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THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (I)
TUESDAY, APRIL 25
Philippians 2:1-2

John 14:26-31

 

“If there be…
any consolation in Christ,

if any comfort of love…”

 

THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (I)
 
Paul continued with the thought that he previously began in Philippians 1:27 where he was exhorting the congregation to unity, to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” He now urged them on a more personal level, that it would be his joy (as he languished in prison), that they would put aside any differences and “be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind”(Phil 2:2). The basis upon which he urged them to unity is the shared experience they all had as Christians. If they had all been so richly blessed by God, then they should very naturally want to live for Christ and no longer for self.
 
He then put forward four simple thoughts as the grounds of his appeal for their unity, four things that every Christian would have experienced as part of their Christian walk. The way that these “ifs” are expressed in the Greek assumes that these are certainties and not just possibilities. It could also be phrased as “since you have”:
 
Since you have experienced the encouragement of Christ: The word“consolation” (Phil 2:1) means “to come alongside and exhort.” This is the same root word as the name of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). This is what every believer has already received - Christ who encourages and exhorts us, who comes alongside to help us along in our life’s journey. Any time we need help, Jesus is our constant support who guides us and strengthens us.
 
Since you have been comforted by love through God’s Word: The word “comfort” (Phil 2:1) is slightly different from the word “consolation” above in that here it has the idea of coming alongside to comfort through talking. It is an encouragement that comes through discourse or address. Thus, the guidance and comfort here is more specific – it is from the Word of God. This is what God, as our loving heavenly Father, has given to us.
 
THOUGHT: The Word of God can grant us comfort even in the darkest hour.
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

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