Selfish Ambition and Rivalry
Category: Failure of humility
Could endure: Preach Christ out of love.
“The former preach Christ out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:16)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 13:4–5; Galatians 5:13.
Chose wrongly: Preached Christ out of envy and rivalry.
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.” (Philippians 1:15)
Cross-Refs: James 3:14; Romans 2:8.
Endured (negatively): Wrong motives, no reward.
“The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” (Philippians 1:17)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 6:1; 1 Corinthians 3:15.
Why (wrong motive): Jealousy, pride.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” (Philippians 2:3)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 14:30; Galatians 5:26.
Result: Exposed as insincere, though Christ is still preached.
“The important thing is that in every way… Christ is preached.” (Philippians 1:18)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28.
Enemies of the Cross
Category: Failure of holiness
Could endure: Walk as citizens of heaven.
“But our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 3:1–2; Hebrews 13:14.
Chose wrongly: Lived as enemies of the cross.
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18)
Cross-Refs: Romans 8:5–8; Galatians 6:13.
Endured (negatively): Bound for destruction.
“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.” (Philippians 3:19)
Cross-Refs: Hosea 4:7; 2 Peter 2:19.
Why (wrong motive): Earthly-mindedness, sensual desires.
“Their mind is set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 3:5; James 4:4.
Result: Excluded from Christ’s kingdom.
“Their destiny is destruction.” (Philippians 3:19)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 7:23; Revelation 21:8.
Disunity Among Believers
Category: Failure of love & harmony
Could endure: Be of one mind in the Lord.
“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)
Cross-Refs: John 17:21; Romans 15:5–6.
Chose wrongly: Quarreled publicly.
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 1:10; James 4:1.
Endured (negatively): Hurt testimony of the church.
“Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side.” (Philippians 4:3)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:23–24; Hebrews 12:14–15.
Why (wrong motive): Pride, personal disputes.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” (Philippians 2:3)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 13:10; Galatians 5:15.
Result: Needed correction and reconciliation.
“Help these women… whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:3)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 18:15–17; Colossians 3:13.