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.”
Now, we are in 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 have looked at Five Virtues that are in Christ that we should use toward one another. Today we will finish this study with six statements that Paul makes about what living in harmony means. And all of these six statements are reminders of what we as Christians should be doing today – to live Christ, and to follow the pattern of living Christ. I am just going to list these without much commentary – they are pretty plain in understanding.
1. “Having the same love” – no partiality, as God loves us – we are to love each other. Not status, rank, or any such thing. As Jesus said in John 13:34 –“As I have loved you”
2. “United in spirit” – united in spirit, and that spirit is the Holy Spirit. Our basis is Him!
3. “Intent on one purpose” – we have the same values and goals – for others as well as for ourselves. We believe the same truth.
4. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit” – no place for selfish ambition or conceit in the Body of Christ.
5. “But in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” – Look on our fellow Christians as more important than ourselves. Put others first. Remember the saying we were taught as children – J-O-Y – Jesus, Others, Yourself.
6. “Should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” – we are to be as concerned about the needs and problems of others as we are for ourselves. (This intensifies the previous one).
We have the six benefits of unity by the five benefits of Christ living in us.
We MUST be the consolation, comfort, and Koinonia to each other. This world is no friend to Grace.
God encourages us to work together as a real Church In Hebrews 10:24,25 we read, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” The word “Spur” means to stir up.” The assembling of God’s people allows for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and stirring up that can be gained from one another. It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. It is an interacting body.
May we strive to be an encouragement, comfort, and fellowship to each other – as Christ taught us.
No comments:
Post a Comment