philippians 2:3-4

Philippians 2:1–4 (NRSV)

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be 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 regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

The church of Jesus Christ is to have unity throughout and be united in purpose, practice, principle, and praise. There are to be no schisms, cliques, divisions, and no disharmony within God’s church.

◾ Christian’s have been bought by Jesus,

◾ belong to Jesus,

◾ and we are to behave in such away that honors Jesus. Disunity within the church has caused more damage than can be imagined.

FACTS:

￫Disunity has damaged the reputation of churches,

￫discredited the message of the Gospel,

￫driven families, friends, and foes away from the Lord,

￫divided God’s people, and denied the presence, power, and purposes of God.

Churches need the unity of the Spirit to carry on the work of the Lord for the glory of the Lord. John G. Butler wrote, “The disharmony in many of our churches does not reflect godly behavior and may reveal the fact that many unbelievers are part of the church membership.”

Paul proclaimed the plea for unity and the pathway to unity. Unity is a reality when the people of God are submissive to the Lord and serving others. I want to inform God’s people about the importance of unity, challenge God’s people to pursue, promote, and practice unity. Are we unified for Jesus? Are we pursuing, promoting, and practicing unity?

This passage reveals some steps in being unified for Jesus.

I. A call that prescribes unity (1–2)

A. A call to reflect (1)

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,”

The word “Therefore” is there for a reason. It makes a transition in relation to what is going to be said based on what has already been said. The logical progression by Paul continues.

￫Because they had been granted salvation and suffering they were to remain focused on and faithful to the Lord Jesus.

In verse 1 Paul gives them a call that prescribes unity. The Holy Spirit calls all saints everywhere to be united for Jesus. The word “if” can better be translated “since” or “in view of the fact.” The Greek construction is one that assumes that the statement made is true.

Paul was not questioning if there was consolation in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, or affection and mercy. Paul knew these things were real by experience. He was calling for the Philippians to remember that these things are so. Reflecting will help us refocus! When divisions arise in the church it is because the saints have forgotten what they have and who they belong to. The Bible tells us to reflect in 4 areas.

▪ We are to reflect on the consolation, the comfort, the communion, and the compassion.

Paul, under the Holy Spirit, is prescribing unity based on the consolation of Christ the comfort of love, the fellowship of the Spirit and the affection and mercy that they had received. Lehman Strauss wrote, “What Christ had done for them, and for us, should be an incentive to peaceful and purposeful pursuits.”

All Christians of all time and in every place has known the consolation in Christ. We are in Christ and Christ is in us! We are His children and He is our consolation. Based on the fact that Christians have consolation in Christ we should be unified for Jesus. Paul calls the Philippians to reflect on their consolation in Christ.

Paul calls for the Philippians to reflect on their comfort of love. All Christians have experienced the comfort of love in Christ Jesus. We can love God and others because He has first loved us. He loves us like no other can love us.

￫His is a passionate love,

￫a powerful love,

￫and a permanent love.

The Philippians could not refute the facts that Paul laid down before them. They had received the comfort of love and so have we.

Comfort: (paramuthion) means “to speak closely with someone or to give them comfort.”

Love: (agape) this love deals with the will not preference. “This will is based on an intentional, conscious choice to seek the welfare of its object. (J. MacArthur) We are to reflect on our consolation in Christ and our comfort of love. Rod Mattoon wrote, “There is no internal strife where God’s love is appreciated. The moment Jesus Christ ceases to be real to us, we lose our affection for others. When we are concerned about loving and encouraging one another, it will help you keep your church together.”

We ought to be consumed by these facts. Paul moves now to the communion of the Spirit. Fellowship:

When we are in participation and partnership with the Holy Spirit we will reflect:

◾ (love, joy,

◾ peace, longsuffering,

◾ goodness, kindness,

◾ faithfulness, gentleness,

◾ and self-control) i.e. Galatians 5:22–23.

When we are in participation with the Holy Spirit we will:

￫glorify the Savior.

￫get along with the saints.

￫and seek to get hold of sinners

When we are in participation with the Holy Spirit there will be no:

• fighting and fussing business meetings,

• no harsh or cruel words,

• no indifferent looks or attitudes,

• no distrust or division.

Paul was calling the Philippians to reflect on the fact that they have communion with the Holy Spirit.

