Are you Desperate for Unity!

Transitive law

Paul’s exhortation to the church is in a logical format. The logical format of the transitive law. The transitive law states that if A = B and B=C then A = C. Transitive relations is whatPaul is referring in this portion of the letter in Philippians 2:1-4. Transitive relations states, “A transitive relation is one that holds between a and c if it also holds between a and b and between band c for any substitution of objects for a, b, and c.” The object being discussed is the relationship the church has with Christ. The object of his exhortation is the evidence that the actions should line up with the relationship. Let us examine this logic as expressed in the NASB translation:

Philippians 2:1–4 NASB95

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Unity is grounded by our relationship with Christ.

Philippians 2:1 NLT

1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

Belonging to Christ is to be in his possession willingly in all submission and humility to follow Jesus.

The Gospel, the good news, tells us of the love of our God to send his only begotten Son to be born in human flesh to die on the cross for our sins. This act of redemption was to repair our relationship with God the Father and atone for all of our sins. The blessing in this great relationship teaches us forgiveness that shows us what love really is when you are loved as you are.

This Love we have because of being in Christ does:

Encourages us.

Comforts us.

Provides a blessed fellowship of the Spirit.

The Spirit leads when leading us teaches us to be affectionate and compassionate to others.

These benefits are based on the call of Jesus to the greatest commandment. “Love one another.”

John 13:35 NLT

35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

The unity in the Church gives joy!

Philippians 2:2 NLT

2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

The Picture of Unity.

Is like putting a puzzle together. You start out with the idea of the picture but at the beginning it is all pieces scattered that need to come together. Each piece is different but is important to complete the picture. Each piece place in the right spot is also a sign that the picture is almost done.

Joy is complete when all are in to make the same picture.

We are in agreement.

This is having the same mind.

Loving one another is part of the picture of Unity.

Love holds us together when the enemy tries to tear us apart.

Love accepts us no matter the cut, shape, or color.

Joy is united in spirit

United in purpose with one mind.

We need to be the teachers of unity.

Some do not get the picture. So we have to describe the picture to them. There are some who think serving self will help the cause. But selfishness hurts unity.

Paul preaches humility is needed in unity.

Philippians 2:3–4 NLT

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Paul now gives negative actions to follow up with positive actions.

The negatives:

Selfishness

Empty conceit (vanity)

The positives:

Humility of mind

Regard one another more important than yourselves.

Be Sincere in your actions

He reiterates the call of humility in verse 4:

Philippians 2:4 NLT

4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Taking interest in others means you listen to them and genuinely want their feed back.

You are not waiting for them to stop talking so you can talk.

The world would be better with humility.

Jesus being humble still with all power.