Paul continues to instruct the Philippians on unity in chapter 2. His focus is on action and attitude. Paul reminds them of the benefits received in Christ. He exhorts them to use their grace-given gain for his glory and the good of others. He fashions his exhortation in such a way that encourages these Christians to consider whether they have gained anything good by following Christ, and, if so, how that should spur them on to do as he did. He reminds them what Christ-like sacrifice really looks like.
Paul uses deductive reasoning to bring his readers to a proper conclusion. He says this:
if there is any encouragement in Christ;
if there is any comfort from his love;
if there is any fellowship with the Spirit;
if there is any affection and sympathy found in him
…
then complete my joy
then be of the same mind
then have the same love
then be in full accord and of one mind
then do nothing from rivalry or conceit
then be humble
then consider others more significant than yourselves
then stop being selfish
then serve others
then have the mind of Christ.
So, are these things true? The questions become, “Has Christ offered encouragement to us? Has he loved us? Has he comforted us? Has he given his Spirit to us for fellowship? Has he been affectionate and sympathetic to us?”
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. The answers are all yes. The Bible teaches us that Christ has indeed done and is doing all of these things for us and much more. If he had not and was not, we would still be without hope and without God in the world.
But, Paul, what if I don’t really feel encouraged much? What if I’m continually discouraged by doubt, fear, anxiety, and regret? What if I don’t feel loved? What if I am lonely, full of sorrows, and continually accused by myself and the Enemy?
If anyone had reason to doubt and despair, it was Paul. If anyone could have justified wallowing in self-pity and defeat from an undeserved jail cell and a life full of severe earthly hardships, it was Paul. Instead, he wrote Philippians and told his church and all the churches coming after how to practice faith with joy. Oh, to have the perspective of Paul!
By divine wisdom, Paul knew this: by reminding ourselves and our brothers and sisters of the great undeserved gifts Christ has given to us, we choose to place our faith in the truth. We debunk the lies our feelings, our sinful nature, and the Enemy tells us and we agree with God about his care and concern for us. Not only that, the reminder should serve to stir us up with like-minded gratitude, thanksgiving, and service towards others. When we are full of God, we sacrifice being full of ourselves right up on the altar.
Little wonder why Paul stresses unity and humility. Division stirs up pride and pride stirs up division. Christ desires harmony and humility in his church. He pioneered the road with sacrifice and paved it with selflessness. Who’s following?
But, Paul, if we live like this, putting self last and everyone else first, never using our own right to be right – even when we are, won’t we be taken advantage of? Won’t we get used? Won’t everyone play us for fools? Won’t every narcissist and no-gooder land on our door step? Won’t we miss out? Won’t we be abused? Won’t we lose? We’re going to get ripped off, Paul. People are going to walk on us. If we listen to you, we’re going to need therapy because our wicked, deceitful, selfish hearts are going to rebel and bully us into self-pity and depression with an inferiority complex on the side.
If Paul were here, this is what he’d probably say: Go back to the ifs, Lori. Christ will encourage you. Christ will comfort you. Christ will fellowship with you. Christ will affectionately sympathize with you. Christ’s humility is his glory. So it is with you. Start with thanksgiving and consider the cross. Constantly remind yourself of the truth. Stop being selfish. Serve. Remember that imitation is the highest form of admiration. Make him known and you will be known by him. If he is always with you, be always with him. Humble yourself and you will be exalted.
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