Philippians 2:3
Verse
Context
One in Christ
2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let nothing be done through strife - Never be opposed to each other; never act from separate interests; ye are all brethren, and of one body; therefore let every member feel and labor for the welfare of the whole. And, in the exercise of your different functions, and in the use of your various gifts, do nothing so as to promote your own reputation, separately considered from the comfort, honor, and advantage of all. But in lowliness of mind - Have always an humbling view of yourselves, and this will lead you to prefer others to yourselves; for, as you know your own secret defects, charity will lead you to suppose that your brethren are more holy, and more devoted to God than you are; and they will think the same of you, their secret defects also being known only to themselves.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let nothing be done--The italicized words are not in the Greek. Perhaps the ellipsis had better be supplied from the Greek (Phi 2:2), "Thinking nothing in the way of strife" (or rather, "factious intrigue," "self-seeking," see on Phi 1:16). It is the thought which characterizes the action as good or bad before God. lowliness of mind--The direct relation of this grace is to God alone; it is the sense of dependence of the creature on the Creator as such, and it places all created beings in this respect on a level. The man "lowly of mind" as to his spiritual life is independent of men, and free from all slavish feeling, while sensible of his continual dependence on God. Still it INDIRECTLY affects his behavior toward his fellow men; for, conscious of his entire dependence on God for all his abilities, even as they are dependent on God for theirs, he will not pride himself on his abilities, or exalt self in his conduct toward others (Eph 4:2; Col 3:12) [NEANDER]. let each esteem--Translate as Greek, "esteeming each other superior to yourselves." Instead of fixing your eyes on those points in which you excel, fix them on those in which your neighbor excels you: this is true "humility."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let nothing be done through strife,.... About words merely; otherwise they were to strive for the faith of the Gospel, the purity of Gospel ordinances, worship and discipline; but the apostle would not have them strive merely to carry a point determined on, without having any regard to reason and truth, or yielding to the infirmities of the weak; which is the case and conduct of contentious persons; than which nothing can be more contrary to the Spirit of the Gospel, or the peace of churches: the apostle adds, or vain glory; for where this is predominant, persons will always be singular in their sentiments, and never relinquish them, let what reason soever be given against them; nor will they give way to the judgment of others, but right or wrong will have their own wills; Diotrephes like, loving to have the preeminence in all things, Jo3 1:9; and such persons and conduct are very injurious to the comfort and harmony of the saints: but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves; not as to the things of the world, in respect of which one man may be a better man than another, and he must know and think himself so; nor with respect to the endowments of the mind, and acquired abilities, which one man may have above another; and the difference being so great in some, it must be easily discerned, that one is more learned and knowing, in this or the other language, art, or science; but with regard to, grace, and to spiritual light, knowledge, and judgment: and where there is lowliness of mind, or true humility, a person will esteem himself in a state of grace, as the great apostle did, the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints; one in whom this grace reigns will pay a deference to the judgment of other saints, and will prefer their experience, light, and knowledge, to his own; and will readily give way, when he sees such that are of longer standing, of greater experience, and more solid judgment, as he has reason to think, than himself, are on the other side of the question; and so peace, love, and unity, are preserved. This grace of humility is an excellent ornament to a Christian, and wonderfully useful in Christian societies.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3-4 Don’t be selfish: Self-centeredness is antithetical to genuine care for others (cp. 2:20-21; 1 Cor 10:24; Gal 5:26).
Philippians 2:3
One in Christ
2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Great Sin (Reading)
By C.S. Lewis23K00:00Audio BooksMAT 6:33ROM 12:3PHP 2:32TI 3:4JAS 4:61JN 2:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord. The speaker references C.S. Lewis and quotes various Bible verses to highlight the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. He poses three important questions for self-reflection and encourages listeners to regularly examine their Christian walk. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be dependent on Jesus and to humble ourselves before Him.
Mental Attitude
By Kathryn Kuhlman13K12:48AttitudePRO 23:7MAT 7:12MAT 22:39MRK 11:24ROM 12:2PHP 2:31JN 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so they are. The preacher highlights that the desire for love, friendship, and admiration from others must begin within oneself. He encourages self-reflection and taking inventory of one's own character. The sermon also emphasizes the power of God and how one's attitude can limit or unleash that power in their life.
Humility vs Pride
By Gerhard Du Toit5.9K10:05PridePRO 16:18ISA 57:15ACT 4:31ROM 12:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's relationship with God and others. The speaker contrasts a prideful heart with a broken heart before God, highlighting the humility and dependence that comes with a broken Christian life. They emphasize the need for confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relationships, as well as the importance of serving others with a selfless and compassionate spirit. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a broken heart before God, acknowledging their own unworthiness and relying on His grace and forgiveness.
