Me, Them, Or Jesus!

Philippians 2:1–3 ESV

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Let’s Start with Four Questions from the text about our relationship with Christ:

Is There Encouragement In Christ?

Is There Comfort?

Do We Share?

Do We Care?

Philippians 2:1 (ESV)

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

“If”

One challenge from the text: If verse 1 is true, then...

Be One in Heart!

Philippians 2:2 (ESV)

2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

So Paul’s desire, hope or even joy is to present before the Lord a mature set of believers… Look to 1 Thess. 2:19-20

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 ESV

19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

In that frame of mind: Paul uses this word for same mind 10 times in this short letter and 23 times in his writings.

It speaks of a way of thinking, but moves towards the idea of incorporating emotions…thus our attitudes towards one another. In essence, Paul is moving toward our being united in our values—pursuits.

it is why Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3 to be mindful of how we think.

Romans 12:3 (ESV)

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

One conviction from the text: Because verse one and two are correct then...

Desire the Glory to be God’s!

You see, Paul reminds:

Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

It’s not about me...

It’s not about them…(While I & you should be considerate of others)

It’s about Jesus, the Gospel, His Glory.

Let me explain: If the work of Christ is true and its outflow of unity is actual; then, you and are looking not to our purpose…But His.

Our considerations in the outflow will be about His purpose and that begins by becoming second.

Walking Away, But In...

Look for the outflow of the work of Christ.

Strive for unity first. (Be well)

Be second!