ministry, when he was among them with the apostle at his first preaching the Gospel to them, to the conversion of Lydia, and of the jailer, and their households, which laid the foundation of a Gospel church state among them, see Act 16:3. The Vulgate Latin version reads in the imperative, "know ye the proof of him"; but the former reading is to be preferred: that as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the Gospel; he served not the apostle, but with him; he served God as the apostle did, in the Gospel of his Son; he served Jesus Christ, whose Gospel he preached, the interest and spread of which he greatly laboured in with him, as a fellow servant or work fellow; see Rom 16:21; which expresses the modesty of the apostle, and the great honour put upon Timothy, and which was not abused by him; for as a son honours, obeys, and imitates his father, so did he honour the apostle, and give him all respect and reverence that was due to him on account of his office, age, and usefulness; and obeyed his orders cheerfully, going wherever he sent him, and doing whatever he bid him; and imitated him in his ministry, in his constancy, diligence, and zeal, having a true filial affection for him.