Philippians 2:4 – Look out…not in!
Listen to this week’s message Joy in the Journey – Week 3 (Watch Here)
Look Out…not in!
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
We live in a world constantly urging us to look out for ourselves:
Protect your time. Prioritize your goals. Build your brand. Secure your future.
While it’s not wrong to be responsible for yourself, Paul’s words in Philippians 2:4 remind us that a life centered only on self is a life that shrinks. Instead of habitually seeking your own interests, Scripture calls us to look out to see the needs of others.
To be sure, Paul isn’t saying ignore your own needs. He says don’t stop there. Don’t live in a bubble. Don’t treat your concerns as the only concerns that matter. God has put others around you so that you can put into practice habits of selfless service.
When our attention stays locked on our own problems, dreams, and struggles, we develop tunnel vision. We miss the opportunities around us to love, encourage, and serve.
Here’s what happens when we simply focus on ourselves:
- Our world becomes smaller.
- We accomplish less
- We are more anxious because we focus on what we lack.
- We miss the blessing of the support and teamwork of others.
Probably the greatest consequence is that the more we focus on ourselves, the more joy slips through our fingers.
That’s why Paul calls us to look outward — to lift our eyes beyond our own life.
This is one of the most counter-cultural commands in Scripture. Paul says, “Start living like others matter as much as you do.” Not just in theory, but in action.
“Looking to the interests of others” means:
- Noticing when someone is discouraged and taking time to encourage them
- Seeing a need and stepping in before you’re asked
- Giving up convenience to be a blessing
- Asking, “How can I help?” rather than, “What do I get out of this?”
Selfless living reflects the heart of Jesus. As we will see next, Jesus even though He was God, didn’t cling to His rights. He humbled Himself for us (Philippians 2:6–8). As we follow Him, we carry the same mindset: others first.
Looking out for others doesn’t always require grand gestures. It’s the small, intentional acts that begin to reshape your heart and impact those around you. It doesn’t take much to shift to be others-focused:
- A text to check in on someone you haven’t seen in a while
- Offering to help a co-worker who’s behind
- Choosing to listen instead of jumping to speak
- Giving your time, attention, or resources when it costs you
The great thing is that every time the Spirit guides you to shift your focus from yourself to others, you reflect the selfless love Jesus gave to you!
Apply: Look in a mirror and ask yourself, “Who around me needs encouragement, care, or help right now?” God will often use your selfless acts to answer someone else’s prayer. Imagine, you being the miracle someone else has been asking for.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes today to see beyond myself. Show me where I’ve become too focused on my own plans and problems. Give me Your heart, a heart that notices, cares, and serves. Use me to lift someone else up today, just as You lift me up every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Philippians 2:3 – Two paths: Pride or Humility?
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Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
There are two paths we can walk in life: the path of pride or the path of humility. One says, “Look at me,” the other says, “How can I serve?” One is consumed with being seen, recognized, and elevated. The other is content with faithfully serving others, even if it’s behind the scenes.
But that is very hard even for a follower of Christ.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Nothing. Not some things. Not even the things we feel justified in doing for our own gain. He puts it plainly, pride has NO place in the life of a Christ-follower.
Selfish ambition and conceit are dangerous. Paul isn’t condemning healthy ambition. Healthy ambition strives for excellence or pursues calling with discipline. Rather, he’s targeting selfish ambition. Selfish ambition is the drive to get ahead at the expense of others, to push our name into the spotlight while leaving others behind in the shadows.
Vain conceit is a close companion. It’s an inflated sense of self-worth, a desire to be admired for who we appear to be, rather than who we truly are. It’s ego wearing a mask of confidence, but behind it is insecurity and a need to be validated.
The danger is this. Both selfish ambition and vain conceit have one focus: self.
They ask: “How does this benefit me?” “How can I be noticed?” “Why am I not getting more credit?”
Left unchecked, this mindset poisons relationships, divides churches, and steals our joy. It whispers lies that say our worth is tied to bettering others, and our success depends on others losing.
So the Spirit through Paul gives us a better way. Paul doesn’t just say “don’t be selfish,” he says, “In humility, value others above yourselves.”
Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s shifting the focus from me to we, from what I deserve to what I can give. It recognizes the image of God in others and treats them with honor and respect, regardless of status, appearance, or performance.
Humility asks: “How can I lift someone else up?” “What’s best for the team?” “Where can I serve quietly, faithfully?”
In a world that shouts “Promote yourself,” Jesus whispers, “Deny yourself.” And in doing so, He shows us that the way down is the way up. True greatness is found not in status, but in service.
Maybe this little comparison is helpful to see the contrast between being driven by pride versus humility:
| Pride/Ego | Humility/Others |
| Self-centered | Others-centered |
| Driven by comparison | Driven by compassion |
| Demands recognition | Delights in serving |
| Builds walls | Builds bridges |
| Competes | Collaborates |
The proud mindset says, “I need to win.”
