LIVING FOR OTHERS

LIVING FOR OTHERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:24, 33

Key Verse: “Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.” — 1 Corinthians 10:24 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Philippians 2:3-5; Romans 15:1-2; Galatians 5:13; Matthew 20:26-28; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Mark 10:45

Description: Christian living is not centred on self-interest but on love, service, sacrifice, and the welfare of others. Christ calls His followers to use their freedom, gifts, resources, and influence to bless others and ultimately bring glory to God.

INTRODUCTION

The world often teaches people to put themselves first: pursue your interests, protect your rights, seek your advantage, and make your success the highest priority. While responsible self-care has its place, the Christian is called to a higher standard. Paul tells the Corinthians, “Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:24). The word "wealth" here carries the broader idea of another person's good or welfare.

Jesus Christ is the greatest example of living for others. He did not come to earth to be served but to serve and to give His life for others (Mark 10:45). His earthly ministry was characterised by compassion, sacrifice, healing, teaching, forgiveness, and selfless love. Those who follow Him must therefore develop the same mindset.

Living for others does not mean neglecting every legitimate personal responsibility. Rather, it means refusing to make self-interest the centre of our lives. We ask not only, “What do I want?” but also, “How will my decision affect others? How can my life become a blessing?” When believers live this way, the church becomes stronger, relationships become healthier, and Christ is glorified.

1. PUT OTHERS' WELFARE AHEAD OF SELFISH INTEREST

Christian love looks beyond personal advantage.

a) Seek The Good Of Others (1 Corinthians 10:24)
Paul teaches believers to consider the welfare of others in their decisions.

b) Reject Selfish Ambition (Philippians 2:3)
We should not allow pride and personal advantage to dominate our relationships.

c) Consider Others Better Than Yourself (Philippians 2:3)
Humility enables us to value and respect others.

d) Look Beyond Your Own Interests (Philippians 2:4)
Mature Christians consider the needs and concerns of others.

Biblical Example: Jonathan willingly surrendered what could have been his royal advantage to support David because he valued God's purpose above personal ambition (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

2. FOLLOW CHRIST'S EXAMPLE OF SELFLESSNESS

Jesus is our supreme model of sacrificial living.

a) Christ Came To Serve (Mark 10:45)
Jesus deliberately chose the path of service.

b) He Put Others First (Philippians 2:5-7)
Christ humbled Himself and took the form of a servant.

c) He Sacrificed Himself For Others (Isaiah 53:5)
His suffering brought salvation and healing to humanity.

d) Follow His Example (1 Peter 2:21)
Believers are called to follow Christ's pattern of sacrificial living.

Biblical Example: Jesus washed His disciples' feet, demonstrating that true greatness is expressed through humble service (John 13:12-15).

3. USE YOUR FREEDOM RESPONSIBLY

Christian liberty must be governed by love.

a) Do Not Use Freedom Selfishly (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Our freedom should never become a stumbling block to another believer.

b) Consider The Conscience Of Others (1 Corinthians 10:28-29)
Love takes the spiritual wellbeing of others seriously.

c) Sacrifice Personal Rights When Necessary (1 Corinthians 9:12, 15)
Paul willingly surrendered legitimate rights for the sake of the Gospel.

d) Let Love Govern Your Choices (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
Not everything permissible is necessarily beneficial.

Biblical Example: Paul refused to insist on his rights when doing so could hinder the Gospel or damage another person's faith (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

4. SERVE OTHERS WITH YOUR GIFTS

God gives us abilities so that we can bless others.

a) Use Your Gift To Serve (1 Peter 4:10)
Every believer has something valuable to contribute.

b) Serve In Love (Galatians 5:13)
Christian freedom should produce loving service.

c) Build Others Up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Our words and actions should strengthen those around us.

d) Be A Blessing (Genesis 12:2)
God blesses His people so that they can become channels of blessing.

Biblical Example: Dorcas used her practical skills and resources to serve widows and needy believers (Acts 9:36-39).

