Our Situation

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:  Paul turned the corner as he entered into the second chapter of this letter to the church of Philippi.  In chapter one, Paul was giving us a discourse on the theological perimeters of joy, but as he moves into chapter two, Paul is more practical in his explanation of living life out of joy.  In today’s verses, Paul basically states our present situation with a series of “if there is” concepts.  The implication is these individuals are not presently living life from this vantage point.  These statements go like this:  If there is any encouragement in Christ, then be unified and look to the interest of others.  If, however, there is no encouragement in Christ, then at least if you have ever experienced the consolation of His love, then be unified and look to the interest of others.  If, however, there is no encouragement or consolation of His love, then at least if you have fellowship with the Spirit, then be unified and look to the interest of others.  If, however, there is no encouragement or consolation of His love or fellowship with His Spirit, then at least if you have any affection or compassion of any kind, then be unified and look to the interest of others.  Paul is begging them to be what they currently are not, and that is unified and looking to the interest of others.  Beloved, I believe we all from time to time fall into this same trap.  We need reminders like Paul's to prompt us into more appropriate behaviors for the glory of God.  Live in unity, Beloved.  Live with a view of service for your fellow family members in Christ Jesus.

Questions:

1.  Are you walking in unity with your fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord?

2.  Do you strive to live life in the service of the body of Christ?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for those times in which I walk in selfishness and disunity with the body of Christ.  Grow me in Your grace to see life from Your vantage point.  Amen.