In continuing our study of Philippians, we will now go on to examine Paul's thought on how to deal with opposition. In this next section, Paul teaches the Philippians how to maintain unity from with in, as well as how to keep opposition from arising among fellow believers. In 2:1-4, he states,
2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Here Paul expounds to us the necessary characteristics that must be found among believers if there is to be comfort in unity. The basis of the apostles appeal is the fourfold statement found in verse 1 (encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, affection and sympathy). He says that if these things are yours, then "complete my joy." Paul is already rejoicing in the Philippians, but there is one more thing that he wants them to do so that his joy in them may be complete, lacking nothing.
Notice that if there is to be true Christian unity, this appeal of the apostle's must be a reality among those gathered under the title of "the church."
There must be encouragement in Christ. In this midst of the oppression, struggle, and affliction in this world, the saints must draw their encouragement from the One in whom they have be united with in His death and resurrection.
This encouragement in Christ is twofold. First, it comes from knowing that we participate both in His sufferings and His victories. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He remained faithful, joyful, and steadfast under trail, and He will live that same life through those whom He has united to Himself. It also means that He endured the hand of God with perfect contentment. He did not murmur and complain as His forefathers did in the wilderness and died out. He was satisfied with the will of God for His life. Again, He imparts this same satisfaction and encouragement to those whom He has redeemed. Second, through His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection, He has taken the poison out of our affliction. By enduring the trials and temptations with joy and obedience, those afflictions that will destroy the carnal heart, now blesses and sanctifies the heart filled with grace. Because of the atonement, trials do not destroy the people of God, but blesses them and makes them holy, confirming their participation in Christ and working all things our for their good.
This "encouragement in Christ" is the first pillar that must be in place in the life of the saints if their is to be Christian unity. Why? Because only a body of believers who have come to realize that their lot in life is suffering, and that they have been given the eternal resources in Christ, can endure with unity everything that befalls them through the providence of God. For example, the children of Israel were divisive and gathered in an uproar against Moses because they were carnally minded and had not this perspective. Their lack of faith lead to division, and eventually their death.
The second pillar that must be in place before Christian unity can be experienced is “comfort in love.” When love blossom among friends, there is great comfort in one another’s company. The reason love comforts is because it is genuine, steadfast, and keeps no records of wrong. It does not seek its own way, nor its own gratification. When relationships are built on this type of incarnational love, they will flourish. The pillar of love is essential. When it is missing, the foundation that is built upon is hollow, just like the relationships. Genuine love allows believers not to sacrifice the truth, but to bear with one another as we all work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. It honors diversity, while seeking conformity to the truths of scripture. It gives with no expectation of reciprocity. It is loyal, faithful, and enduring. This is why the genuine expression of love brings comfort and unity.
The third pillar is that of “participation in the Spirit.” The idea is “fellowship” or “partnership” in the Spirit and is an identifying mark of true conversion. One who is “devoid of the Spirit”, no matter what their confession, is a goat among sheep and a tare among the wheat. If love is the penultimate pillar, then participation in the Spirit is the ultimate. Much division in the church is caused by goats planted there by Satan to stir up discord among God’s people. These goats cover themselves in sheep’s clothing and infiltrate positions of influence like deacons, and even elders/pastors. Therefore, there must be genuine conversion among the people who gather together and claim to be the church. When false brothers come in to destroy the flock, they must band together and rid the church of the cancer that can destroy.
The last pillar that Paul appeals to is “affection and sympathy.” These two twin virtues are meant to relay deep feelings towards one another. Without affection and sympathy among the people of God, there will be no ability to get outside of oneself and into the life of another. Genuine affection means that there is more than just a confession of love towards one another. Rather, there is a tender place in our hearts for one another. Add sympathy to this and it is what enables us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
If we have these things in place, then when are able to go on to true unity and deal with any opposition that may arise from within. Paul assumed these things were already in place with the Philippians, partly because he knew them, and partly because they manifested it in their recent actions towards him. He now moves on to those things that must be put in place to make his joy and their unity complete.
First, they must have the same mind. This phrase means to be one in disposition or intent. It is referring to their entire attitude and direction in life.
