Philippians 2:1 - If there is any encouragement in Christ

2:1

As noted on a number of occasions, the chapter divisions are not part of the original text. Obviously they are often very helpful, but sometimes they can tend to give an artificial division. The material in this chapter follows on naturally from what Paul has been talking about in chapter 1. Paul has been encouraging them that suffering and difficulties are actually part of God’s plan, and His purposes are often advanced in and through difficulties. Paul now turns to what he expects of the Philippians. As we look at these verses it will become apparent that a lot of this comes down to having the right attitude.  Indeed, 2:5 says “have the same mindset as Christ”.

Paul starts out by getting them to look at any “Christian” aspects of their lives. So, if they “have any encouragement from being united with Christ”. I.e. Does knowing Christ mean anything to you? If they receive any comfort from the love of Christ. Does the love of Christ bring any solace to them? Do they have any common sharing in the Spirit? Do they have any “tenderness and compassion”? In effect, does Christ make any difference to their lives, does He bring any benefit? In all of Paul’s teaching a common thread is being God focused, rather than self-focused. When we do receive some benefit from knowing Christ there is a tendency to be self-centred, thinking “what does this mean for me?”. There is nothing wrong with this in itself, as long as we are also church focused.