Living for others in a selfie world

Intro

Philippians 2:1–11

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” – Philippians 2:3 (NIV)*

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Introduction: The Default Setting – Me First

- Begin with a modern illustration: talk about selfies, social media, and the “me first” culture.

- Ask: *“What if the goal of your life isn’t to be fulfilled—but to be poured out?”*

- Transition: Paul challenges the church in Philippi—and us—to live radically different. He points to Jesus, who didn’t live for Himself, but **for us**.

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” — Brené Brown

Ephesians 2:1 “1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins”

Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” Christian Larson

2 Corinthians 12:9 “9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. — Coco Chanel

Proverbs 12:15 “15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Proverbs 1:5 “5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,”

I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” — Carl Jung

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

I. Living for Others Starts with a New Attitude (vv. 1–4)

- Paul says: if you've received anything from Christ—encouragement, love, comfort—then respond by loving others in the same way.

- We’re told to:

- Do nothing from selfish ambition.

- Consider others better than ourselves.

- Look not only to our interests, but also to others’.

- Point: **Living for others begins when we stop making ourselves the center of the story.**

- Application: What’s one area of your life where you've been making it all about you?

II. The Mind of Christ: Humility in Action (vv. 5–8)

- Paul says: *“Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus…”*

- Then he describes the downward journey of Jesus:

- Didn’t cling to status.

- Emptied Himself.

- Took on the role of a servant.

- Obeyed to the point of death.

- Point: **Jesus lived the ultimate “others-first” life.**

- Application: Real humility doesn’t think less of yourself—it thinks of yourself less.

III. The Reward of Selfless Living (vv. 9–11)

- Because Jesus humbled Himself, God **exalted** Him.

- There’s a divine paradox here: the way up is down.

- When you pour yourself out for others, God has a way of lifting you up.

- Point: **We don’t serve to be noticed—we serve because we’ve been transformed.**

- Application: Do you trust God enough to lower yourself so He can lift you in His timing?

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IV. Living for Others in Real Life

- Living for others looks like:

- Forgiving someone who doesn’t deserve it.

- Helping a neighbor with no strings attached.

- Listening more than talking.

- Encouraging someone when you feel discouraged yourself.

- It’s not always dramatic—but it’s always powerful.

- Jesus said: *“The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matt. 23:11)*

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Conclusion: This Life Isn’t About You—And That’s Good News

- When we live for others, we start to reflect the heart of Jesus.

- And in doing so, we find the joy we were looking for all along.

- “We are never more like Christ than when we are serving someone else.”

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### **Call to Action:**

- What’s one way you can intentionally live for someone else this week?

- A call you need to make.

- A gift you need to give.

- A “sorry” you need to say.

- Invite the church to pray for eyes to see others and the courage to serve them.