Do nothing out of selfish ambitionThis phrase warns against actions motivated by self-interest or personal gain. In the Greco-Roman world, ambition was often seen as a virtue, but Paul redefines it in a Christian context. The term "selfish ambition" is also used in
Galatians 5:20, where it is listed among the works of the flesh. The early church faced challenges from individuals seeking personal glory, as seen in the disputes among the disciples (
Mark 9:34). Paul emphasizes that true Christian service is not about advancing oneself but serving others, reflecting Jesus' teaching in
Matthew 20:26-28.
or empty pride
"Empty pride" refers to vanity or conceit, which was prevalent in the honor-shame culture of the ancient world. This pride is considered "empty" because it lacks substance and eternal value.Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes destruction, highlighting its destructive nature. In contrast, Jesus exemplified humility, as seen in His incarnation and sacrificial death (Philippians 2:5-8). The call to avoid pride aligns with the biblical theme of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble (James 4:6).
but in humility
Humility is a central Christian virtue, often misunderstood in the ancient world as weakness. However, biblical humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God and valuing others. Jesus' life is the ultimate model of humility, as He emptied Himself and took on human form (Philippians 2:7). This humility is not self-deprecation but a realistic assessment of oneself in light of God's greatness. The call to humility is echoed in1 Peter 5:5, where believers are urged to clothe themselves with humility.
consider others more important than yourselves
This radical call challenges the self-centeredness inherent in human nature. It reflects the second greatest commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). In the early church, this principle fostered unity and mutual care, as seen inActs 2:44-45. The Greek word for "consider" implies a deliberate and thoughtful decision, suggesting that valuing others requires intentional effort. This mindset mirrors Christ's sacrificial love, as He prioritized humanity's needs over His own comfort and glory.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison to encourage and instruct the church in Philippi.
2.
PhilippiA city in Macedonia where Paul established a church during his second missionary journey. The Philippian church was known for its generosity and support of Paul's ministry.
3.
The Philippian ChurchThe recipients of the letter, a community of believers facing external pressures and internal challenges, including issues of unity and humility.
Teaching Points
Understanding Selfish Ambition and Empty PrideRecognize that selfish ambition (Greek: "eritheia") and empty pride (Greek: "kenodoxia") are contrary to the character of Christ. These attitudes lead to division and strife within the body of Christ.
The Call to HumilityEmbrace humility (Greek: "tapeinophrosyne") as a foundational Christian virtue. Humility involves a proper understanding of oneself in relation to God and others, acknowledging our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves.
Considering Others More ImportantPractically apply this principle by actively seeking the welfare of others, prioritizing their needs and interests. This mindset fosters unity and reflects the selfless love of Christ.
The Example of ChristLook to Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. His incarnation and sacrificial death exemplify the attitude we are called to emulate.
Cultivating a Humble HeartEngage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and service to cultivate humility. Regularly examine your motives and attitudes, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to align them with Christ's example.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Philippians 2:3?
2.How can we "do nothing out of selfish ambition" in daily life?
3.What does "in humility consider others" mean in practical terms?
4.How does Philippians 2:3 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 20:26-28?
5.What are practical ways to "value others above yourselves" in your community?
6.How can Philippians 2:3 guide interactions within your church family?
7.How does Philippians 2:3 challenge our understanding of humility and selflessness in daily life?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Philippians 2:3?
9.How does Philippians 2:3 relate to the overall theme of unity in the book of Philippians?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2?
11.How can you put others before yourself today?
12.How do psychological and ethical egoism differ?
13.What defines Christian Fascism?
14.What does "esteem others better than yourself" mean?What Does Philippians 2:3 Mean
Do nothing out of selfish ambitionPaul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (Philippians 2:3). The phrase calls believers to reject every action fueled by self-promotion.
• Selfish ambition fractures fellowship, as seen in the rivalry of the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 3:3–4).
• James warns that “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder” (James 3:16).
• Instead of jockeying for position, we are to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), trusting God to exalt in His time (1 Peter 5:6).
