TEXT: Philippians 2:1-4 (CSB) – “If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”
We have viewed the principle of living – the purpose of living – “To live Christ” in our previous musings. We saw that He is the reason for living, He created life, He sustains life, and He redeems life. Thus, because of this, we should desire to “Live Christ.”
Now, as we go into this 2nd chapter – we find Paul discussing the pattern for living. As we study this, we see that this pattern involves fellowship. Fellowship is one of the keys to spiritual growth. It happens when Christians communicate their love to one another – and the whole group becomes a cohesive whole.
We start today looking at two of the Virtues that are in Christ that we should use toward one another.
The first one to consider is what Paul calls Encouragement in Christ. He uses a Greek word – Paraklesis – which means the calling to one’s side, or encouragement. A paraclete in Greek vocabulary was one who stood beside you in the court of law. We read in 1 John 2:1 – “We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” This is the advocate, the paraclete. Christ restores us to fellowship with the Father, and this is based upon the sufficiency of His blood for all sin –
· John 14: 16 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor (paraclete) to be with you forever” John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
· John 14:26 – “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Jesus is our advocate, He consoles us in all of our trials and tribulations. So, then we as Christians must be “advocates,” consolers – paracletes – to one another. Giving encouragement, being there for one another in the times of need – reaching out –
But, I hear some say, “I don’t know what to say or do?” We need to just come alongside them in their time of need. Be there. It’s not the words, but the warmth. Not the answers – but the arm around the shoulder. Not the solution, just the shoulder to lean on.
“Since you have encouragement in Christ…make my joy complete”
The second virtue to muse over today is what Paul calls the Consolation of Love. Going to the Greek again, we see the word used is - Paramuthion – one who speaks near with tenderness, or solace furnished by love.
Jesus gave one distinguishing mark as to what or who His disciples are. He said as recorded in John 13:34-35 – “As I have loved you… By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Paul to the Corinthians called Him, “The God of all comfort,” (2 Cor. 1:3).
Paul, then to the Corinthians goes on to say – “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Cor. 1:4)
As Christians, we should stand alongside each other, encourage each other – and through the love bestowed by God’s grace – comfort each other.
Today, get alone for a time with God, and ask Him to show you where you are in having these virtues of Christ in your life.
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