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Daily Devotions

Philippians

Philippians 
Day 
Day 32

"If any comfort of love..."

Text: Philippians 2:1

A POWERFUL PLEA MADE

The apostle Paul made a powerful appeal to the Philippians to make every effort to keep the church community strong and united.

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ,
if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any affection and mercy.”

Philippians 2:1

EVERY REASON TO HAVE UNITY IN THE CHURCH

There really was no reason why the church could not remain united, no matter the problems that may assail it. Paul appealed to five things that would help to keep a church strong and united.

1. “Therefore”

a) Paul was speaking very positively.
b) The use of the inferential particle “therefore” suggests “certainty”.

2. Five powerful reasons

a) “Consolation in Christ”
i) This word “consolation” (Greek paraklesis) may also be translated “encouragement” or “exhortation”.
ii) Members are urged to offer encouragement to each other.
b) “Comfort of love”
i) The word “comfort” (Greek “paramuthion”) also suggests “consolation”.
ii) Strong consolation is possible because of the love of God poured into our hearts.
c) “Fellowship of the Spirit”
i) The word “fellowship” (Greek “koinonia”) suggests a sense of close partnership.
ii) The Spirit of God is involved in any deep and meaningful fellowship.
d) “Affection”
i) This word “affection” may be translated as “compassion”.
ii) Paul used this word to describe how he was full of affection for the church in Philippi (Philippians 1:8).
e) “Mercy”
i) This word “mercy” (Greek “oiktirmoi”) suggests tenderness of heart.
ii) There should be a great sense of tenderness towards each other.

Paul appealed to the Philippians to consciously apply these truth-principles in their lives.