Philippians 2:1–4, 14–18

If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ²complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. . . .¹⁴Do all things without grumbling or questioning, ¹⁵that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

In this section of his letter, Paul begins with the word ‘if”.  Perhaps that word “if” might be better interpreted as “since.”  “Since” Jesus humbled Himself by “making Himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men,” we find  encouragement, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, affection, and sympathy.  Through the Lord’s Means of Grace, every time we hear and read God’s “Word of life,” whether it is during the Divine Service, where Law and Gospel are rightly proclaimed, the proper administration of the Holy Sacraments, singing hymns, or giving thanks and praise for the Lord’s blessings, we are given encouragement.  

With His perfect love, God the Father of mercy, comforts His people.  Out of love for His creation, God supplies food, clothing, house, home, family, friends, all that I need to support this body and life. We may think His gifts are insufficient, but God always supplies us with more than we sinful people deserve. As believers we ought to see and know the love of God the Father in every good thing we receive, whether there is much or little.  

We can take comfort in the “participation in the Spirit.”  Through the water of Baptism, the Holy Spirit says, “You are now a child of God, loved by your Father, and redeemed by the Son.”  The Spirit of Truth (cf. Jn 14:17) calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the Christian Church on earth through the Gospel, “the word of life.”  Through His participation the Holy Spirit holds us fast to the Word of life, keeps us in the one true faith, and creates an attitude of “affection, sympathy” and unity in the Church.  Disunity within the Church leads to failure of the mission and ministry of every Christian congregation and brings about grumbling and questioning (14).  “Holding fast the Word of life,” is nothing other than holding onto, continuing in, your saving faith in Jesus Christ.  That is God’s desire for His people.  Holding fast the Word of life makes us citizens in the kingdom of Christ, which is Paul’s desire for the Church, which includes you and me and all believers in Christ.  That is what will make his joy complete.  Our holy citizenship, our holding fast the Word of life, gives joy forever in the new heaven and the new earth.  Just knowing you have that eternal joy gives us encouragement, comfort, participation in the Spirit, affection, sympathy, and creates a joy-filled life in Christ here and now and unto eternity where we will live together, united in perfect peace and harmony with Jesus Christ.

825 North 1^st West

Cheyenne Wells, CO, 80810-0728

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