Php 2:3-“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Paul continues to encourage them in their relationship with each other and their walk with the Lord. Today we consider-“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory…” Strong’s Greek Dictionary defines strife-“…properly intrigue, that is, (by implication) faction: - contention (-ious), strife.” It has the idea of not doing anything with a spirit of strife or contention. Hear Albert Barnes-“...This command forbids us to do anything, or attempt anything as the mere result of strife. This is not the principle from which we are to act, or by which we are to be governed. We are to form no plan, and aim at no object which is to be secured in this way. The command prohibits all attempts to secure anything over others by mere physical strength, or by superiority of intellect or numbers. or as the result of dark schemes and plans formed by rivalry, or by the indulgence of angry passions, or with the spirit of ambition…” Christians are not to function with this mindset or attitude. Akin to this is Paul’s second word here-“vainglory.” It has the idea of conceit or egotistical intentions. Strong’s defines it-“…empty glorying, that is, self conceit: - vain-glory.” There’s the idea! A spirit of contention always arises from a desire for attention, self-glory, and selfish ambition. Barnes adds-“…The word used here occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, though the adjective - occurs once in Gal_5:26…It means properly empty pride, or glory, and is descriptive of vain and hollow parade and show…The idea seems to be that of mere self-esteem; a mere desire to honor ourselves, to attract attention, to win praise, to make ourselves uppermost, or foremost, or the main object…” So Paul admonishes that “nothing be done” with such attitudes, goals or mindsets. Tomorrow we will look at the rest of this verse and the antidote for factions and pride! Today let us seek the “mind of Christ” (Phil. 2:5). What a great day to know Jesus! Hallelujah!
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:33:41 +0000
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