Community in Christ
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2.1, 2
It seems apparent that there was some kind of discord within the Philippian congregation. This discord was based upon pride and a desire to be noticed. Many there are who are in the ministry, whether in a small local assembly or a large highly visible group, who seek recognition. For some, should the lime light disappear from their repertoire they would cease from their spiritual aspirations.
Here, in Philippians 2, Paul addresses the cause of such problems; and, he addresses the solution.
Within any group, there must be a central theme upon which each member must focus. While each member concentrates on that principle, the movement goes forward. However, should members begin looking in different directions – at divergent goals – the strength of the association will be in jeopardy.
Like the Ephesian church (Revelation 2.4), the Philippian church had lost her focus. Paul, first, must establish their desire. In order to reestablish their position in Christ as a church with a common goal, Paul first questions their motives.
1. Do they have any consolation in Christ? “Consolation” translates the Greek word “paráklēsis,” which indicates the act of exhortation, encouragement, comfort. All of Scripture is actually an exhortation, admonition or encouragement for the purpose of strengthening and establishing the believer in the faith.
2. Do they have any comfort of love? “Comfort” translates the Greek word “paramúthion,” which suggests a conscious act of encouraging one another. The language of address within the body should be that of encouragement rather than idle talk or negative discourse.
3. Do they have any fellowship in the Spirit? “Fellowship” translates the Greek word “koinōnía, which requires commonality within the body. This describes the Acts 4.32 church in which the believers took care of those who were in need.
4. Do they have any genuine concern for others? “Bowels and mercies” translates the Greek words “splágchnon,” which indicates deep-seated emotions; and, “oiktirmós,” which applies to the pity or compassion which one shows for the sufferings of others.
Each of these concepts may only be effective when the body of Christ maintains a strict focus on pleasing our Savior. When our eyes are diverted from the Center of our fellowship, we fail and fall. Only as we maintain a singleness of mind are we able to fulfill God’s plan for His beloved church.
By doing this, the Philippians not only made Paul rejoice, but also brought joy to the heart of God. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2.2
Here, in Philippians 2, Paul addresses the cause of such problems; and, he addresses the solution.
Within any group, there must be a central theme upon which each member must focus. While each member concentrates on that principle, the movement goes forward. However, should members begin looking in different directions – at divergent goals – the strength of the association will be in jeopardy.
Like the Ephesian church (Revelation 2.4), the Philippian church had lost her focus. Paul, first, must establish their desire. In order to reestablish their position in Christ as a church with a common goal, Paul first questions their motives.
1. Do they have any consolation in Christ? “Consolation” translates the Greek word “paráklēsis,” which indicates the act of exhortation, encouragement, comfort. All of Scripture is actually an exhortation, admonition or encouragement for the purpose of strengthening and establishing the believer in the faith.
2. Do they have any comfort of love? “Comfort” translates the Greek word “paramúthion,” which suggests a conscious act of encouraging one another. The language of address within the body should be that of encouragement rather than idle talk or negative discourse.
3. Do they have any fellowship in the Spirit? “Fellowship” translates the Greek word “koinōnía, which requires commonality within the body. This describes the Acts 4.32 church in which the believers took care of those who were in need.
4. Do they have any genuine concern for others? “Bowels and mercies” translates the Greek words “splágchnon,” which indicates deep-seated emotions; and, “oiktirmós,” which applies to the pity or compassion which one shows for the sufferings of others.
Each of these concepts may only be effective when the body of Christ maintains a strict focus on pleasing our Savior. When our eyes are diverted from the Center of our fellowship, we fail and fall. Only as we maintain a singleness of mind are we able to fulfill God’s plan for His beloved church.
By doing this, the Philippians not only made Paul rejoice, but also brought joy to the heart of God. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2.2
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/