Read Philippians 2:1-4 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What actions would please Paul?
- How should our hearts look?
- What does he warn us against?
Reflect
Paul instructed the believers in Philippi to focus on others rather than solely on themselves. He understood that human nature, without God’s help, has a tendency towards selfishness. The key to shift this self-focus is to take an interest in others and their needs – to see people as people. One of the warning signs of too much self-focus is when other people become obstacles, rather than God’s image-bearers.
If we only look out for our own interests, the desires and needs of those around us can seem to get in our way. We’ve all felt the consequences of selfishness, whether it was our own actions that hurt others or someone else’s self-focused choices that hurt us. Paul’s words remind us that there’s a better way to live. When we look out for others, we demonstrate Jesus to those around us.
What would your community look like if everyone focused on each other’s interests? Have your recent actions resembled what Paul described in Philippians? What steps could you take towards this picture of becoming others-focused? How does Jesus’ example of serving others encourage you today, and who can you share it with?
Respond
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.
Remember
During At the Movies, each week we’ll focus on remembering what we read. If you’re new to memorizing Scripture, start by looking at one section of one verse to remember this week.
Read Philippians 2:3-4 again to remember. If you want to begin by memorizing just part of it, start with this phrase:
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Memory Tip: If you’ve followed along with Scripture memory for At the Movies, don’t forget to go back and review verses you’ve memorized previously. Designate a place to keep all the verses you want to remember, such as in the notes app on your phone, a notebook, or tabs in a physical Bible. Periodically revisit this place to keep the Scripture fresh in your mind. Remember, it’s not about perfection! It’s about treasuring God’s Word and writing it on your heart (Psalm 119:11, 15-16), and memorization helps you do this.