The concept of "outdoing" in the Bible is often associated with surpassing others in love, service, and humility rather than in competition or pride. The term itself may not be explicitly used in many translations, but the principle is evident throughout Scripture.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 12:10 : "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This verse encourages believers to excel in showing honor and respect to others, emphasizing a selfless attitude that seeks the well-being and recognition of others above oneself. The call to "outdo" in this context is not about seeking personal glory but about fostering a community of mutual respect and love.

2. Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." While the word "outdo" is not used here, the principle is clear. Believers are encouraged to surpass one another in humility and selflessness, prioritizing the needs and interests of others.

3. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 : "Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. And indeed, you are showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel even more." The exhortation to "excel even more" aligns with the idea of outdoing in love and good deeds, continually striving to grow in these virtues.

Theological Implications:

The biblical call to outdo one another in love and honor reflects the character of Christ, who exemplified ultimate humility and service. Jesus' life and teachings consistently demonstrated putting others first, as seen in His washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:14-15) and His sacrificial death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

Practical Application:

In practical terms, outdoing one another in love and honor can manifest in various ways within the Christian community:

· Service: Actively seeking opportunities to serve others, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or providing support in times of need.
· Encouragement: Offering words of affirmation and encouragement, recognizing the efforts and achievements of others.
· Generosity: Being generous with time, resources, and talents to benefit others and advance the Kingdom of God.
· Forgiveness: Extending grace and forgiveness, even when it is difficult, as a reflection of the forgiveness received through Christ.

Conclusion:

The biblical principle of outdoing one another in love and honor challenges believers to live counter-culturally, prioritizing the needs and well-being of others above personal ambition or recognition. This selfless pursuit fosters unity and reflects the love of Christ to the world.(v. t.) To go beyond in performance; to excel; to surpass.

Talkers and Talking
... with some marvellous tale. Be particularly careful not to outdo another
speaker in relating your own experiences. If, for instance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/talkers and talking.htm

Elucidations.
... cattle, etc. Shall these mean creatures outdo us in obedience and patience?".
III. (The world's misusage, cap. xiii. p.716.). The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/of patience/elucidations.htm

Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
... instance, only mark narrowly, in himself and others, the marvels of labour and
ingenuity invented and wrought on all sides, each striving to outdo his fellow ...
/.../xxiv sermon for the fifteenth.htm

The Progress of Prelacy.
... "We," says he, "proceed so far in the affectation of pomp and state, as to outdo
even bad rulers among the pagans; and, like the emperors, surround ourselves ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter x the progress of.htm

He Will be a Commercial Genius
... increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches." Thus
will he be able to wield the sceptre of financial power and outdo Solomon in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 he will be a.htm

Impure Zeal
... The audacious pretext of an intention to outdo the fallen dynasty in Baal worship
must have sounded strange to those who knew how his massacre of Ahab's house ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/impure zeal.htm

God's Fellow.
... by love. The emergency may sorely test and tax love to its last limit,
but it can never outdo it, nor outstrip it in the race. No ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks with world winners/gods fellow.htm

Matt. xxviii. 11-14.
... making this declaration against themselves, for that, when after so much mad conduct
they ought to have repented, they rather strive to outdo their former acts ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xc matt xxviii 11-14.htm

He Compares this Notion and Reasonable Suspicion of the Devil with ...
... You deny what he asked about. No one was ever yet found but you, to outdo
the devil in blasphemy. That which he confessed to be ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xii he compares this.htm

Festus Succeeds Felix who is Succeeded by Albinus as He is by ...
... impudent. Nor could any one outdo him in disguising the truth; nor could
any one contrive more subtle ways of deceit than he did. ...
/.../chapter 14 festus succeeds felix.htm

Outdo (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To go beyond in performance; to excel; to
surpass. Multi-Version Concordance Outdo (1 Occurrence). ...
/o/outdo.htm - 6k

Outdone (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (pp) of Outdo. Multi-Version Concordance Outdone
(1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 5:7 Therefore thus saith the Lord ...
/o/outdone.htm - 6k

Excel (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To show superiority; to go beyond or surpass in
good qualities or laudable deeds; to outdo or outgo, in a good sense. ...
/e/excel.htm - 10k

Outcry (56 Occurrences)

/o/outcry.htm - 22k

Job (60 Occurrences)
... presses to vehement, extreme their iterated portrayal of the wicked man's terrific
woes; it seems the design of the writer to make them outdo themselves in ...
/j/job.htm - 62k

Backslide
... presses to vehement, extreme their iterated portrayal of the wicked man's terrific
woes; it seems the design of the writer to make them outdo themselves in ...
/b/backslide.htm - 88k

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Outdo: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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