Verse 4
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.
"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 . . ." [Note: Fee, p. 190.]
| Contrasts between a Helper and a Servant |
| A Helper | A Servant |
| A 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. |
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