Paul writes to the Philippians to be like minded, have the same love, and be one in spirit and purpose (v. 2). In addition, they are to do nothing out of selfish ambition, to be humble and to look out of the interests of others (v. 3-4). But let’s be honest, this is not easy or natural. And it can appear eerily similar to being simply self-help. Go and do, you’ll be okay. But that doesn’t work at best it only masks the problems. So what hope do we have?
Our hope in living out the Christian journey is found in verse 1. Paul asks four rhetorical questions. These four questions are interconnected and form a whole thought which forms the basis on which we are actually able to live out what Paul desires us too.
- If we receive any encouragement, comfort or hope from our deep personal relationship-union with Christ then we can live this way.
- If Christ’s love toward us gives us comfort and solace then we are able to love others with that same love because his love moves us to action.
- If you have the Holy Spirit then you are tied to other believers in a fellowship of believers by means of the Holy Spirit.
- If you have experienced the affection and compassion of Christ then we have tasted a piece of the final victory.
These realities enable us to walk in unity, humility and love. Paul urges us to do these things because we already are these things. We just need to train ourselves to walk in them. Our motivation is God’s love for us. The characters in epics struggled and fought because they loved something or someone. Nobody sacrifices something dear and precious out of selfishness. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). So let us journey together on this grand epic in love and grace.
Posted by Aaron
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