If Any… Then act! – ken sun

First transition point from chapter 1

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. – Philippians 1:27

Paul writes similarly in his letter to the Ephesians

1 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you’ve received. – Ephesians 4:1

Second transition point from chapter 1

29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him. – Philippians 1:29

The Apostle Peter makes the same point

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude… 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:1, 12-13

Philippians 2:1-4

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:1-4

Key word in Philippians 2:1

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion... – Philippians 2:1

Since we have some, what are we to do?

[T]hen make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:2-4

There are several things we are to do. First:

Be like-minded

Have the same love

Be one in spirit and purpose

– Summary => Be united!

How important is unity for the church?

22 That they may be one as we are one; 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. - John 17:22-23

10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no division among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. – 1 Corinthians 1:10

27 I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. – Philippians 1:27b

There are several things we are to do. Second:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit

In humility consider others better than yourselves

Look not only to your own interests but to the interests of others

– Summary => Focus on other’s well-being!

Our example

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! – Philippians 2:5-8

Christ humbled Himself to serve us

Made Himself nothing, taking the nature of a servant, being made in human likeness

He humbled Himself and became obedient to death

Not just any death, but the most humiliating and painful kind of death: crucifixion!

The result: God exalted Christ supremely

9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:9-11

If we share in Christ’s sufferings we will share in His glory

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. – Romans 8:17