Bible Text: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Numbers 14:24 – “But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.”
Philippians 2:1-7 Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Wrong focus:
· People focus too much on themselves and not on how God can use them.
· People are also too focused on what others say about them, instead of what God says.
· People are also too focused on what they don’t have or unmet needs.
We need to forget ourselves and our needs and remember God and His power.
· You need to put yourself in a position whereby you can empty yourself in service to God
· You are a steward and “nothing can be given unto a man unless it has been given to him from heaven (John 3:27)”
What is a servant/steward/custodian?
1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
What are you doing with the little that God has given you? As a steward, how are you making your environment better with what God has blessed you with?
As a servant/steward/custodian, we are conduits of blessing. Whatever God has given us should also bless us but others.
Remember that we are playing to an audience of one. God is who we are to impress. We are not to compare, criticize, or compete with others.
We shouldn’t look to others for validation.
We need to know what God has asked us to do and live it out.
2 Corinthians 10:12 – “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves… but they… are not wise.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory”
A real servant does not complain of unfairness or have pity parties.
We need to be accountable to one another for God. We are part owners, we have an inheritance with Christ.
As stewards, we are to look after what God has provided us with
Case Study: Martha
Luke 10:38-40 – Mary heard the Word, but Martha was distracted
Vs. 41 – “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Matthew 26:7-13 – The woman with the Alabaster Box