Second, they must have the same love. Their love for one another must be reciprocal. They must all do the aforementioned things, turning their eyes off themselves and on the eyes of others.
Third, they must in full accord. This means to be united in one spirit, or better, to be one-souled. It points to absolute peace and harmony among the group in place of bickering and strife.
Finally, they must be of one mind. Or, intent on one purpose. They must live a life directed towards one goal.
So, what is this same mind? What is this same love? What brings them into one spirit and one mind? In light of the context and the overall theme of the book, the one ideal that sums these all up is that they are to be “gospel-oriented” towards one another. If believers do not have the “one aim” that Paul talks about later in this book- the aim to press on to know Christ and be found in Him, then this will open the door to all sorts of selfish ambition. The worthiness of Christ must ever be kept before us, because where the worthiness of Christ wanes, the worship of self and every other sin is sure to follow.
Furthermore, when we live gospel-oriented lives, we are able to love one another aright. We will be united in one spirit, and live a life directed towards one goal. This means that all of us should be focused on proclaiming the gospel, living a life worthy of the gospel, and loving in light of the gospel- evangelism, holiness, and love. When these are present, true unity flourishes. When Christians are not seeking these things daily, in living community, dissension, discord, and selfish ambition breed and multiply at a rapid rate.
Paul now turns his attention to giving two specific commands, both which include a negative appeal and a positive action.
First he commands them to do nothing from selfish ambition. He is hitting at the motivation of all of our actions towards one another. The worst type of hypocrisy among believers is selfish ambition cloaked with spiritual langue or bible passages. It is sad to say, but I have worked in enough churches to see that pastors and other leaders are notorious for this. They find clever ways to “spin” things to manipulate the people they are supposed to serve, in order that they can get their way, fulfill their vision, and get their book out. We are in a desperate time here in the United States, where the office of pastor is suffering. It is suffering from immature and insecure men gaining status, power, and prestige, in which their character cannot handle. The office is suffering from pastors who have a “vision” which is “inspired by God” and ironically infallible, an opposed to being challenged. There is not price to high to see this “inspired” vision come to pass. It is suffering from men who are failing miserably at preaching the word, and maintaining their own walk with God. When Jesus came 2000 years ago, one of the first things He did was cleanse the temple. I am convinced that if He came today, one of the first things He would do is cleanse the pulpit. Oh how we need it.
Rather than doing things out of selfish ambition, we are to do them in humility. Humility is the ultimate expression of unity. That is why we are to be clothed in it. It is to cover us from head to toe. Humility is not thinking little of ourselves, it is not thinking of ourselves at all. It is not giving over to the whims of every person, but seeking, in love, to build them up in Christ whatever way possible.
Second, he commands them not to look out for just their own interest, but also the interest of others. This command is a guard from being self-absorbed. Such a trait is so easy in our busy culture. We get so preoccupied with the business of our own lives that we forget about the needs of others. The gospel calls us to get outside of ourselves and into the lives of others. Is this difficult? Yes. Is it impossible? No. It takes being intentional. It means that we have to be disciplined enough to take mastery over our lives, and not let our lives take mastery over us.
So, unity only comes from having one aim, while being humble and considerate to one another.
Do you know why discord and strife arises in churches? It is because people take their eyes off of this one aim and begin to do things out of selfish ambition. All they can think about is themselves and getting their way. They try to manipulate and maneuver and control, and then try to say that it is the others in the church who are unspiritual. It is just the way it works. If your focus isn’t on God and loving others, it is going to be on yourself. And there is nothing that is more detrimental to church unity than selfish, manipulative people. They are a cancer that eats away at the life of the body of Christ. That is why Jesus tells us to deal with the person who sins the way He does. They are to be warned and encouraged and given time to repent, but if they do not, they are to be removed. Why? Because until they repent, they are as dangerous to the body of Christ and the unity of the church as gangrene is to the human body. They will drag the church down and bring others with them. This is the nature of sin- it blinds and destroys; not only you, but others around you. That is why it is so good to have accountability and encouragement. It keeps us in check and keeps us from going down the destructive path of sin. So, if we are going to have inner harmony and peace, free from strife, we must all have the same mind and same purpose- we must all be gospel oriented.