In what ways can we seek "the interests of Jesus Christ" today? A Glance at the Passage “For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” (For context, vv. 19–22 show Paul contrasting most people’s self–concern with Timothy, who is “genuinely concerned for your welfare.”) What Are “the Interests of Jesus Christ”? • Everything He desires, commands, and values • The advance of His gospel (Philippians 1:12) • The growth and purity of His church (Ephesians 5:25-27) • The display of His character in His followers (Romans 8:29) Pursuing His Interests in Daily Life • Prioritize fellowship with Him – Immerse yourself in Scripture daily (John 15:7) – “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Obey what He has already said – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15) – Let His Word shape choices at work, home, and online (Luke 6:46) • Spread His good news – Live and speak as His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) – Look for open doors with friends, neighbors, and coworkers (Colossians 4:3-4) • Serve His body, the church – Use your spiritual gifts for mutual edification (1 Peter 4:10-11) – Meet tangible needs (Acts 2:44-45; Galatians 6:10) • Walk in Christlike love – “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34-35) – Forgive quickly, bear burdens, encourage hearts (Ephesians 4:32) • Promote unity and humility – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-4) – Refuse gossip; pursue reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24) • Pursue holiness and integrity – “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16) – Guard eyes, tongue, and finances; cultivate purity (Philippians 2:15) • Invest in discipleship – Teach faithful people who will teach others (2 Timothy 2:2) – Walk alongside younger believers (Titus 2:3-4) • Care for the vulnerable – Show mercy to the poor, orphan, widow (James 1:27) – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40) • Support gospel workers – Share resources with missionaries and pastors (Philippians 4:15-17; 3 John 5-8) • Live with eternity in view – “Set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:1-2) – Let future reward shape present priorities (2 Corinthians 4:18) Practical Next Steps 1. Identify one area above you’ve neglected; jot down a simple, measurable action for this week. 2. Ask another believer to hold you accountable and rejoice together in progress. By moving from self-interest to Christ-interest in these concrete ways, we echo Timothy’s example and display a life that truly seeks “the interests of Jesus Christ.” |
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