The Significance of Others

It is easy to get distracted in this passage due to the many different names that Paul mentions and become swamped with trivia and speculation about these people and incidents. On the other hand, this sermon seeks to show that the exhortation in this passage comes from Paul's example whereby we are reminded about the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the significance of what others contribute to the working of God's Kingdom. It should be our sincere practice to exalt and regard the work of others above our own. Paul was no Rambo in his own mind because God's Kingdom is not advance with Rambos, but by the whole body where each part does its part and appreciates the significance of what the other parts are contributing.