Wanting Unity
‘If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion …’ Philippians 2:1
I’ve jokingly preached that if I could remove one passage from Scripture because it seems impossible to live, it would be Philippians 2:1-11 – thinking the same way as others, loving whole-heartedly, honouring others unreservedly.
Paul rightly saw we have to focus on something far greater than ourselves. Only Jesus the King and the gospel that turns heart allegiance back to Him can do that.
In this first verse Paul speaks of the motivation for unity; in verse 2 the inner life of unity and then in verses 3 and 4 the practical application of unity.
Let’s begin at the beginning – the motivation for unity. You should want to live this way because of four things
(1) the encouragement from being united with Christ
There is a supernatural comfort from knowing we belong to the family of the King of all kings. We are in Christ, brought together and joined with every true believer in Him.
(2) the comfort from his love
Knowing deep within your heart the overflowing love God has for you brings a supernatural satisfaction, extraordinary comfort and genuine security
(3) fellowship with the Spirit
We have a fellowship, a partnership, a true friendship with the Holy Spirit. We are carriers of the Spirit – the same Spirit who magnifies and glorifies Christ. Knowing, loving and following the Spirit will always take us in the direction of our Saviour
(4) tenderness and compassion
The encouragement from being in Christ, the comfort of His love and the fellowship of the Spirit work all work together to produce tenderness and compassion in our hearts.
When the dam is opened, the waters of tenderness and compassion begin to flow.
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