Living free from selfish ambition keeps our motives centered on Christ’s glory rather than personal gain.
or empty pride“Empty pride” (or conceit) describes a hollow confidence that exalts self while offering nothing of eternal value.
• Proverbs cautions, “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).
• Romans urges, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3).
• Even well-intentioned ministry can be ruined by boasting (Matthew 6:1-2).
By confronting empty pride, Paul redirects attention from self-congratulation to Christ-exalting humility, preserving unity in the body (Ephesians 4:2-3).
but in humilityThe antidote to selfish ambition and empty pride is humility—seeing ourselves rightly before God.
•Micah 6:8 pairs humility with walking closely with the Lord.
• Jesus models perfect humility: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
• Peter echoes, “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5).
Humility is not self-demeaning but God-honoring realism, freeing us to think of others without insecurity.
consider others more important than yourselvesPaul moves from attitude to action: elevate others above self.
• “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another” (Romans 12:10).
• Jesus taught, “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26-28).
• Practical expressions include:
– Listening before speaking (James 1:19)
– Sharing resources with those in need (1 John 3:17)
– Rejoicing in others’ successes without envy (1 Corinthians 12:26)
Counting others as more important imitates Christ, binds the church together, and shines the gospel to a self-centered world.
summaryPhilippians 2:3 calls believers to abandon self-promotion and vanity, embrace Christlike humility, and actively value others above self. These heart-level shifts foster unity, display the character of Jesus, and invite God’s blessing on every relationship and ministry.
(3) This verse expresses the negative result of this unity of soul--that nothing will be done in "strife," that is,
factiousness (the word used in
Philippians 1:17), or "vainglory"--nothing, that is, with the desire either of personal influence or of personal glory. "For," he adds, "each will esteem other better than himself," or, rather, will hold that his neighbour is worthy of higher consideration and a higher place of dignity than himself (comp. the use of the word in
Romans 13:1;
1Peter 2:13, of temporal dignity); for the idea is of the ascription to others, not of moral superiority, but of higher place and honour. Self-assertion will be entirely overborne. So he teaches us elsewhere that "charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own" (
1Corinthians 13:4-5).
Verse 3. -
Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory. Not "strife," but "faction," as R.V. The word is the same as that rendered "contention" in
Philippians 1:10, where see note. Party spirit is one of the greatest dangers in running the Christian race. Love is the characteristic Christian grace; party spirit and vain-glory too often lead professing Christians to break the law of love.
But in lowiness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. In
your lowliness; the article seems to have a possessive sense, the lowliness characteristic of Christians, which you as Christians possess.
Ταπεινοφροσύνη an exclusively New Testament word: the grace was new, and the word was new. The adjective
ταπεινός in classical Greek is used as a term of reproach - abject, mean. The life of Christ ("I am meek and lowly in heart") and the teaching of Christ ("Blessed are the poor in spirit") have raised lowliness to a new position, as one of the chief features in the true Christian character. Here St. Paul bids us, as a discipline of humility, to look at our own faults and at the good points in the character of others (comp.
Romans 12:10).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[Do] nothingμηδὲν(mēden)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367:No one, none, nothing.out ofκατ’(kat’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).selfish ambitionἐριθείαν(eritheian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2052:Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. faction.orμηδὲ(mēde)Conjunction
Strong's 3366:And not, not even, neither…nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.empty pride,κενοδοξίαν(kenodoxian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2754:Vainglory, empty pride. From kenodoxos; empty glorying, i.e. Self-conceit.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.in humilityταπεινοφροσύνῃ(tapeinophrosynē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5012:Humility, lowliness of mind, modesty. From a compound of tapeinos and the base of phren; humiliation of mind, i.e. Modesty.considerἡγούμενοι(hēgoumenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2233:(a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider.othersἀλλήλους(allēlous)Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240:One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.more important thanὑπερέχοντας(hyperechontas)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5242:To excel, surpass, be superior. From huper and echo; to hold oneself above, i.e. to excel; participle superior, superiority.yourselves.ἑαυτῶν(heautōn)Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.
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NT Letters: Philippians 2:3 Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit (Philipp. Phil. Php.) 