The humble mindset says, “Let’s win together.”
The proud heart says, “You owe me.”
The humble heart says, “I’m here for you.”
Jesus, the King of kings, washed feet. He made Himself nothing. And in doing so, He gave us the perfect picture of humility. Paul will go on to say that we should have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).
Humility isn’t weakness — it’s strength submitted to God and poured out for others.
Apply: Today, choose one way to value someone above yourself. It could be listening more than talking, giving credit to a team member, or doing something kind without expecting thanks. Watch what happens. Humility doesn’t just change the atmosphere, it changes you.
Prayer: Father, break the grip of pride in my heart. Teach me to value others the way You value me. Help me to walk in humility, not seeking attention but seeking to serve. Give me the mindset of Christ, gentle, strong, and selfless. May others see You through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Philippians 2:2 – Make My Joy Complete!
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“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2 (NIV)
We live in a culture that encourages us to chase individual dreams, assert our opinions, and “look out for number one.” Our sinful nature naturally desires to stand out, be unique, and seek personal success. This is fed by popular opinion and culture. But does it leave us full of joy or seeking more?
Do you find joy when you are at odds with people? When disunity abounds? Sure, people are different and can disagree, but you can sense when underneath the surface there is a divide that is toxic. It happens in homes. It happens in the work place. It happens in churches.
When it does, it engenders division and anything but joy.
This happens when we unify with our ego. Our ego wants to be seen. It thrives on being right. It demands control and resists correction. Ego whispers, “You don’t need them,” and “They just don’t get it.” Left unchecked, ego builds walls, not bridges. It isolates us from the very relationships that were designed to shape and support us.
Even in churches, families, and marriages, ego can creep in. It causes division over preferences. It fuels arguments where listening would suffice. It places my way above God’s way and our way.
Paul knew this all too well. He had once been a rising star in Jewish leadership, proud of his pedigree and performance. But after encountering Christ, he counted all that self-glory as loss (Phil. 3:7–8). Why? Because self-focus leads to separation, while Christ-focus leads to unity.
In Philippians 2:2, Paul invites us into a radically different mindset, one that sets aside self for the sake of unity. He outlines what true unity looks like:
- Like-minded: not clones, but aligned in purpose.
- Same love: rooted in Christ, not preference or personality.
- One spirit and one mind: walking together in humility and shared mission.
This kind of unity doesn’t erase individuality — it elevates collective purpose over personal pride. When believers lay down ego and take up empathy, the church becomes a powerful witness to the world. It is the Spirit of God moving a diverse group of people toward Jesus.
Unity doesn’t come naturally. It comes supernaturally as a gift of God’s Spirit. It begins when we say, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” and extend that same grace to others. Here’s how it might look:
- Instead of insisting on your opinion, ask how others see it.
- Instead of focusing on how you’re not being served, ask who you can serve.
- Instead of holding grudges, pursue peace.
Paul’s joy would be complete, and so would ours, when we live not for self-promotion, but for Spirit-led unity.
Apply: Fathers, husbands, and leaders, this verse is a call to lead by example. Your kids, your spouse, and your team are watching how you handle disagreement. Are you fighting to win, or fighting for unity? A secure father builds unity by modeling humility, love, and shared purpose, even when it is hard and costly.
Prayer: Lord, help me let go of my ego and embrace the beauty of unity. Teach me to love like You, to think beyond myself, and to walk in step with others. Make me one in spirit and purpose with those around me, so Your joy may be complete in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Philippians 2:1 – The Power of Unity with Christ!
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The Power of Unity with Christ
Fatherhood is one of the most sacred and weighty callings a man can receive. In the eyes of children, a father is often the first image of strength, leadership, correction, and love. Yet behind every great father is a greater Father, the One who equips us through His presence, grace, and example.
In Philippians 2:1, the Apostle Paul offers a gentle yet powerful reminder: everything we do as believers and especially as fathers should flow out of our union with Christ.
Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
Paul is not questioning whether these things exist; he’s affirming that they do. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’ve experienced encouragement in your walk with Him. You’ve known the comfort of His unfailing love. You’ve shared in the Holy Spirit’s power and presence. You’ve both received and given compassion. These blessings are not abstract ideals; they are lived realities and they’re exactly what God wants to flow through your life into your family.
This is true whether you are a dad, a mom, or a friend. We get to have the amazing gifts of our heavenly Father flow into us and through us!
- As you have encouragement from Christ, be an encourager!
Being united with Christ means we are never parenting alone. When your strength feels thin and your patience runs low, the presence of Jesus is your source of hope and help. As fathers, we need to first receive encouragement before we can give it. Take time each day to be encouraged by Christ. Your children will benefit from a father who walks out of his quiet time with Jesus ready to build others up.
- As you have received comfort from His Love, be a safe place for your family!
