Becoming More Like Jesus: Reflections on Phil. 2Sample

“If…Then…”

(Philippians 2:1-2)

When reading the Bible, we should pay attention to “if-then” statements. If the “then” isn’t there, you should insert it yourself (i.e. if the “then” isn’t there, then you should insert it yourself).

Paul writes this to the believers of the Philippian church:

IF there is any consolation in Christ,

IF there is any comfort in love,

IF there is any fellowship of spirit,

IF there is any compassion and tenderheartedness …

Before he finishes this thought, Paul invites us to respond at this point with:

Of course there is consolation in Christ.

Of course there is comfort in love (specifically God’s agape love).

Of course there is fellowship of spirit.

Of course there is compassion and tenderheartedness.

Or at least there should be. If there is not, then Paul forces us to ask:

"Why am I not experiencing consolation, comfort, fellowship, compassion, and tenderheartedness?" 

For these are not optional add-ons or additional plug-ins or periodic updates or revised expansion packs.

These are central to a life of faith. These are the main course. These are elemental and foundational, not just for individual believers but for communities of believers.

Our consolation, comfort, fellowship, compassion, and tenderheartedness are both corporate (experienced in community, as a community) and mutual (flowing from one to another).

Paul finishes writing that IF those things exist, THEN: 

We will be of one mind. 

We will maintain mutual agape love.

We will be united in spirit. 

We will be intent on one purpose.

Our one mind is the mind of Christ.

Our mutual love is the love of Christ.

Our united spirit is the Spirit of Christ.

And our sole purpose is to be fiercely faithful to Jesus, the Christ, the King.

REFLECTION

Copy out Philippians 2:1-2 for yourself.

How do you experience consolation in Christ? comfort in love? fellowship of spirit? compassion and tenderheartedness?

How do you express and embody the mind of Christ, love of Christ, and Spirit of Christ in your local faith community?

What does fierce faithfulness to Jesus look like in your local faith community? in your workspace? in your friends/family? in your neighborhood?