Art's Testimony - Part 3
By Art Katz4.3K09:22PHP 2:3This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of humility in changing the world and impacting lives, contrasting it with ideologies that lead to destruction. It recounts powerful encounters with individuals led by the Spirit of God, demonstrating humility and love that pierces through barriers of religion and culture. The narrative highlights the profound impact of genuine kindness and transparency rooted in the love of God, challenging preconceived notions and leading to personal transformation and revelation.
How to Walk the Gospel Out #1
By Milton Green3.9K2:10:58PSA 40:2LUK 4:9ACT 4:32ROM 7:7PHP 2:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of praising God and trusting in Him, highlighting the transformation and blessings that come from putting our trust in the Lord. It also addresses the need for unity among Christians, focusing on loving one another as Christ loved us. The sermon delves into the dangers of pride and greed, urging listeners to align their motives with pleasing the Lord and repenting from strongholds in their lives to find true peace and enter into the divine nature of the Lord.
Commanded to Love - Part 2
By Derek Prince3.7K28:28PHP 2:3JAS 1:25JAS 2:8This sermon delves into the concept of love as described in the Epistle of James, emphasizing the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself, which is referred to as the perfect law and the royal law. It explores the profound nature of love, highlighting that true freedom comes from loving others unconditionally, just as Jesus exemplified. The speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on compassion, suffering, and the deep bond that comes from sharing in Christ's sufferings, urging listeners to seek a deeper connection with God through sacrificial love and compassion for others.
An Invitation to Die
By Carter Conlon3.1K41:58Death To Self1CO 15:31PHP 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dying daily as a key to experiencing supernatural strength and revelation. He references 1 Corinthians 15:31 where Paul states that he died daily. The invitation in Christ is to die to our own efforts to escape the power of sin and trust in the one who overcame and promises us life. The speaker also shares a parable from Matthew 13 about the different types of soil that receive the seed of God's promise. He encourages the audience to have a heart that is willing to receive the seed and bear fruit.
(Basics) 33. Humility in Jesus Earthly Life
By Zac Poonen2.7K13:11MAT 6:33LUK 2:51EPH 3:8PHP 2:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of humility in the life of a Christian. He emphasizes that Jesus demonstrated humility by washing the disciples' feet, a task typically done by servants. Jesus identified himself with humanity and considered all human beings equal, regardless of their race, education, or social status. The speaker encourages listeners to allow the Holy Spirit to transform their thinking to be like Christ, so that they no longer consider themselves superior to others.
(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today
By Zac Poonen2.6K42:56PRO 16:18PRO 22:4MAT 6:24LUK 16:101CO 1:27GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 1:22JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns against the dangers of pride, material prosperity leading to spiritual decline, and the need to remain faithful, humble, and obedient to the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges listeners to prioritize seeking God, valuing godly examples, and living a life of simplicity and faithfulness.
The Secret of Spiritual Power
By Carter Conlon2.6K38:58LUK 22:27PHP 2:3This sermon delves into the secret of spiritual power, emphasizing the importance of servanthood as the key to true greatness and influence in the kingdom of God. Through the example of Jesus washing His disciples' feet and various biblical references, the message highlights the transformative power of serving others selflessly, even in challenging situations, and the profound impact it can have on relationships, families, and personal spiritual growth.
Here I Am, Send Me
By George Verwer2.3K1:07:52PRO 4:7MAT 5:6ACT 2:421CO 13:2PHP 2:3HEB 12:1JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of wisdom, humility, and perseverance as believers prepare to leave a spiritual gathering. It highlights the need for biblical balance, the integration of power and wisdom, and the practical application of spiritual experiences in daily life. The speaker urges listeners to embrace diversity, generosity, and a global perspective in their faith journey, while emphasizing the significance of humility and the ongoing marathon of spiritual growth.
Couples Night - Part 10
By Keith Daniel2.1K05:39PRO 3:5ISA 41:10MAT 25:21JHN 3:3EPH 5:20PHP 2:3COL 3:161TH 5:17JAS 5:161PE 5:7The sermon emphasizes the importance of being born again and committing one's life to Christ. It highlights the gratitude for the opportunity to preach and the hope of returning to share the faith with loved ones. The speaker expresses deep appreciation for his wife's Christlike character and the privilege of having her as the mother of his children. The sermon concludes with a prayer for spiritual growth, protection, and blessings for all present.