5. CARE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR TIMES OF NEED

Living for others requires compassion.

a) Show Compassion (Colossians 3:12)
Believers should be clothed with kindness, mercy, and compassion.

b) Help Those In Need (Proverbs 19:17)
God takes seriously the way we respond to people who are vulnerable.

c) Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2)
We should not leave people to carry every burden alone.

d) Practise Practical Christianity (James 2:15-17)
Faith should produce tangible acts of love.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan demonstrated genuine love by helping a wounded stranger at personal cost (Luke 10:30-37).

6. BUILD OTHERS UP WITH YOUR WORDS

Our words can either strengthen or destroy.

a) Speak What Is Helpful (Ephesians 4:29)
Our speech should impart grace to those who hear us.

b) Encourage The Discouraged (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Some people need encouragement more than criticism.

c) Avoid Destructive Speech (Proverbs 18:21)
Words can have life-changing consequences.

d) Speak In Love (Ephesians 4:15)
Truth should be communicated with love and wisdom.

Biblical Example: Barnabas encouraged Saul when others were hesitant to accept him, helping him become more accepted among the disciples (Acts 9:26-27).

7. SEEK THE SALVATION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF OTHERS

Living for others includes caring about their eternal destiny.

a) Seek To Save Others (1 Corinthians 10:33)
Paul adapted himself appropriately so that more people could be reached with the Gospel.

b) Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
Christ has commanded believers to help others become disciples.

c) Strengthen The Weak (Romans 15:1)
Those who are spiritually strong should help carry the weaknesses of others.

d) Be A Light (Matthew 5:16)
Our lives should point people towards God.

Biblical Example: Paul willingly adapted his approach and sacrificed personal preferences so that he could win more people to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

8. LIVE SO THAT GOD IS GLORIFIED

The highest purpose of living for others is God's glory.

a) Do All For God's Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Our actions should ultimately direct attention to God.

b) Let Your Life Point To Christ (Matthew 5:16)
Good works should cause others to glorify God.

c) Become A Servant Of All (1 Corinthians 9:19)
Serving others creates opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love.

d) Finish With A Life That Blessed Others (Acts 20:35)
There is greater blessing in giving than merely receiving.

Biblical Example: Paul could testify that he had not lived for personal gain but had served others faithfully for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 20:33-35).

CONCLUSION

Living for others is one of the clearest expressions of Christlike maturity. It means moving beyond a self-centred Christianity and asking how our lives can strengthen, encourage, protect, serve, and bless others. Our gifts, resources, freedom, positions, and opportunities are not merely for personal advancement; they can become instruments through which God touches other lives.

Let us therefore follow the example of Jesus, who “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Mark 10:45). May we become believers who are known for compassion rather than selfishness, service rather than pride, generosity rather than greed, and sacrifice rather than self-interest. As we live for the good of others and the glory of God, our lives will become a powerful testimony of Christ's love.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, deliver me from every form of selfishness and give me the heart of a servant, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to consider the welfare of others before pursuing my personal interests, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me the mind of Christ and teach me to walk in humility and sacrificial love, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to use my freedom, gifts, resources, and opportunities responsibly for the good of others, in Jesus name.

5. Father, make me sensitive to the needs of people around me and give me grace to respond with compassion, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make my words a source of encouragement, healing, wisdom, and strength to others, in Jesus name.

7. Father, use my life to strengthen the weak, restore the discouraged, and help those who are struggling, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make me an effective instrument for bringing people to Christ and helping them grow spiritually, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let everything I do for others ultimately bring glory and honour to Your name, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make my life a lasting blessing to my family, church, community, and everyone You bring across my path, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall become a vessel through whom God blesses many people.

2. Every root of selfishness shall be uprooted from your heart.

3. You shall receive grace to serve others with humility and joy.

4. Your gifts and abilities shall become instruments of blessing.

5. Your words shall strengthen the weak and encourage the discouraged.

6. God shall make you sensitive to the needs of people around you.

7. Your life shall become a channel through which people encounter the love of Christ.

8. You shall not use your freedom or privileges to destroy another person's faith.

9. Your service and sacrifice shall produce eternal fruit for God's kingdom.

10. Through your life, many shall be blessed, strengthened, saved, and brought closer to God, and God alone shall receive the glory, in Jesus name.