Philippians 2:1—4 (NKJV)

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1—4 NKJV)

A Healthy Congregation...

1. Takes Spiritual Vitamins. (Phil. 2:1)

Vitamin E is for Encouragement or as the NKJV reads, consolation.

The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling Encouragement

Nothing could be more encouraging than to know that God is in control and that He is sovereignly pursuing the honor of His Name and the good of His people—these two pursuits never contradict one another. Both happen perfectly and harmoniously at one and the same time. Counselors should focus on God’s sovereignty (q.v.) in dealing with disheartened and discouraged counselees.

2 Ki 6:15–17 “And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Vitamin C is for Comfort of Love.

Dictionary of Bible Themes 5805 comfort

comfort

The consolation and reassurance of those who are in distress, anxiety or need. Such comfort is an essential aspect of human relationships. Scripture declares that God comforts his people in times of distress.

The New King James Version (Psalm 23:4)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil; For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Vitamin F is for Spiritual Fellowship.

1. Fellowship. The essence of the Christian life—fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers in Christ.

In the beginning, Adam was placed in the garden to enjoy friendship and communion with God. When the creature chose to assert his own autonomy rather than live under the Creator’s gracious care, fellowship was broken. Hence Adam and Eve hid themselves from the Lord’s presence (Gn 3:8). Yet God immediately sought them out (v 9) and revealed his plan for the ultimate restoration of sinners through the work of the Redeemer (v 15).

2. Jesus’s prayer — “Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” (Jn 17:11.)

Vitamins A and M are Affection and Mercy.

We consider emotions an inward reflection of “feelings.”

In the Bible, such emotions may mislead us.

Scriptural love and mercy are consistently action words — they are works.

The New King James Version (Chapter 3)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col 3:1-2)

2. Healthy Congregations Achieve Joyful Unity Using 3 Key Ingredients (Phil 2:2)

The 3 Most Important Ingredients to Growing Together as Joyful Family Is Summarized by the Phrase “Being Like-Minded.”

The 3 Most Important Ingredients are:

1. Having the Same Love, “What are the real attitudes behind what we do as a church?”

2. Being of One Accord. What are our real why’s for the things we do as a church? Are we in Agreement upon the most crucial matters?

3. Being of One Mind.“Our opinions also reflect our hearts. Do we show patience with those whom we differ? There are times to judge and times not to be judgmental. Are we, as a congregation, able to discern the difference?

3. A Healthy Congregation Mixes Well When Stirred By Any Frustration (Phil. 2:3—4)

Healthy Congregations Have a Super-Charge Battery With Negatives and Positives.

Negative:

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit.” (2:3a)

Postive:

Instead, “in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (2:3b)

Negative:

Let each of you look not only for his own interests, (2:4a)

Positive:

“but also for the interests of others” (2:4b)

We need the OUT—DO CONTAGIONS.

If I out perform you in showing you more esteem than myself. And, you out—do me in showing me higher esteem than yourself. Then, there is an amazing amount of humility in the church!

4. Conclusion: A Healthy Congregation Has the Mindset of Christ (Phil. 2:5—8)

The New King James Version (Chapter 2)

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

What is the Most Noble and Praiseworthy thing to think about? (4:8)

Lord Jesus’s goal is our goal — which together is to save souls together.

Philippians 2:9–10 (NKJV)

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,