Fourth, the readers should consider the interests and affairs of one another, not just their own. Philippians 2:3 deals with how we view other people, and this one deals with how we relate to them. We have a duty to be responsible and to look out for the needs of our families ( 1 Timothy 5:8). However the believer"s sphere of concern should be broader than this and should include the needs of the members of his or her extended Christian family as well. In a larger sphere this attitude should also encompass unbelievers. [source][source][source]
"One must also be careful not to push this clause beyond Paul"s own intent, which is not concerned with whether one ever "looks out for oneself"-the "also" in the final line assumes that one will do that under any circumstances-but with the basic orientation of one"s life ..." [1][source]
Contrasts between a Helper and a ServantA HelperA ServantA helper helps others when it is convenient.A servant serves others even when it is inconvenient.A helper helps people that he or she likes.A servant serves even people that he or she dislikes.A helper helps when he or she enjoys the work.A servant serves even when he or she dislikes the work.A helper helps when the circumstances are convenient.A servant serves even when the circumstances are inconvenient.A helper helps with a view to obtaining personal satisfaction.A servant serves even when he or she receives no personal satisfaction.A helper helps with an attitude of assisting another.A servant serves with an attitude of enabling another. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 2:1-11 - Following His Example Of Self-Surrender
In all Scripture-indeed, in all literature-there is no passage which combines such extraordinary extremes as this. The Apostle opens the golden compasses of his faith, placing one jeweled point on the throne of divine glory and the other at the edge of the pit, where the Cross stood; and then he asks us to measure the vast descent of the Son of God as He came down to help us. Mark the seven steps: He was in the form of God, that is, as much God as He was afterward a servant; being in the form of God"¦ took the form of a servant. He was certainly the latter and equally so the former. He did not grasp at equality with God, for it was already His. He emptied Himself, that is, refused to avail Himself of the use of His divine attributes, that He might teach the meaning of absolute dependence on the Father. He obeyed as a servant the laws which had their source in Himself. He became man-a humble man, a dying man, a crucified man. He lay in the grave. But the meaning of His descent was that of His ascent, and to all His illustrious names is now added that of Jesus-Savior. This must be our model. This mind must be in us. In proportion as we become humbled and crucified, we, in our small measure, shall attain the power of blessing and saving men. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 2
1Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility; 12to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world, 16and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God 19He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:4
Looking [σκοπουντες] Present active participle of σκοπεω skopeō from σκοπος skopos (aim, goal). Not keeping an eye on the main chance for number one, but for the good of others. [source]
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:4
Present active participle of σκοπεω skopeō from σκοπος skopos (aim, goal). Not keeping an eye on the main chance for number one, but for the good of others. [source]
Attentively: fixing the attention upon, with desire for or interest in. So Romans 16:17; Phlippians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 4:18. Hence often to aim at; compare σκοπός themark, Phlippians 3:14. The participles esteeming and looking are used with the force of imperatives. See on Colossians 3:16. [source]