Yielded Interest

GETTING STARTED

It seems hard to believe that we could become any more focused on our own interests. With a myriad of online means to tell the world our every thought and moment-by-moment action, it appears we have become addicted to, or obsessed by, our own interests. But where do other people fit in?

  • What dominates your thought process daily?

READ THE WORD: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30 (ESV)

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Why did Paul send Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians (vss. 19, 26)?
  2. What was Timothy’s special attribute (vs. 20)?
  3. Why had the Philippians sent Epaphroditus to Paul (vs. 25)?
  4. How does seeking the interests of Jesus Christ relate to caring for others?
  5. Who in your life needs more attention and care from you?

RESPOND TO GOD

God calls us to demonstrate his interest in people by caring for them. We have the privilege of letting Jesus care for others through us, not to make ourselves look good, but to allow others to experience the kindness and love of Jesus. Ask God to help you honestly inventory your interests. Are you genuinely interested in caring for others for his sake? 

  • Ask God to show you specifically how you can meet someone else’s need today. 
  • Pray that you may experience his joy in caring for others.