Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8200 The character of the believer » 8356 unselfishness 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. The supreme example of selflessness is that of Jesus Christ himself In his life and work John 5:30; Romans 15:3 See also Matthew 15:32; John 13:3-5; 2 Corinthians 8:9 In his dying for others Matthew 20:26-28 pp Mark 10:43-45 Philippians 2:5-8 See also Isaiah 53:3-12; John 10:17-18; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 1 Peter 2:22-24; Peter 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:6 Unselfishness is a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ Christian discipleship begins with a denial of self-interest Matthew 16:24 pp Mark 8:34 pp Luke 9:23 Mark 10:45 See also Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9 It springs from an experience of life with Jesus Christ Philippians 1:21-24 See also Philippians 3:7-11 It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ Philippians 2:4-5 See also John 13:14-15; 1 John 3:16; John 4:19-21 It is the result of the Spirit's work in the believer Putting others first is fundamental in Christian behaviour Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 This was particularly so when it came to the exercise of personal scruples. See also Romans 14:7; Romans 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 4:32-5:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy 6:18 Unselfishness involves a proper attitude to one's own self-importance Philippians 2:3 See also Romans 12:16; Galatians 6:2-3; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:8; Peter 5:5 Unselfishness is expressed in Christian service Luke 22:26; Galatians 5:13 See also 1 Peter 4:10; Peter 5:2 Examples of unselfish behaviour Those who put others first Genesis 13:8-9 Abraham; Exodus 32:31-32 Moses; Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth; 1 Samuel 12:3-5 Samuel; Nehemiah 5:14-18 Nehemiah; Mark 12:41-44 a poor widow; Matthew 15:21-28 a mother; Matthew 26:6-13 pp Mark 14:3-9 a woman with a jar of perfume; John 3:27-30 John the Baptist; Acts 4:32-37 the first Christians; Romans 16:3-4 Priscilla and Aquila; 1 Corinthians 16:15 the household of Stephanas; Philippians 2:20-21 Timothy; Philippians 2:29-30 Epaphroditus Paul's ministry was motivated by the interests of others 1 Corinthians 10:32-33; Corinthians 11:1 See also Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 9:3-15,19-23; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; Corinthians 13:4; Philippians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9,19-20 See also
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