A Guide to Correct Unity: Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Break 1)

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem (Verbally Encourage) others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Break 2)

Break 1

Now, there is a conjunction at the beginning of this section so we must look back and see what it says.

Read Philippians 1:27-30.

So because of this, we move into this thought.

“If there is any consolation in Christ…” v.1

Consolation = an act of comfort or cheer

Does Christ show any comfort or cheer? Have you ever experienced Jesus’ comfort and cheer?

How does that feel? Explain.

Comfort = relief from distress – “If love has relieved your distress…”

Fellowship = state of association or state of being a pair – “If your partnership with the Spirit means anything…”

Affection = fond feeling

Mercy = kindness, power to forgive – “If any fond feeling or kindness or power to forgive…”

Let me read out of the Message Bible: Philippians 2:1-4

The knot that holds the two – FULFILL MY JOY! V.2

How do we fulfill a minister’s joy?

1. Be like-minded

2. Have the same love

3. Be in like-agreement and like-intention

What do these three things reveal about a body of believers? They are united.

Break 2

Beyond fulfilling a minister’s joy, how do we fulfill God’s Joy in Us?

1. Motivated in Unity v.3a

a. Reference Colossians 3:15,17

2. Speak for Unity v.3b

a. Reference 1 Timothy 1:3-7

3. Move in Unity v.4

a. Reference Hebrews 10:23-25

b. Read it again this time from the Message!
So what should we be united in doing?

i. Encouraging love

ii. Helping out

iii. Not avoiding worship

iv. Spurring one another on