Article
The Existence Of God
Churches today face squabbling and infighting, government oppression, false teaching, threats of division, etc. Jesus prayed that his disciples would have unity and that the world would see their unity and believe in and glorify God (John 17:21–23).
By Kurt Bekins
Philippians 2:1–11
Churches today face squabbling and infighting, government oppression, false teaching, threats of division, cultural influences, and doctrinal threats. Since believers represent Jesus to the watching world, when unity in the church is disrupted, the world sees a misrepresentation of Jesus and Christianity. Jesus prayed that his disciples would have unity and that the world would see their unity and believe in and glorify God (John 17:21–23).
Just ten to twelve years after the first church in Europe was planted in Philippi (located in northern Greece), the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Philippians. They were dealing with conflict coming from outside opponents causing them suffering (1:27–30) and from murmurings and disputes within the church walls (2:14)—squabbles between believers (4:2–3), and a lack of gentleness with each other (4:5).
So, how does a church fight for unity? How do Christians regain sweet fellowship? Philippians 2:1–11 lays out the conditions, the commands, and the example that yielded renewed unity. Verse 1 begins with a series of “If there is…” (NASB) statements that result in harmony. These five conditions—gifts experienced through the Spirit uniting us to Jesus—don’t guarantee churches will maintain unity. But, with diligence and reminders along the way, they can grow in unity.
Let’s examine closely each of the qualities enabled by the Spirit that are listed in Philippians 2:1. First, encouragement. A united church will embolden others to remain anchored in Jesus and to comfort and console one another. There is great encouragement in Jesus who strengthens us. Opposition can’t change our standing and union in him. Since it is Jesus who holds us up, striving together (1:27) brings joy to others.
Second, comfort. Christians have a deep love that provides consolation because of the comfort, counsel, care, and encouragement in the sacrificial love shown by Jesus and the day-to-day love shown by fellow believers. Without his gift of salvation through his death on the cross (2:8), we would not have the comfort of a reconciled relationship with God. In a church with all kinds of internal conflict, Paul prayed that their love might abound more and more (1:9). Do you find comfort and alleviation from conflict through sacrificial love from others? Since God has sacrificially loved and forgiven sinners, those forgiven can greatly comfort each other!
Third, sharing in the Spirit. A united church experiences fellowship through the Holy Spirit. Relationships in the church are primarily formed by the commonality we share through belonging to God rather than by the myriad backgrounds and interests we have otherwise. Since the Spirit has called us into one body to be fellow servants and co-laborers, we share a unique connection in Jesus. Do you depend on other believers and use your God-enabled gifts to edify others?
The fourth and fifth qualities of life with Jesus that can enable unity are the genuine warmth shown through tenderness and compassion for one another. The roots of our emotions and the emotions themselves grow for one another as we genuinely care for each other. Do you reserve space in your heart for others and show care for others?
Since communities of believers share these qualities through having union with Christ, we already have all we need for greater unity with each other! But how do we grow in living out these qualities? How do we strengthen our unity? Verse 2 says unity happens when you shift your focus. Paul commands them to have a united mindset in seven ways in verses 2–4:
These intentions all support the main idea: to have the “same mindset” (v. 5) (which comes from the same root as the phrases “intent on one purpose” in verse 2 and “have this attitude” in verse 5.) We would miss that in our English Bibles, but disunity in the church is resolved when our minds shift, refocus, renew, and reset toward the mindset of Jesus. Verses 5–11 describe the heart and mind attitude that brings our focus back to the sacrificial love of Jesus that unites us all. True unity requires us to think like Jesus, who exemplified humility through trials perfectly.
If you’ve ever found yourself or others in conflict, you’ve probably noticed that focusing your thoughts on the problems and sins of others doesn’t result in unity. If you regularly find yourself in arguments with others, reset your vision. Ask another believer for feedback. Study the Bible. Ask for prayer that your love and appreciation for others will grow. Willingly sacrifice and serve in new ways in your church. Your thoughts and intentions will begin to line up with Jesus's sacrificial love, and the church's visible unity will increase “to the glory of God the Father!” (v. 11).
