“Therefore
if there is any consolation in Christ,
if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
Philippians 2:1-2
Paul continues his exhortation to the Philippian church. He has discussed the battles they face from the world and the four things they need to develop to be successful in them. He continues with
that line of thought.
Therefore Paul uses an interesting word as a transition. He knows being under attack and persecution is not pleasant. The Philippians might wonder if suffering is worth it. To answer that he gives them four “ifs”. Paul goes back to this comment that the Philippians must stand in unity in one mind. The word “if” is used to denote a logical conclusion or inference from that verse. It can be translated “in view of the fact”. In essence Paul gives the characteristics of a body of believes that live in unity with Christ and each other. Paul knows these are important to face the tests that come from the world but also that prevent tests from developing withing the body. As he will develop in
the chapter these attributes come from selflessness – having the same mind in us that Christ has.
If there is any consolation in Christ Paul makes a rhetorical statement (to which he knows the answer) to show the benefit of believing in Christ. The Greek word, “paraklesis” means coming
alongside someone to give assistance by offering comfort, counsel, or exhortation. It has the idea of strengthening. The love of God in our life makes us strong and makes us brave. Tests are hard but the strength and comfort of the Lord is real.
If any comfort of love Paul makes a second rhetorical question in this passage, affirming the great comfort of love. Comfort describes the alleviation of sorrow or distress through words or actions that bring relief and encouragement. The tests of life bring the Lord’s love
If any fellowship of the Spirit Fellowship is the deep, intimate communion and participation among believers, as well as their shared relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the idea of sharing in spiritual blessings, mutual support, and active partnership in the faith. They are a body together which should operate in unity
If any affection and mercy Finally Paul notes the compassion that is results in being in unity
Fulfill my joy by being like-minded having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind Paul tells the church these characteristics are what the church receives from Christ and they are what he church should exhibit to each other.
What can we learn? These four “ifs: describe what the church should be lie when they are being led by the Holy Spirit. But what if the church does not act that way? Satan knows he can attack Christ by having the church not demonstrate the mind (love) of Christ to the world. John McArthur states “Perhaps the greatest danger facing the church is an attack on its source of authority, namely, the Word of God. Spiritual apathy and a general coldness and indifference to biblical truth and God’s standards of righteousness also pose serious risks. Such indifference is usually denied, often with an aura of self-
deceptive sincerity, but it attacks the spirituality of the church. Equally to be feared is whatever attacks the unity of the church. All of these can disrupt, weaken, and destroy a church by causing discord, disharmony, conflict, and division.”
Unity within the body of Christ does not mean uniformity – it does not mean all look and act the same way. Instead it means the actions of the church are driven by love of others – compassion, encouragement, mercy and fellowship.