Philippians 2:1-2 - "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."

Thoughts on today's verses:

Taking a trip down memory lane can be a sweet thing! Here, Paul exhorts the Philippians to reflect on the transaction that took place when they exchanged their worthless works and the necessary resulting death, for faith in Christ and eternal life.

He begins with the idea of consolation or encouragement in Christ. What is it that can console you or encourage you in the darkest of times? What is it that can give you the motivation and encouragement that boosts you on in your day-to-day living? Here, it should be Christ! When you think about what Christ has done for you, and the great love that he has for you, how can that do anything but encourage and console the believer?!

He then goes on to speak of the comfort of love. At times, it is possible to feel lonely, even in a crowded room. Many people have given testimony of this in their own lives. Yet, for the believer, this really shouldn't be the case when we remind ourselves of the great love wherewith Christ has loved us, and indeed, continues to love us!

The excitment builds, as we have already been encouraged, experienced the love of God, and now Paul reminds the believer that the relationship that is in place is one of fellowship - a holy fellowship, with the Spirit of God, who dwells within us. What an incredible relationship and time of rejoicing!

These things culminate in properly aligned affections toward Christ, which will in turn result in mercy toward others. It is, "the divine compassion and mercy that came from Christ himself to us at salvation and now passes through us to others" (Preach the Word: Philippians. R. Kent Hughes, p. 76).


All of this then serves as the foundation for the relationships that we have with other believers, as we are all encouraged in our own relationship and position in Christ, so we will act accordingly, in Christlike unity, humility, and love toward one another. Let us remember that it is only upon the foundation of Christ and his work that the church, of which we are a part, can exist the way God has declared!