The Testimony of the Early Church: Acts 2:42–47 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” The early church had the fellowship of the Spirit, the power of God, and they were unified for the cause of Christ. Because we have the fellowship of the Spirit we ought to be filled with the Spirit so that we can be faithful to the Savior.

Because of the fellowship of the Spirit, the Philippians were to be unified. Because of their consolation, comfort, communion, and because of the compassion they were to be unified for Jesus.

Compassion is the 4th reason the Philippians were to be unified. In the last part of verse 1 the Bible says, “if any affection or mercy.” Affection inward affection, + tender mercy.

The Philippians had experienced the love and compassion of God and they had love and compassion for God and others. Christian’s are people who have received the love and affection of the Lord and are to relay the love and affection of the Lord. The Holy Spirit in the Holy Scriptures prescribes unity in the church based on these facts. The people of God have received the affection and mercy from the Lord.

Mercy: oiktirmos, oyk-tir-mos’; pity, mercy. We are called to reflect on the affection and mercy of the Lord and we are to then reflect the affection and mercy of the Lord to those in the world.

The Philippians were called to reflect on the consolation in Christ, the comfort of love, the communion of the Spirit, and the compassion that they had received in Christ.

We should seek unity and show unity in our meetings, and in our mission. William Hendrickson wrote, “The main thrust of what the apostle is saying is this: If then you receive any help or encouragement or comfort from your vital union with Christ, and if the love of Christ toward you does at all provide you with an incentive for action; if, moreover, you are at all rejoicing in the marvelous Spirit-fellowship and if you have any experience of the tender mercy and compassion of Christ, then prove your gratitude for all this by loving your brothers and sisters at home.”

This call that prescribes unity is a call to reflect.

We also see that it is:

B. A call to respond (2)

“fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

The Philippians were not only to reflect, but they were also to respond. As they meditated on the facts it would have motivated them in faith to pursue unity. The church at Philippi needed a wake-up call!

We are to reflect on our consolation, comfort, communion, and compassion and then we are to respond. Their responding in unity would bring joy to Paul. Paul was concerned about the condition of the church. His joy would be fulfilled as the saints came together for the cause of Christ. All godly men, pastors, leaders, shepherds, evangelists will have joy when the church is being what God wants it to be and doing what God wants it to do.

How could they fulfill his joy? He was in jail waiting trial!

Paul’s focus was not on himself but on the Lord Jesus and His church. The church is called here to be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mind. Likeminded:

to be of the same mind.” This is a present tense word in the Greek which tells us that this is to be an ongoing state of mind.

This would refer to having a common understanding and a genuine agreement on matters. This would mean that the church would have an identity of ideas, minds that are in harmony with one another. A.T Robertson said that Christians should be “like clocks that strike at the same moment.” We are to be like minded in our world view, in our purposes, in our mission, and in ministry. Someone has well said, “There is to be a unity in ministry, motives, and in mind.”

We are to respond by having the same love! We have all received the same love of God when we received His Son as Lord and Savior. We are all to have the same love towards a world that does not know Jesus.

▪ We are to have the same love for the lost, the homosexual, the drunkard, the rich, the poor, the vilest, the socially acceptable, the liar, the murder, the thief etc.

We are to have the same love for the black, the white, the yellow, and the red. We are to have the same love towards one another! We are to be like minded about our love for one another and for a lost world. I’m afraid that the church today loves itself more than their love for the lost.

￫Our praying identifies this fact! We spend more time praying for sick saints than we do for dying sinners.

I believe if we would have the same love for Jesus, we would be used by God in mighty ways. Love for Jesus should compel us, thrill us, captivate us, and motivate us.

Our love for Jesus should make Him the theme of our lives. We are to respond by being like minded, having the same love, and being of one accord.

Accord:ike-minded. The word means “to be united, joint-souled, or one-souled.” The church of Jesus Christ is to be united!

If the people of the world , can come together in some semblance of unity, why can’t God’s church?

The church can learn a great lesson as we seek to come together for the cause of Christ. It took a great tragedy to hit before the U.S got on the same page. The Pfiefers revealed that sentiment in their song “United Through it All”

We are to be of one accord in all that we do. Are we like minded, with the same love, striving in one accord? When God calls us to a work we are to do that work in one accord. Everyone working and doing their part to accomplish God’s will.

It takes unity for the choir to sing for God’s glory.

