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As chapter two begins, the Apostle Paul gives what is perhaps the most concise and practical teaching on congregational unity in all of the New Testament. In these four powerful verses he outlines the necessary elements for a church to enjoy spiritual unity.
I. The Right Motives for Spiritual Unity (2:1-2a)
"If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete."
1. Encouragement - paraklesis - Coming alongside someone to offer comfort, counsel, or exhortation.
2. Comfort - paramuthion - Surrounding someone with unconditional love.
3. Fellowship - koinonia - Partnership and profound sharing.
4. Tenderness & Compassion - splanchna (metaphor of the emotions) & oiktirmos (mercy extended).
II. The Right Marks of Spiritual Unity (2:2b)
"Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."
1. Be like-minded - to auto phronete - to think the same thing.
2. Have the same love - agape - love of the will, not of preference or attraction.
3. Be one in Spirit - sumpsuchos - literally means "one-souled."
- Union comes from external factors; unity comes from internal fusion.
4. Be one in purpose - a group focused on the same goal such that personal preference and ambition is forfeited/lost in view of the common goal.
III. The Right Means of Spiritual Unity (2:3-4)
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others."
Paul says that spiritual unity is achieved by means of two negatives and two positives:
1. Reject selfish ambition.
2. Reject vain conceit - kenisdoxa - empty of glory.
3. Embrace right attitude towards self - opposite of selfish ambition.
4. Embrace right attitude towards others.
Close:
Spiritual unity is a constant challenge for any congregation, but deserving of our best efforts to maintain and extend it.
(Dr. Dane Fowlkes, pastor)
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