How does 1 Corinthians 10:33 connect with Philippians 2:3-4 on humility?

Living for Others: Paul’s Operating Principle

• 1 Corinthians 10:33: “just as I also try to please everyone in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

• Paul’s settled habit is self-denial so others can come to salvation.

• His yardstick for every decision: “Will this help someone else see Christ clearly?”

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Side-by-Side with Philippians 2:3-4

• Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

• Same core themes in both passages:

– Laying aside selfish ambition

– Valuing people above personal comfort

– Active pursuit of others’ welfare

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One Motive, Two Angles

• 1 Corinthians 10:33 stresses purpose: “that they may be saved.”

• Philippians 2:3-4 stresses posture: “in humility.”

• Together they show that humble posture fuels evangelistic purpose; pride would block both.

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Tracing the Pattern Back to Jesus

• Philippians 2:5-8 describes Christ emptying Himself and becoming obedient to death.

• Paul mirrors that self-emptying in 1 Corinthians 10:33—he sacrifices rights so others meet the Savior.

• Mark 10:45; Romans 15:1-3; John 13:14-15 reinforce this servant pattern.

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Practical Outworkings Today

• Relationships: set aside “me first” thinking, especially in gray-area freedoms (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:9).

• Ministry: shape methods around the hearer’s benefit, not personal preference (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

• Community life: bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), clothe yourselves with humility (1 Peter 5:5-6).

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Fruit of Humble, Others-Centered Living

• Unity in the church (Philippians 2:2)

• Open doors for the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22)

• God’s exaltation in due time (James 4:6,10)