Philippians 2:1-4
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”—Philippians 2:1-4
Unity in our church is essential to our mission and fruitfulness as a church.
- Our unity is rooted in the gospel.
“When we see failures in a Christian or a fellowship, our natural tendency is either to be critical or simply to demand improvement. Paul’s response is wiser and deeper. He recognizes that only through grace are we able to change and develop a pattern of transformed attitudes and actions. So he constantly appeals to the privileges of grace before urging us to the obedience of faith.” – Sinclair Ferguson
- Our unity is preserved by humility.
“Divisions can be overcome only by taking on a common yoke and pulling together in the same direction. When believers are preoccupied with their personal agenda, they will pull in different directions and split the church into separate interest groups. By focusing on their own egocentric priorities, they will be disunited. Only by setting their minds on one thing will they be united by one common subject…Christ is the one common Subject that unites and binds believers together.”—Walter Hansen (The Pillar New Testament Commentary)
Application Questions
- How does being reminded and encouraged of God’s grace to us through the gospel help us in our obedience to God?
- How do you personally seek to keep your focus on Jesus Christ?
- How do you count others more significant than yourself?
- In what ways do you daily look to the interests of others?
- How can you apply this to our current situation with others having different convictions in regard to the COVID-19 virus?