Fathers are protectors, but more than that, they are meant to be safe, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The comfort we receive from God’s unconditional love helps us offer our children a home where failure isn’t fatal, and growth is welcomed. When you mess up, and you will, let God’s love heal and humble you. A father who knows he is deeply loved will raise children who are deeply secure.
- If you have fellowship with the Spirit, walk in wisdom
The Holy Spirit isn’t a distant force; He is the very presence of God dwelling within you. He gives you discernment when your child is hurting but hiding it. He gives you strength when work has exhausted your last ounce of energy. He reminds you of the Word when you’re tempted to respond with frustration rather than gentleness. Don’t father driven by your sinful flesh when you’ve been given the power of God’s Holy Spirit!
- Tenderness and Compassion — to Reflect the Heart of God
This might be the most overlooked trait of godly fathers: tenderness. In a world that celebrates toughness, the Father-heart of God reveals Himself through gentleness and compassion. Jesus, the perfect picture of manhood, wept at gravesides, welcomed children, and carried the burdens of the broken. As a dad, your strength is not compromised by your tenderness — it’s completed by it.
So in every vocation of life, live by starting with Christ, not with ourselves. The more we receive from Him, the more we can give to those who matter most. But especially if you are a dad, your children don’t need a perfect father. They need a present, Spirit-led one, one who is united with Christ, overflowing with His love, and grounded in His grace.
You and they have a perfect Father in heaven who loves and forgives you. You just get to reflect him to the family around you!
Apply: What can you do each day to connect with Christ and lead from a place of connection to Christ rather than connection to self?
Prayer: Father, thank You for inviting me into unity with Your Son. Help me to receive Your encouragement, Your love, and Your Spirit each day. Let Your tenderness shape my own, and may my children see in me a glimpse of Your heart. Make me a faithful father who leads by leaning on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
A Devotion for Father’s Day
Listen to this week’s message Joy in the Journey – Week 3 (Watch Here)
(Reprinted from Fathers’ Day – 2022)
We begin the Lord’s prayer with the words, “Our Father in heaven.” Each of these words or phrases is so significant. “Our” implies a personal relationship we have. “Father” implies the role God plays in our life. “In heaven”…why is that so important?
This short phrase distinguishes our requests we present to our earthly fathers from our heavenly father. It does not diminish the importance of our earthly fathers, but rather heightens the blessing of having a heavenly father. Jesus highlighted one:
Jesus said 9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11)
Our heavenly Father has perspective.
Earthly dads desire the best and want to give their best to their children. Magnify that exponentially and one realizes they have a heavenly father who perfectly knows what is best for his children…and welcomes your request.
Our heavenly Father has an even larger and bigger perspective than our earthly fathers. Sometimes our dads have or do withhold giving something because they know that it is not the best for their child. As a child this can be frustrating, and perhaps only the perspective of time will allow us to see that dad really did know and do what was best. How much more our relationship with our heavenly Father. We can always trust that he knows and gives what is best…even if it doesn’t match what WE think is best.
Our heavenly Father is perfect.
This means a lot to me as an earthly dad. I am not perfect. My girls know that well. I am grateful that I have a heavenly Father who is willing to forgive and restore when I fail. I treasure that my girls always have a perfect heavenly Father to whom to look up when they see shortcomings in their earthly dad.
Our heavenly Father portrays pure justice and unconditional love.
No better example have I found to understand the balance God has of justice and love than to be in the role of a dad. The two, justice and love, are perfectly compatible and one should not be overlooked for the sake of the other. Justice can not exist without love and love without justice. What do I mean? It is loving to have boundaries and limits to life. Justice from God is real because he gives us those boundaries in which to live so that we experience the greatest blessings on this earth and in heaven. Just like a father tells his child, “Don’t run in the street” because he desires his child to not experience getting hit by a car. In fact, if the child runs in the street, he may be disciplined to know the seriousness of the infraction and how much dad loves his child to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Love from God is real because he desires the eternal blessing of his children. Love is not a boundary-less grant to a child to do whatever they want. Love desires to guide a child in the way of righteousness and to the eternal blessings of heaven. I treasure that my heavenly Father is perfectly both and as an earthly dad can learn from his examples of justice and love.
Our heavenly Father is present…always.
Earthly dads get busy with work, hobbies, chores, and just life in general. Sometimes we are not as present for our children as we would like. Our heavenly Father is available 24/7…every day to listen to our prayers, remind us of his promises and guide us with his Word.
Earthly dads are great and a blessing from the Lord. How much greater a blessing we have to be able to call God, “Our Father IN HEAVEN.”
Apply: What other blessings do you receive from your Father in heaven that is better and more perfect than from your father on earth?
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank you Father for your eternal perspective, your perfect love and justice, and your ongoing presence. We treasure that you have thought enough of us to bring us into an eternal relationship with you! AMEN.