Lesson 18: Philippians 2:3
Philippians 2:3
The Blueprint — The Verse
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Paul wrote to Philippi, a Roman colony proud of its citizenship and status. The church faced internal rivalry, and Paul pointed to Christ's example of self-emptying humility as the pattern for community life.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Philippians 2 urges unity and calls believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ. Paul describes Jesus' descent from divine glory to the cross before applying that model to everyday relationships in the church.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Philippians 2:2
2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Philippians 2:2) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Philippians 2:4
4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Philippians 2:4) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- Where do selfish ambition or vain conceit show up in your relationships?
- What does valuing others above yourself look like in practice?
- How does Christ's humility inspire you to serve?