Philippians 2:1-4 (NASB) 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 [b]by being of
the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one
purpose. 3 Do
nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more
important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own
personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Conditional Clauses (“if”) - Paul is appealing to the
Philippians position in Christ. They have experienced the love of Christ and
fellowship within His body, the church.
Emotional Terms -
Paul expresses the satisfaction he may gain through the success of
the Philippian church to maintain unity.
Means - These attitudes and intentions are the means (or method) by
which Paul’s goal for the Philippians may be accomplished.
Actions/Roles of People - These are actions that will help them reach the goal of continual fellowship and unity in the Spirit. This is where the rubber meets the road.
General
to Specific - Paul moves from the general goal of fellowship and love within
the body to specific attitudes and actions that can complete this goal.
Questions to answer in the Comments
Section:
1. What
is the starting ingredient for fellowship and unity?
- A faith relationship with Christ (1 Cor 12:18),
- Remembering the type of love that saved us! (Rom 5:5-8)
2. What
is one desire that every Christian should have according to these verses?
3. What
is one action or attitude that you could choose to maintain true unity @ TBC?
Question 3 - Regarding other people as more important than myself. It is ironic that this is today's devotion, as this topic is something that the Lord has been working on with me.... especially when it comes to loving my brothers! :) As well as not loving my brothers and sisters in Christ selfishly. Putting someone else's interests in front of my own is definitely a challenge, but when the Holy Spirit reminds me and I listen, I wind up being more blessed than inconvenienced!
ReplyDeleteLydia,
DeleteGood thought.
I believe that joy in obedience to the Lord is the pleasure we must pursue in order to surpass our love of self and the things of this world, and live for the one to come (1 Pet 1:8; Phil 4:4-6)