Discovering Joy in Philippians Online | Session 6
I’m so happy to welcome you back again! Today we’ll continue a theme from chapter 5 of Discovering Joy in Philippians; namely, looking out for others’ interests.
In chapter 5, we studied Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” That passage is our key passage for chapter 6. Chapter 6 looks at how two of Paul’s co-workers practiced those instructions. Consequently, one of our Day 5 joy builders will be looking out for someone else’s interests. Therefore, in the Session 6 video below, I share about a time I didn’t do that and how God brought me around. I also give tips on how to follow Paul’s commands when we feel we deserve better than we’re getting.
When you finish the video, please answer the questions you find below the video. Then complete chapter 6 in Discovering Joy in Philippians so you’ll be ready for the Session 7 video!
If you can’t participate now, that’s okay. I’ll leave these posts up for you to do when you’re ready.
Video: Looking Out for Others’ Interests When We Feel We Deserve Better Than We’re Getting
Questions to answer in the comments:
- What is a practical way you could choose the “lowest seat” in a work of service (page 85 question 6a)?
- What are ways grumbling and arguing damage relationships (page 92 question 28)?
- How did your complaining fast go (page 96 joy builder)?
Before watching next week’s video…
Complete Chapter 6: Discover Two Shining Stars. Come on back next week to discuss your answers.
Related Posts
- The Sea Monster of Envy
- Six Offenses to Overlook
- The Ultimate Reason Behind Unforgiveness (Part 5 of Forgive Intentional Sin–Don’t Just Manage Emotions)
- Why God Says No: To Teach Eternal Purpose
Books You Might Like
- The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
- Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians by D. A. Carson
1) Coincidentally (not!), someone recently offered something to me that was less than I expected. As I examined my emotions, I realized that they revealed I thought I deserved better–when I didn’t! So I’ve abandoned that attitude and I’m letting God work all that out while I simply do my part.
2) I taught a women’s Bible study once that was hindered by a woman who constantly grumbled in the meetings over my decisions. It dampened the mood, hurt unity, and made the meetings burdensome to me. Thankfully, she in time saw that a couple of the things she didn’t like (such as focusing on God’s Word in our meetings) had helped her grow spiritually.
3) I love the complaining fast! I succeeded in my words, but succumbed to one “Humph” and one grumbling thought. I followed both of those with praise to God and joy returned.
1 Considers others before yourself. Recently I wanted to go to certain place and then my girlfriend mentioned that she would like to go somewhere. Since she doesn’t drive very far that meant either we went where I wanted to go or where she wanted to go. Since I can always go to the place i wanted at another time. I chose to take her where she wanted to go even though I had just been there.
2.If you constantly grumble there can be little to no joy in a relationship. With no joy or happiness the relationship will eventually fail or be a miserable relationship.
my complaining fast I actually did it for two days with no grumbling from my mouth there was however a couple of times i have to admit that i thought a grumble but upon praying to God my joy returned.
1) Wonderful example, Kim!
2) I’m with you on that. I’ve seen relationships built on misery–gals who get together primarily to grumble. It’s as if they take joy in having a worse life than others. But I avoid those kinds of relationships if I can precisely because they’re miserable, as you said.
3) Hooray! Congratulations!!
1) I must be aware of my motives. Remembering that whether I am at work or in ministry or at home, I am working for God. He is my why. 1 Cor 10:31 Do all for the glory of God. Secondly, I must deliberately play the second fiddle well. Encouraging the success of those who rise and succeed around me. No envy!
2) Feeling the need to to change someone else behavior can lead to grumbling and complaining and will def put strain on a relationship.
3) I found that i am more prone to grumble or complain when I am tired. Need to guard my sleep and sabbath rest, which is different than sleep. And for sure don’t miss my QT with the Lord!
1) Yes! Did you see the Carson quotation about playing second fiddle? I may have to post that one on my wall.
2) I agree!
3) Yes–the Lord knew we needed a weekly day off. All good points.
i saw the carson quote in last weeks lesson It really stuck with me.I am often in a leadership position. I like to think that i can lead follow or get out of the way as necessary, but at times i find myself grabbing for leadership when what i need to do is allow someone else
to shine! (even if they don’t do it the way I would have!..Amen)
Yes, here too!
I try to do what others want to do. 2.you stop being friends. 3. It help me to see I complain too much. But one thing I hadly every complain about is the pain I live with everyday.
Hi, Becky. Such sweet short answers! That’s the most important part of the complaining fast: it opens our eyes. Hugs.
Thank you for all you do.
You’re welcome 🙂
Giving others first choice, or to go before yourself. Doing what the other wants to do.
Grumbling and arguing make you not fun to be with, people end up avoiding you.
Loved doing the complaining fast, made me really aware of my attitude with others. Need to remember to do it every day so will put that poster somewhere prominent! Hopefully this will encourage my partner to get the message and stop grumbling and arguing too.
Every day?? Whoa. Good going!
#1. As Jane said above, giving others first choice. For me , that’s not entirely selfless, because being Behind The Scene is in my comfort zone. The Lord has given me a few talents that I love to use in His service. And I appreciate what He’s given me, but I often think about the scripture Luke 14:10 about not exalting yourself, thereby leaving higher positions that might take center stage open for those more qualified. If the Body has something they think I’m capable of, they’ll ask me, otherwise I’m content (and comfortable) to stay behind the scenes, which I realize is a bit of a problem too, because it’s kinda selfish on my part. I do know that If the Lord leads me somewhere outside my zone, he’ll get me through it. But so far, that’s my practical way to handle the “Lowest Seat”
#2. Grumbling and arguing can ruin relationships if you let them. They can produce hurt feelings and/or anger, sometimes you could say things you wish you hadn’t, and then it’s too late. Keeping your focus on Jesus and the heart of Jesus will help YOU keep a clean heart, which will produce a clean tongue too.
#3. Grumbling fast….I’m embarrassed to say, did not go as well as I’d hoped. Thanks be to God, in His mercy, I’m 71 years old and He’s not done with me yet.
1) Good insights!
2) Yes!
3) Oh, I know! My first time I was surprised at how poorly I did. But it gets easier each time. This was at least my fifth complaining fast.
Answer to question one: Listen to what others have to say. Work together for one goal. And it doesn’t have to be all my ideals.
Answer to question two: When I grumble about ______ . This can put a wedge between them, me a perhaps who I am grumbling to. This will not show them joy and it might push them further from God.
Answer to question three: I worked on the 24 hour fast joy builder but felt I needed to continue. I found changing
my thoughts gave me even more reasons to thank God which gave me much JOY.
These are great, thoughtful answers, Margaret. Like you, I often go more than one day when I do a 24-hour complaining fast.
The going with out grumbling is harder then one would think. I plan to keep working on this.
Yes, it is! It’s eye-opening, too.