Church unity doesn’t just happen—to do ministry for our Lord and bring glory to our Lord we have to work together for the cause of Christ.

Paul tells the Philippians that because they have the consolation in Christ, comfort in love, communion of the Spirit, and compassion from the Lord that they should respond by being likeminded, with the same love, being in one accord, and with one mind.

One mind: refers to agreement in doctrine and creed. Paul was telling the church to guard their doctrine and keep to the sound principles of the word of God. We are to be of one mind in doctrine. That tells me that we can’t go along with any and everyone who comes along who teaches and practices things contrary to the word of God. David Jeremiah said, “No matter what the liberal-free thinking theologian may say, there is no spiritual unity without doctrinal oneness.”

Paul is not teaching that we are to be unified with anybody and everybody no matter what they believe. As a matter of fact, it matters what we believe. We cannot truly be unified in Jesus without the proper doctrine. We are to respond to the Lord’s word and seek to promote unity within God’s church.

The Philippians were at the point of going on with God or causing division within the people of God and quenching the Holy Spirit of God. They were at a cross road so to speak!

John Phillips wrote, “What Paul was after was not just a patching up of differences, but absolute unity of mind, heart, and purpose in the Lord. Nothing less would do. The Philippians must bury their disagreements so deep they could never dig them up again.”

The call that prescribes unity was not just for the church at Philippi, but for all Christians in all churches of all ages. Today, we have a call that prescribes unity. Today we have been called to reflect. We are called to reflect on consolation, comfort, communion, and compassion. What we’ve received should make us respond in promoting unity, pursuing unity, and practicing unity. Are we unified for Jesus? When we think about what He’s done and how He suffered we ought to get along in Jesus!

A. A command about our living (3)

1. The direction to the church (3a)

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

In this verse Paul tells the church what to do and how to do it. Our living is to promote unity. Paul gives direction to the church about their living. Because of the call to unity our conduct is to promote unity. A life lived in unity with the body of Christ gives evidence that that person walks in unity with Christ Himself. William Barclay said, “No man can walk in disunity with his fellowmen and in unity with Christ.”

Nothing: (medeis, may-dice’; from Greek (me) and Greek (heis); not even one (man, woman, thing) any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man), nothing, + without delay.

Paul tells the Philippians that everything that they do should not be done for selfish motives, selfish gain, or for self glory. Most squabbles in church come when folks don’t get their way or when they think they have been over looked, mistreated, or they are not praised for what they have done. The church is commanded to do nothing with selfish ambition.

This word refers to a person who persistently seeks personal advantage and gain.

John MacArthur wrote, “Discord and division are inevitable when people focus on their agendas to the exclusion of others in the church. Often such a narrow focus arises out of genuine passion for an important ministry. But disregard of fellow believers, no matter how unintentional, is a mark of loveless, sinful indifference that produces jealousy, contention, strife, and the other enemies of spiritual unity. Wherever “jealousy and selfish ambition exist,” whatever the cause, “there is disorder and every evil thing”

Paul is dealing with the motives of their conduct. Selfish ambition promotes strife and causes divisions. No one wants to be around someone when it’s all about them. Their favorite subject is “I, my, and me.” They love to talk about themselves, their feats, their families, and their fortunes. They seek for their fame and their glory. This attitude should not be in the people of God.

We should constantly be evaluating our own motives for serving, giving, helping, and worship. Let nothing be done in selfish ambition. Paul goes on further by using the word conceit. Conceit (KJV: Vainglory) kenodoxia, ken-od-ox-ee’-ah; from Greek (kenodoxos); empty glorying, i.e. self-conceit vain-glory. This word refers to a highly exaggerated self-view. There should be no boasting or bragging about who we are or what we can do. We are to have a healthy and balanced outlook about who we are.

We are not to go to one extreme and say that we are useless and worth nothing.

• ￫We are children of the King,

•￫ made in His image,

•￫ redeemed for His glory,

•￫ and are precious in His sight.

On the other hand we are not to seek our own glory. We are not to want the spot light, the limelight, or the first place. We are to live humbly and harmoniously. This attitude of conceit and vainglory was trying to make its way into the church at Philippi.

Paul soundly commands the believers to do what they do for Jesus. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

If we would adopt that philosophy in all that we do there would be no selfish ambition or conceit. Is their vainglory in our midst? Would you check your motives?

