by Larry Ferrell | January 5, 2018
In the last four verses of the first chapter of Philippians and in the opening verses of chapter two, Paul speaks of a need for close relationships among believers. It’s a matter of unity, and there are two reasons why it’s necessary. The first is that it’s necessary in time of war. Christians are often besieged by the forces of this world, and they must draw together if they are to defend the gospel successfully and second, to advance the claims of Christ in the midst of their environment. It is what Paul means when he says that we are to “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” (1:27).

In the opening verse of Philippians 2 Paul says that there are four solid legs for Christian unity: (1) because there is “encouragement,” (2) because there is a “comfort from His love,” (3) because there is a “fellowship with the Spirit,” and (4) because there is an experience of the “tenderness and compassion” of God. Because of these four things you and I are to “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (vv. 1-2). It is because we are members of God’s family, and has learned from Him, that we must live in peace and unity with one another. Let’s be honest at this point. We will always be tempted to divisiveness in ways that will injure our witness. But in such situations our natural reactions must constantly be overcome. There are constant pressures from sin within Christians. These will eventually destroy Christian unity and render our witness useless unless they are offset by the supernatural realities of Christian comfort, fellowship, love, mercy, and compassion. Have you found these things real in your relationship to God? Of course, you have, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. In that case you are also to allow them to become realities in your relationship with other Christians.

Paul has been speaking to the Christians at Philippi about proper Christian conduct. He has told them that they are citizens of heaven and that they should be united in an aggressive proclamation of the gospel. He now applies these themes to the conduct of the individual believer. The principle that Paul is stating here is found throughout the New Testament. The unbeliever naturally puts himself first, others second, and God last. He thinks he merits the order. The Bible teaches that we should reverse the series: God is to be first; others must be second; we must come last (see Gal. 6:2; 1 Cor. 9:19, 22; Rom. 12:10). This is the heart of Christian conduct. Jesus gave Himself for others. Followers of Christ are also to give themselves for others. Jesus said that His own would feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the prisoner, and make welcome the one who is lonely (Matt. 25:31-46), and He added, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”.

If you are to live for others, at least three things must happen. First, you must admit that in yourself you do not care for others and left to yourself, your choice will always be Satan’s choice rather than the choice of Jesus Christ. Your way will always be harmful to others. The second step is to humble oneself before God (see 1 Pet. 5:5-6). Maybe you will think that such a relationship is odd. You imagine that if you humble yourself before God, admitting His worth, you have every right to expect that others should be humbled before you. But it doesn’t work this way at all. To see God aright is to admit your total unworthiness. The final step involves a daily fellowship with Christ. He is the source of our life, and we must stay close to the source if we are to realize the self-giving life he advocates. Without Him we can do nothing. On the other hand, says Paul, “I can do everything through Him, who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).

Philippians 2:1-4 Reflection Questions:
Do you fail to show compassion to those who also confess Christ’s name, even though they might have offended you and disagreed with your interpretation of Scripture?
How does the matter of Christian unity stand with you? Are there divisions that ought not to exist? Are there hard feelings? Are there rationalizations for divisive, non-Christian conduct?
Can you live for others? At work or at home? With friends, enemies, or relatives?

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