Hebrews 12:2-3 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
As veterans of sufferings, we share the sufferings of Christ. He identifies Himself with us through human suffering; we identify ourselves with Him by bearing His cross (testimony of His work and His Word) in this world, our battlefield in the Angelic Conflict.
The basis for Christian service is true humility (orientation to grace).
The basis for humility is knowledge of positional truth (undeserved security IN CHRIST).
The basis for knowledge of positional truth is the Word of God.
Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion…
“if” is first class condition throughout the verse. "If" and it's true. These are statements of fact.
“encouragement, consolation” : the one instrumental in speaking closely, tenderly, comfortingly.
“In Christ”: positional truth. Having believed in Him, we are born again and are secure IN HIM forever.
“love” : for Jesus Christ. A matter of spiritual growth. It is possible to be saved, but not know Jesus well enough to truly love Him. As we learn Him, we learn to love Him.
“fellowship of the Spirit”: Holy Spirit. "Fellowship" is Koinonia. Sharing in common. Partnership.
“affection and compassion” empathy. Mercy. Grace thinking. We’re in this together. Body of Christ. As He is, so are we. John 17:18 “As you have sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” John 20:21 “….as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
What’s happening here? The character of Christ is being formed in the believer. You may not understand the weaknesses and hurts of your fellow believers, but you know that Jesus understands, therefore you can have compassion.
Since all those "ifs" in verse 1 are true, you, believers, will....
Philippians 2:2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
....one purpose which is demonstrated by the character of Christ.
Jesus Christ always emphasized the positive in believers.
1. Encouragement….He has experienced testing, Matthew 4:1
2. Consolation………He has experienced sorrow, Matthew 26:38 “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful unto death..”
3. Fellowship………..He has depended on the Holy Spirit and the Word, Isaiah 11:2, Matthew 3:16
4. Compassion……...He knows our frame. Isaiah 40:11 “Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arms He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”
Matthew 9:36 “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew 14:14 “When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.
”Matthew 15:32 “And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.”
The sheep do not survive alone. They graze in flocks. The compassionate shepherd caters to their needs.
He criticized religion.
He criticized legalism.
He denounced Satan.
He is our advocate….our Shepherd-Lover….He ever lives to make intercession for us.
The source of our encouragement/consolation/fellowship/compassion: BIBLE DOCTRINE, because we know about our Lord only through His Word.
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