A well known and successful business man once exhibited a boastful spirit in a church service. As a matter of courtesy he was asked to bring a word of greeting. Unfortunately, he got rather carried away in the process and went on to tell the congregation about all the wonderful things he had done for the Lord. He said, “I have a large house, a fine family, a successful business, and a good reputation. I have enough money to do whatever I want, and I am able to support some Christian ministries very generously, and many organizations want me to be a director.

I have health and almost unlimited opportunities. Most people would love to change places with me. What more could God give me?” As he paused for effect, a voice shouted from the back of the sanctuary, “How about a good dose of humility?” We all need to consistently check our motives for service. We are commanded to live in such a way that promotes unity. We are not to live with selfish ambition or conceit.

In the last part of verse three Paul tells the Philippians, “let each esteem others better than himself.” Paul tells the church that every one of them is to be involved in promoting unity.

(LET EACH) Esteem:

The word means more than just an opinion, but it refers to a carefully thought out conclusion based on the truth. It doesn’t mean to pretend that others are more important than you, but to believe that others actually are more important.

(John MacArthur) We are to esteem others better than ourselves. We are not to pick and choose who we will esteem, but we are to esteem all in the church better than ourselves. When we do that we are promoting unity.

Romans 12:9–11 says, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;”

Our living is to promote unity within the fellowship of God’s church. Paul commands the church about their living. In verse 3 there’s the direction to the church. In verse 3 we also see:

2. The disposition of the church (3b)

“but in lowliness of mind”

The Holy Spirit commands the church on what to do and also on how to do it. The church is to conduct itself in humility which in turn promotes unity. Lowliness: humbleness of mind, humility (of mind), lowliness (of mind).

Let me remind you in 1 Peter 5:5–7 says, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” The disposition of the church is to be one of humility, gratefulness, thankfulness, and a willingness to gladly do whatever the Lord calls on us to do it with the attitude that it’s by God’s grace that we can do anything for Jesus. None of us deserves to belong to the church. We all deserve death, hell, and the grave.

￫We don’t deserve to take the trash out, but thank God that He allows us to serve Him.

We need a good dose of humility!

◾ In Luke 18 Jesus told a parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to pray.

◾ The Pharisee, with pride, stood and lifted up his voice and thanked God that he was not like other men and then he told God that he fasted every week and gave tithes of all that he possessed.

◾ The tax collector would not even look up to heaven, but he beat his breast and asked God to have mercy on him because he was a sinner.

◾ Jesus summed up His evaluation of the two in Luke 18:14, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Our attitude in life is to promote unity. How is our attitude towards God, towards others, towards service? We are to do all that we do in lowliness of mind esteeming other better than ourselves.

Andrew Murray wrote, “The humble person is not one who thinks meanly of himself. He simply does not think of himself at all.” When we are humble we will not go around bragging about it, but our actions and attitudes will speak louder than words.

“If there is to be unity in the church, the attitude of each individual will have to be one of humility. Each member will cultivate a measured opinion of himself. While he will readily acknowledge that God has given him a gift, he will not think more highly of himself than he ought to think. His attitude will not be one of overestimation or self-degradation, but of proper appreciation.”

How’s our disposition? Do we receive instruction with humility? Do we seek to help others in humility? Is our living promoting unity? We are commanded to conduct ourselves in a way that promotes unity. There a command about their living, next we see:

B. A consideration in their looking (4)

1. We are to look out for our needs (4a)

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

We are to look out for our needs. Look out (skopeo, skop-eh’-o;) from Greek (skopos); to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figurative) regard consider, take heed, look at (on), mark. We are to be looking out for our own interests or needs. We are to consider our own needs. There are things that we need to look after that others will not look out for us.

We are to be looking after our own things as much as possible. We are not to bother or burden others with things that we can and should be doing ourselves. The Bible is teaching us here to look after our own interests and needs. We are to look out for our needs, lastly we see:

2. We are to look out for other’s needs (4b)

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

When we live in humility and look to help others we will live to promote unity within the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

￫We need to keep a watchful eye and an open ear out to see and hear the needs of others around us.

Many times we will be asked for help, but other times we will need to take initiative in helping meet other’s needs.

We all should have that testimony that we are looking out for the interests of others. We are to look out for the interests of others when it is in our power to do so. When we look out for the interests of others, putting them first, esteeming them better than ourselves, we are truly promoting unity.