Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:1-4
Sermon by Jack Nazary - Calvary Baptist 1984

Philippians 1:27 is an exhortation to unity that is elaborated upon in verse 2:2. This exhortation is given in view of 4 facts that should be heeded. The word "if" refers to a fulfilled condition. "Since" or "in view of the fact".

4 Facts are mentioned:

1. Certain Consolation - a certain thing - meaning supplication, entreaty, exhortation, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace. The meaning determined by context. Here, exhortation, in view of the lack of unity among them. "A ground of appeal that exhorts" - be likeminded.

2. Comfort of Love
A word which comes to the side of one to stimulate or comfort him. "incentive, encouragement" Comfort has an element of tenderness and persuasion. Love - God's love - John 3:16;
1 Corinthians 13 - From God's love for them - that reached down and saved them - thus urges them to unity. The divine love produced in hearts of saints by Holy Spirit should cause them to so love each other with a love that impels one to sacrifice one's self for the one loved, that their differences will be ironed out, and will live in unity.

3. Certain Fellowship of Spirit
Fellowship - common, interest and a mutual and active participation in the things of God as joint participants. This results from the Spirit's work of regeneration and His control of those subjected to Him. If the saints are interested in the things of the Spirit - thus the same things - naturally follow a unity among the Philippians. The Holy Spirit by controlling each saint produces this unity and accord. (His Control)

4. Bowels of Mercy
Bowels - tenderness
Mercies - Compassionate yearnings and actions. these graces are present in saints - produces peace with one another, difference resolved, estrangements healed, bickerings ceased.

Complete, Fill, Full

Philippians 2:2 - Be likeminded - Think the same thing - General accord should exist among them.
A. Having the same Love - Unity of affections - heart agreement
B. Being of one accord - Soul with soul - Unity of sentiment
C. Of one mind - Thinking the one thing

Philippians 2:3 - Strife - factiousness
A. Vain glory
B. Empty, vain, to no purpose, futile
C. Opinion - empty pride -
Lowliness - humble, humility, does not exalt itself
Esteem - belief that rests
Better - having above - to excel or surpass

Philippians 2:4 - Look - to fix attention upon - with desire for and interest in - "to consult one's own interest" No one having an eye for his own interests alone, but for the interests of others.