Redemption and Grace — The Motives for Godliness

Philippians 2:1-5

Here and throughout the New Testament, believers are urged to godliness and obedience, not upon the basis of law, but upon the basis of grace. We are motivated and inspired, not by threats of punishment and promises of reward, but by gratitude and love to God, because of the mercy, love and grace we have received and experienced in Christ.

      In verse one Paul gives us four arguments for unity, peace and love in the Church of God. Those who belong to Christ love each other; and we ought to walk in and build upon that love. Here are four reasons:

1.    “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ” — The word “consolation” means “comfort” or “confidence.” If we have any genuine ground of hope, comfort and confidence in Christ, founded and based upon His person, His righteousness, His death and His intercession as our Substitute and Advocate before God, we ought to comfort one another and build one another up in the hope and confidence of the Gospel.

2.    “If there be any comfort of love” — If we enjoy the comfort and strength of God’s love, the everlasting love of the Father, the redeeming love of the Son, the regenerating love of the Spirit and the brotherly love of grace, we ought to give one another the strength and comfort of mutual love.

3.    “If any fellowship of the Spirit” — If we have been brought into fellowship with God and with one another by the Spirit of grace, we should constantly strive to maintain and build upon that blessed fellowship.

4.    “If any bowels and mercies” — If we have any real depth of affection, any real compassion and concern for Christ, His gospel, His glory and one another, if our religion is real, if it is something more than lip-service to God, let us show that love and concern to one another.

      If these things are not in us, if they do not flow from our hearts to the hearts and lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ, if we do not truly love God’s people, our religion is nothing but a vain show of hypocrisy! But if these things are in us, Paul says, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (v. 2). Let all the family of God be likeminded in all things! Let us be likeminded, of the same mind, of one accord in love, affection and care — in unity, harmony and peace — in mind, purpose and desire! These are fruits and evidences of inward grace.

      “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Anything that is done through strife dishonors God. Anything that divides brethren is a reproach to Christ. Anything that is born of contention casts a slur upon the Gospel of the grace of God.

      “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” That simply means that the way to promote this unity and peace, this fellowship and love is to look out for and look after one another and quit looking out for yourself. Don’t seek your own praise. Seek someone else’s praise. Don’t promote yourself. Promote someone else. Don’t be concerned about your own feelings. Be concerned about your brother’s feelings and your sister’s feelings.

      Upon what grounds can anyone make such an appeal? The Holy Spirit answers - “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Don Fortner

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