RPG Adults
BE LIKEMINDED
LORD’S DAY, JULY 10
Philippians 2:1-2
Psalm 133
“…O let me not wander
from thy commandments.”
BE LIKEMINDED
True Christian unity does not come from organisations, programmes or other human measures. It comes from having a common view of the provision Christ has made for our spiritual life. Four of these provisions are listed in Philippians 2:1-2. The points are given in the form of thoughtprovoking questions which demand an affirmative answer.
First of all, we find “consolation in Christ” (Phil 2:1). “Consolation” means comfort or encouragement. When we come to know Christ in a real way through a study of Scripture, we are comforted and encouraged by His presence.
Second, we experience the “love” of Christ (Phil 2:1). This love causes us to be concerned about the lost and thus to live more fervently for God (2 Cor 5:14). A greater understanding of God’s love enables us to put the needs of our brothers in Christ ahead of our own (Gal 5:13). All of these things become part of our lives because we come to realise that God expressed His love toward us when we were helpless sinners (Rom 5:8). Third, we have in Christ that wonderful “fellowship of the Spirit” (Phil 2:1). The Holy Spirit makes us a new creation in Christ and enables us to share the divine nature (2 Pet 1:4).
Finally, in Christ we develop a tender compassionate spirit which reflects the manner of our Lord. Being merciful is the mark of a true believer. It is based on the fact that God showed us mercy when we were unworthy of His care (Col 3:12-13).
As these wonderful truths of what we have in Christ become real to us, they result in genuine Christian unity. We become “likeminded” (Phil 2:2). In this way our relationship with other believers reflects that unity which comes from what Christ has done for us. Let us strive to exhibit this true unity to those around us.
THOUGHT: On what is true Christian unity based?
PRAYER: Father, may my true love for Thee be seen in my obedience.