Philippians 2:1, 2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,… St. Paul had already much joy in contemplating the spiritual prosperity of the Philippians (Philippians 1:4). One thing only was wanting to make that joy complete. There was some danger lest a spirit of faction should creep in and mar the family unity of the Church, especially among the women (Philippians 4:2). If this danger were averted and harmony established, the joy of the apostle would be full I. BROTHERLY UNION IS THE CROWNING GRACE OF THE CHURCH. Many other graces may be attained before this is realized - knowledge as in the Corinthian Church, a faithful martyr spirit as in the Philippian Church. But the chief grace is brotherly love. The idea of the Church is essential to Christianity. The gospel does not simply offer individual salvation and call to isolated missions. It brings men into a family and unites them in close bonds. The ideal Christian is not the lonely hermit, but the large-hearted, sympathetic, social man. Close union, however, is only possible on conditions of deep sympathy. We may differ and yet be at peace while we live apart, with sufficient "elbow-room" for our several crotchets. But Church fellowship necessitates internal harmony for the maintenance of peace. Intellectual unity, unity of thought, is impossible to thinking men. The essential unity is unity of purpose and of sympathy - the one mind and the one love. Christians above all men must realize the duties of a democracy - how to subordinate private ends to the general good, how to yield individual opinions in obedience to the general voice of the community. Party spirit, personal ambition, self-will, domineering self-assertion in the leaders, and obstructive self-assertion in the rank-and-file, are the dangers that threaten such communities as were founded by the apostles. Only a spirit of love can conquer them. II. GREAT CHRISTIAN MOTIVES URGE US TO BROTHERLY UNION. 1. Our living union with Christ. "Any comfort" - i.e. practical experience, help, grace of fellowship - "in Christ." Christians are united together through a common union with Christ. Connection with the Head leads to harmonious co-operation of the members of the body. 2. The blessedness of love. It is found to be a joy, a strength, and a comfort. In trouble and persecution especially it is happy and helpful to unite our individual feelings in love one to another. 3. The fellowship of the Spirit. The one Spirit of God that inhabits the whole Church is a mystical bond of union and inspiration of love. 4. Natural affection. "Tender mercies and compassions," which are natural to humanity, are never so well employed as in Christian brotherhood. - W.F.A. Parallel Verses KJV: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, |
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