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As we read these opening verses of Philippians Chapter 2 , see clearly that the first thing to which Paul appeals is Jesus and his love. His love holds you in certain situation. You may have wanted to run away, but if Jesus has held you in his love, then we have something on which to build our Christian unity. If we do not respond to his love, there can be no unity.

Paul then goes on to appeal to “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” – the shared experience of the Holy Spirit – and that brings with it released emotions towards others. If you have experienced this in any way, that is something to work on. Develop it. This is something we have to open up here.

The Holy Spirit is communicating among you and as this happens, there is a release of feelings – of emotions – of affections.

Paul is teaching us not to be afraid of feelings or emotions. Of course, there can be dangers. But there can be dangers in a cold unemotional clinical gathering. That is not the Church, but we can be conditioned to accept that as the church.

IF – that is important – IF – yes, then go on. Since these things are true – that is what the ‘ifs’ mean here. The challenge of Christ – the taste of His love – a shared experience of the Holy Spirit – and a release of emotions in some form – so then, have one heart – one mind – and one mutual concern – one mind – one will – one concern – one purpose – one common purpose.

What can prevent all this from developing? He deals with that too – because I know you are interested in growing and developing. The answer the Bible gives is self-centredness! Self! Self-importance wrecks the unity of a fellowship – not doctrine. Somebody is not pulling their weight – not sharing – not participating.

Can it be likened in a very simple sense to a party – where you are told – now you bring sandwiches – you bring cakes – you bring milk and sugar – and God says, “Now, you share all that at the Fellowship meeting.” – a ‘HATHA’ meeting!

Behind this can lie pride – the first sin in the universe. Pride can take various forms – having too high a view of oneself – or having too low a view of oneself!

Do you see how as Paul points us to Jesus, he is really pointing us to the way we behave? Consider the needs of others. What will be best for others? What will benefit others in the fellowship, even if it is not convenient for me, and even if it does not benefit me? He goes on to say – Why do you not behave towards others, as Jesus behaved towards you?

Verse 2 – We are not to treat others as equals – but better than yourselves! Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus! Maybe we should just miss out this part and carry on as though it were not there. It is not your behaviour, and not your preaching, and not your praying, and not your going to meetings, and not your witnessing – but that part which nobody else sees at all – except Jesus! Attitude.

I wish I did not have to go out to the fellowship – to serve – or to participate in the prayer meeting. I wish I did not have to go! That is what Paul is referring to here and it can be uncomfortable! He shows us something of having the mind of Christ.

He goes on to show how Jesus Christ left his exalted position and came into this world to save us and love us and give us the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was not interested in His own status – and that can make us feel uncomfortable – like Peter, when Jesus took the towel and a basin of water and washed his feet.

“Loving God – have mercy upon us – there are phrases and sentences and challenges in these verses which we find difficult. Help us – because sin has so deeply affected and influenced us that when we read and study the Scriptures we find this whole area of ‘attitude’ can shake us. Forgive us – heal us – restore us – strengthen us – equip us emotionally and mentally and spiritually for the work ot which You have called us.” Amen

"Point of Reference" from Fred Price

A Broken Spirit And Contrite Heart