How to Get a Canadian to Love You (Comedy)
By George Verwer2.0K01:31Cultural ConnectionHumility in Ministry1CO 9:22PHP 2:3George Verwer shares a humorous and engaging experience from a youth meeting in Vancouver, where he connected with Canadian youth by embracing his identity as an American and using humor to break down barriers. He recounts how a lively atmosphere, including a rock and roll song, set the stage for a powerful message that led to many teenagers recommitting their lives to Christ. Verwer emphasizes the importance of authenticity and humility in building relationships, even across cultural divides, and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to inspire young people despite his own insecurities.
It's Sunday but Monday's coming..
By George Verwer1.9K49:59ACT 1:8ACT 5:29ACT 6:5ACT 7:59ROM 15:20PHP 2:3COL 3:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to have a global mission vision, praying for and reaching out to nations around the world. It challenges Christians to boldly proclaim the gospel, prioritize integrity and obedience to God, and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of Christ. The speaker encourages a deep commitment to following Jesus, even unto death, and highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 11
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K06:19PSA 51:10MAT 16:24ROM 12:1GAL 2:20PHP 2:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering fully to God, illustrated through the story of a powerful revival where a man's burden of prayer led to a transformative experience for an entire college. It challenges the notion of having Jesus as Savior but not as Lord, highlighting the need for complete surrender and trust in God's plan. The speaker urges believers to be willing to sacrifice and die to self, allowing the Holy Spirit to anoint and transform their lives for His glory.
To Live Is Christ - 3 Minute Version
By K.P. Yohannan1.9K03:37MAT 16:24PHP 2:3This sermon challenges the notion of blaming the devil for all troubles, emphasizing that our true enemy is our own self-centeredness. It calls for a shift in focus towards selflessness and sacrificial living, inspired by the examples of martyrs like Amy Carmichael. The message urges listeners to reflect on their response to global tragedies and prompts them to consider a lifestyle of fasting, prayer, and commitment to reaching the lost world.
Judging or Esteeming?
By Bill McLeod1.6K43:01JudgingMAT 5:45JHN 13:35ROM 12:211CO 10:13EPH 4:2PHP 2:3JAS 1:19In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who was critical of preachers and caused disruptions during church business meetings for 25 years. The preacher then recounts another incident where a man who was causing trouble during a business meeting suddenly dropped dead after the preacher prayed for it to stop. The preacher reflects on these stories and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and humility. He also mentions the need for self-reflection and asks his own daughters for forgiveness for not being a good father and Christian. The sermon highlights the consequences of being critical and the power of prayer and forgiveness.
Encounter With a Holy God
By Richard Owen Roberts1.6K50:38PSA 90:2PSA 90:4PRO 3:34ISA 57:15ISA 66:2MAT 23:12LUK 3:16PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon delves into the reasons behind Israel's continual wandering from God despite witnessing His incredible works, emphasizing the importance of humility, contrition, and brokenness before God. It challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual state and the need to maintain a humble and contrite spirit to experience God's reviving presence in their lives.
Above All Things
By Alistair Begg1.6K34:34PSA 138:2PRO 16:18ISA 2:11MAT 6:33PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of exalting God's name and word above all else. The verse "You have exalted above all things your name and your word" serves as an antidote to pride and self-promotion. It reminds us that our understanding of God's disclosure and the benefits we receive from Him begin with Him. Additionally, the verse provides an illustration of evangelistic worship, emphasizing the need for heartfelt praise and the power of singing in reviving the people of God throughout history.
Our Great Need for Church Elders
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:17:01HumilityMAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 4:2PHP 2:31TH 5:23JAS 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being broken by God in order to fulfill His purpose in our lives. He uses the example of Moses, who initially thought he could deliver Israel through his own strength, but God took him through a process of breaking and humbling him. The speaker highlights that being broken means not being affected by hurtful words or actions, and being completely dependent on God. He encourages listeners to embrace the difficult circumstances in their lives as opportunities for God to work in and through them.
Glorying Only in the Cross
By Zac Poonen1.5K31:15MAT 23:12JHN 13:34ROM 14:131CO 1:181CO 11:28GAL 6:14PHP 2:3COL 3:121PE 5:51JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to move from admiration to following Jesus, the danger of pride hindering spiritual growth, and the importance of sacrificial love for others. It challenges believers to humbly focus on the sacrifice of Christ, avoid prideful judgment of others, and prioritize selfless living in light of the cross.
(True Faith and False) the Righteousness of Faith
By Zac Poonen1.4K50:36MAT 7:22GAL 2:20PHP 2:3HEB 8:10REV 14:3In this sermon, the speaker warns against the danger of developing a superior attitude within a fellowship or organization. He emphasizes that our righteousness should not be based on comparing ourselves to others or boasting about our own accomplishments. The speaker shares a personal realization about his own pride in not sending reports or making his needs known, only to realize that what truly matters is how we use our resources for the glory of God. He also highlights the contrast between two types of righteousness in the parables Jesus spoke, particularly focusing on the parable of the man without a wedding robe at the king's feast.
