Dictionary of Bible Themes Putting the concerns and interests of others before one's own. Jesus Christ was the supreme example of this and believers should follow his example, denying themselves in order to serve others. John 5:30The supreme example of selflessness is that of Jesus Christ himself Romans 15:3In his life and work See also Matthew 15:32John 13:3-5 2 Corinthians 8:9 Matthew 20:26-28 In his dying for others Philippians 2:5-8See also pp Mk 10:43-45 Isaiah 53:3-12John 10:17-18 Romans 5:6-8 1 Corinthians 15:3 2 Corinthians 5:14 1 Thessalonians 5:10 1 Peter 2:22-24; 3:18 1 Timothy 2:6 Matthew 16:24 Unselfishness is a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ Christian discipleship begins with a denial of self-interest Mark 10:45pp Mk 8:34 See also pp Lk 9:23 Romans 6:62 Corinthians 5:15 Ephesians 4:22 Colossians 3:9 Philippians 1:21-24 See also It springs from an experience of life with Jesus Christ Philippians 3:7-11Philippians 2:4-5 See also It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ John 13:14-151 John 3:16; 4:19-21 Galatians 5:22-26 It is the result of the Spirit's work in the believer Romans 12:10Putting others first is fundamental in Christian behaviour 1 Corinthians 10:23-24See also Romans 14:7; 15:1-2This was particularly so when it came to the exercise of personal scruples. 1 Corinthians 8:9Ephesians 4:32-5:2 Colossians 3:13 1 Timothy 6:18 Philippians 2:3 Unselfishness involves a proper attitude to one's own self-importance See also Romans 12:16Galatians 6:2-3 Ephesians 4:2; 5:21 1 Peter 3:8; 5:5 Luke 22:26 Unselfishness is expressed in Christian service Galatians 5:13See also 1 Peter 4:10; 5:2Genesis 13:8-9 Examples of unselfish behaviour Those who put others first Exodus 32:31-32Abraham Ruth 1:16-17Moses 1 Samuel 12:3-5Ruth Nehemiah 5:14-18Samuel Mark 12:41-44Nehemiah Matthew 15:21-28a poor widow Matthew 26:6-13a mother John 3:27-30pp Mk 14:3-9 a woman with a jar of perfume Acts 4:32-37John the Baptist Romans 16:3-4the first Christians 1 Corinthians 16:15Priscilla and Aquila Philippians 2:20-21the household of Stephanas Philippians 2:29-30Timothy 1 Corinthians 10:32-33; 11:1Epaphroditus See also Paul's ministry was motivated by the interests of others Acts 20:33-351 Corinthians 9:3-15,19-23 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; 13:4 Philippians 2:17 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9,19-20 See also 2339 Christ, example of5959 submission 7733 leaders 8260 generosity 8276 humility 8291 kindness 8292 love 8306 mercifulness 8342 servanthood 8475 self-denial 8481 self-sacrifice 8827 selfishness |
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