Word@Work Phil13 - Philippians 2:1-2
Published: Mon, 10/12/09
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Phil. 2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. (NIV)
If somebody asked you, "What difference does belonging to Jesus Christ make to your life?" how would you answer? Paul asks the same question to the church in Philippi; but helps them with some suggestions. He wants them to consider if their Christian faith has brought them any encouragement, comfort, fellowship or kindness. He is not asking if they never have weakness, disappointments or even personal threats or violence; but have they known God's presence and power? The way the question is framed in Greek presumes that they have. Even though hardship or persecution brings new daily challenges, we know that God's mercies are renewed every day (see Lam 3:19-27).
So, how should we react when the Lord focuses His tender love to strengthen our frail humanness? Of course we should give thanks, and express our praise. But there is more: when we were brought into God's family, we acquired many other brothers and sisters too. If our unity with Christ is real, it ought to be matched by a united outlook in the church; if we have the Holy Spirit, we ought to enjoy loving fellowship with others who are also marked by the Spirit; if God is gently remaking our broken lives, we should be working with other believers so that Christ's rule and blessing will come to our community, colleges and workplace.
Human relationships are designed to mirror our relationship with God: indeed we have no other perfect role model. That is why broken fellowship is as painful as when a broken marriage. False motives and empty promises are useless to mend the relationship; but godly sorrow, repentance and humble love are God's way. However, prevention is much better than cure. If you are with believers, invest in them through praying, giving and serving in love. Share with them in gospel outreach and support each other's witness. Do not allow yourself to become an isolated follower of Jesus; pray and receive God's Word together, so that you may all become stronger in faith and more useful to the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the blessing You have brought into my life, and for the way in which You have been transforming my heart. Please enable me to encourage other believers, as you have strengthened me; and to find purposeful fellowship with those who follow Jesus wherever I encounter them, and especially in my workplace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
If somebody asked you, "What difference does belonging to Jesus Christ make to your life?" how would you answer? Paul asks the same question to the church in Philippi; but helps them with some suggestions. He wants them to consider if their Christian faith has brought them any encouragement, comfort, fellowship or kindness. He is not asking if they never have weakness, disappointments or even personal threats or violence; but have they known God's presence and power? The way the question is framed in Greek presumes that they have. Even though hardship or persecution brings new daily challenges, we know that God's mercies are renewed every day (see Lam 3:19-27).
So, how should we react when the Lord focuses His tender love to strengthen our frail humanness? Of course we should give thanks, and express our praise. But there is more: when we were brought into God's family, we acquired many other brothers and sisters too. If our unity with Christ is real, it ought to be matched by a united outlook in the church; if we have the Holy Spirit, we ought to enjoy loving fellowship with others who are also marked by the Spirit; if God is gently remaking our broken lives, we should be working with other believers so that Christ's rule and blessing will come to our community, colleges and workplace.
Human relationships are designed to mirror our relationship with God: indeed we have no other perfect role model. That is why broken fellowship is as painful as when a broken marriage. False motives and empty promises are useless to mend the relationship; but godly sorrow, repentance and humble love are God's way. However, prevention is much better than cure. If you are with believers, invest in them through praying, giving and serving in love. Share with them in gospel outreach and support each other's witness. Do not allow yourself to become an isolated follower of Jesus; pray and receive God's Word together, so that you may all become stronger in faith and more useful to the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the blessing You have brought into my life, and for the way in which You have been transforming my heart. Please enable me to encourage other believers, as you have strengthened me; and to find purposeful fellowship with those who follow Jesus wherever I encounter them, and especially in my workplace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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