Scripture:
Philippians 2:1-4
Therefore
if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love,
if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same
love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from
selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as
more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for
your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Insights: Chapter one has been Paul’s
theoretical expressions regarding joy in the body of Christ. As he moves into chapter two, Paul gives us
four practical examples of individuals who did live their lives out in
joy. He starts with the great example,
Jesus, and we will be looking at Him throughout the remainder of this week. Before we move on to Jesus, however, some
foundational statements regarding this passage needs to be mentioned
first. Remember last week I mentioned
Paul writes about unity sixteen times in this short letter. The reason is because this little church of
Philippi is being threatened by false teacher from without and divisions from
within. This church is in trouble. So, Paul starts off with a “therefore if”
introduction to Jesus. In other words,
if there is even the smallest measure of encouragement, love, fellowship, affection or
compassion left in you, then it is not too late. There is hope! Jesus can change you and bring about the next
part of Paul’s introduction to Jesus.
Paul says, “make my joy complete by being. . . .” We are back to the theme of the book. Paul knows that joy is going to be a byproduct
of unity. Because it is so important,
let me state again, if there is a modicum of encouragement, love, fellowship, affection or
compassion left in you, then unity can be experienced through Christ Jesus our
Lord. Let’s continue on with this
thought. Paul states his joy is going to
be made complete when the church of Philippi begins to live with the “same
mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Beloved, this sentence is all about unity
within the body of Christ. Paul states
the way we are able to find this joy through unity is by emptying our lives of
personal pride. In other words, humbling
ourselves and looking to the interests of others before our own personal
desires. Beloved, let us humble
ourselves before Christ and strive together for unity and allow God to be
glorified as a result of such labor.
Questions:
- Is there any smidgen of encouragement, love,
fellowship, affection or compassion left in you?
- Are you willing to seek unity in the body of Christ?
Prayer: Father, make my
joy complete just as Paul prayed by healing and uniting Your church. May we be one just as you and the Son are
one. Amen.
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