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.
Self and Its Pride
By B.H. Clendennen1.3K38:35PRO 16:18GAL 2:20PHP 2:3JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, highlighting the need for humility and surrender to God. It discusses the root of all evil as the proud atheism of self, leading to spiritual deadness and separation from God. The message stresses the importance of recognizing and crucifying the self-will, desires, and pride within us to truly experience God's transformative power and live a life centered on humility and obedience to Christ.
The Way of Humility (謙卑的道路)
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:09:03ChineseMAT 6:33MAT 7:1LUK 16:151CO 10:31GAL 1:10PHP 2:3PHP 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity in the church. He highlights four key elements of unity: having the same mind, love, spirit, and purpose. The preacher then explains that the way to achieve this unity is by adopting the same attitude as Jesus Christ, who humbled himself and sacrificed his own position for the sake of others. The preacher also emphasizes the need to avoid judging others and seeking to please men, as these attitudes hinder our ability to serve Christ. Finally, the preacher encourages the congregation to become like little children, free from selfishness and grudges, in order to truly experience the message of Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let nothing be done through strife - Never be opposed to each other; never act from separate interests; ye are all brethren, and of one body; therefore let every member feel and labor for the welfare of the whole. And, in the exercise of your different functions, and in the use of your various gifts, do nothing so as to promote your own reputation, separately considered from the comfort, honor, and advantage of all. But in lowliness of mind - Have always an humbling view of yourselves, and this will lead you to prefer others to yourselves; for, as you know your own secret defects, charity will lead you to suppose that your brethren are more holy, and more devoted to God than you are; and they will think the same of you, their secret defects also being known only to themselves.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let nothing be done--The italicized words are not in the Greek. Perhaps the ellipsis had better be supplied from the Greek (Phi 2:2), "Thinking nothing in the way of strife" (or rather, "factious intrigue," "self-seeking," see on Phi 1:16). It is the thought which characterizes the action as good or bad before God. lowliness of mind--The direct relation of this grace is to God alone; it is the sense of dependence of the creature on the Creator as such, and it places all created beings in this respect on a level. The man "lowly of mind" as to his spiritual life is independent of men, and free from all slavish feeling, while sensible of his continual dependence on God. Still it INDIRECTLY affects his behavior toward his fellow men; for, conscious of his entire dependence on God for all his abilities, even as they are dependent on God for theirs, he will not pride himself on his abilities, or exalt self in his conduct toward others (Eph 4:2; Col 3:12) [NEANDER]. let each esteem--Translate as Greek, "esteeming each other superior to yourselves." Instead of fixing your eyes on those points in which you excel, fix them on those in which your neighbor excels you: this is true "humility."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let nothing be done through strife,.... About words merely; otherwise they were to strive for the faith of the Gospel, the purity of Gospel ordinances, worship and discipline; but the apostle would not have them strive merely to carry a point determined on, without having any regard to reason and truth, or yielding to the infirmities of the weak; which is the case and conduct of contentious persons; than which nothing can be more contrary to the Spirit of the Gospel, or the peace of churches: the apostle adds, or vain glory; for where this is predominant, persons will always be singular in their sentiments, and never relinquish them, let what reason soever be given against them; nor will they give way to the judgment of others, but right or wrong will have their own wills; Diotrephes like, loving to have the preeminence in all things, Jo3 1:9; and such persons and conduct are very injurious to the comfort and harmony of the saints: but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves; not as to the things of the world, in respect of which one man may be a better man than another, and he must know and think himself so; nor with respect to the endowments of the mind, and acquired abilities, which one man may have above another; and the difference being so great in some, it must be easily discerned, that one is more learned and knowing, in this or the other language, art, or science; but with regard to, grace, and to spiritual light, knowledge, and judgment: and where there is lowliness of mind, or true humility, a person will esteem himself in a state of grace, as the great apostle did, the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints; one in whom this grace reigns will pay a deference to the judgment of other saints, and will prefer their experience, light, and knowledge, to his own; and will readily give way, when he sees such that are of longer standing, of greater experience, and more solid judgment, as he has reason to think, than himself, are on the other side of the question; and so peace, love, and unity, are preserved. This grace of humility is an excellent ornament to a Christian, and wonderfully useful in Christian societies.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3-4 Don’t be selfish: Self-centeredness is antithetical to genuine care for others (cp. 2:20-21; 1 Cor 10:24; Gal 5:26).