“If there be therefore any
consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any bowels and mercies. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the
same love, being of one accord, of one mind”
(Philippians 2:1-2).
Introduction
The Philippian church was strong and
had the vision to spread the gospel despite the dangers and problems that could
otherwise destroy them. Though it possessed many godly virtues, strife and
contention were festering under the surface. In this section of Paul’s letter
he diagnoses the cause and prescribes its cure.
Consolation
Firstly we notice the word “if”.
Here Paul is saying that since there is so much to draw believers together in
unity, any strife and contention ought to be easily eradicated. So rather than
questioning if they had the virtues that follow, he is actually stating that
they must use them to overcome any differences they might have.
“Consolation” – This word has
several meanings in Scripture, but here it means ‘encouragement’,
‘exhortation’, and ‘comfort’. The Greek word is ‘paraklesis’ which
is also used for “The Comforter”, that is, the Holy Spirit (John
15:26). Only those who believe have the indwelling presence of the Spirit and
the comfort He brings. This comfort is not just to encourage us in our personal
dilemmas, but it unites believers together also. The Holy Spirit unites the
church rather than divides it. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the
head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the
skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon
the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for
evermore” (Psalm 133). Like David, we can find all the encouragement we
need in the Lord. “David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1
Samuel 30:6).
Compassion
“Comfort of love” is the love
that protects and prospers the church. It is the very foundation of Biblical
unity. The Greek word is ‘agape’ which refers to the type of love that is
Christ-like in nature since it is selfless and sacrificial. Notice in :2 that
this love must be a united [“same”] love. “A new commandment I give
unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one
another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love
one to another” (John 13:34-35) …”Let love be without
dissimulation” (Romans 12:9) … “And the Lord make you to increase
and abound in love one toward another” (1 Thessalonians 3:12) … “Seeing
ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto
unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart
fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).
We see then that there is a big
difference between the words “consolation” and “comfort”. In fact the
word is only used once in this sense in Scripture and expresses that it is a
stimulating force. It means ‘to have great tenderness’ and ‘speak closely
with’. God’s perfect love for us inspires us to unselfishly share it in word
and deed with others.
Comradeship
Our fellowship together as a church
can only exist if we are in partnership with the Holy Spirit. “For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).
If we are indeed guided by the Holy Spirit the unavoidable consequence will be
that we spread the love of God, for if it is in us, it will work through us. “And
hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by
the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).
This is evidence that we are truly
indwelt by God’s Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love …” (Galatians
5:22). Such evidence must be in both the individual believer and the church. He
creates spiritual comradeship between believers while He fashions us to become
more like Christ and bring Him glory. This joining together means that the
church will share its blessings, needs and gifts; any discord that may arise is
quickly resolved if we are in “one accord” and “in one mind” (:2).
“One accord” reveals the need for perfect harmony amongst believers, for it
was when the disciples met in this fashion that the Holy Spirit was poured out
upon them. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all
with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). It is interesting to note that
the Greek word used for “accord” is only found in Philippians 2:2, and it
literally means ‘a union of souls acting as one’. “One mind” means that
we should ‘think the same thing’ regarding the purpose and plan of the
church. Those who live in God’s Kingdom ought to drink from the same fountain.
Concern
“Bowels and mercies” describes
the deep-seated affection that each member of the Body of Christ ought to have
for each other. It is often translated as ‘tender mercies’.
Can we imagine how many lost souls could be won for Christ, and how many
weak saints would be walking in victory if the church displayed such heartfelt
love and concern? This is the kind of love that yearns to see people saved and
the church growing. “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one
of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8).
This affectionate bond cannot be excluded from true Christian fellowship, for we
must all be concerned for each other’s welfare, temporal as well as spiritual.
Conclusion
There was obviously much about, the
Philippian church that thrilled the heart of Paul, but he wanted to experience
overflowing joy by learning that any differences and disagreements were dealt
with in accordance with true Christian love. He wanted them to survive as a
church by faithfully serving the Lord and staying in unity with each other.
Spiritual joy cannot exist in a loveless vacuum or where grumbling, backbiting
and criticism triumph. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no
divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind
and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
