Living for Others
We are our best when we try to be it not for ourselves alone, but for our brethren, and that we take God's gifts most completely for ourselves when we realize that He sends them to us for the benefit of other men.
Phillips Brooks emphasizes the importance of selflessness and looking out for the needs of others, highlighting that God's gifts are meant to benefit not just ourselves but also those around us. He points out that our pursuit of a higher life becomes more meaningful and noble when we dedicate ourselves for the sake of others, drawing inspiration from Jesus' example of sanctifying Himself for the world's sake. Brooks challenges the listeners to consider the impact of their struggles and suffering on others, suggesting that through our hardships, we can bring light and help to those in need, embodying the spirit of martyrdom and selfless service.
Text
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others"
(Phil. 2:4).
The truth is, that we are our best when we try to be it not for ourselves alone, but for our brethren; and that we take God's gifts most completely for ourselves when we realize that He sends them to us for the benefit of other men, who stand beyond us needing them. I have spoken very feebly, unless you have felt something of the difference which it would make to all of us if this truth really took possession of us. It would make our struggles after a higher life so much more intense as they become more noble. "For their sakes I sanctify myself," said Jesus; and He hardly ever said words more wonderful than those. There was the power by which He was holy; the world was to be made holy, was to be sanctified through Him. I am sure that you or I could indeed be strengthened to meet some great experience of pain if we really believed that by our suffering we were to be made luminous with help to other men. They are to get from us painlessly what we have got most painfully from God. There is the power of the bravest martyrdom and the hardest work that the world has ever seen.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Considering Others
- Philippians 2:4 sets the standard for our actions
- We are our best when we try to be it for others
- God's gifts are meant for the benefit of others
Key Quotes
“For their sakes I sanctify myself,” — Phillips Brooks
Application Points
- Strive to consider the needs of others in your actions and decisions.
- Remember that God's gifts are meant to benefit others, and that you can be a source of strength and guidance to them.
- Believe that your suffering can be used to help others, and that you can be a source of light and guidance to them.