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Fellowship Of The Spirit

Text: Philippians 2
28 September 2008

The Context Of “The Fellowship Of The Spirit”

“Therefore if…” Philippians 2:1

1. The fellowship of the Spirit is not in isolation

2. The fellowship of the Spirit is to be understood in conjunction with other features

3. Paul mentions three other characteristics in juxtaposition with the fellowship of the Spirit

a) The features of the consolation in Christ

“…if there is any consolation in Christ…” Philippians 2:1

i) Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2

ii) The good work that will continue till the day of Christ

“…He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6

iii) The affection of Christ

“…with the affection of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:8

iv) Fruits of righteousness by Jesus Christ

“…with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:11

b) The features of the comfort of love

“…if any comfort of love…” Philippians 2:1

i) The close relationship between Paul and the church

ii) The longing of Paul to be with the church

“For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all…” Philippians 1:8

iii) The prayer for love to abound

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more…” Philippians 1:9

c) The features of the Spirit of God’s involvement

i) The deliverance through the Spirit of God

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance…” Philippians 1:19

ii) The prayer for the Spirit of God

“…through your prayer…of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:19

iii) The supply of the Spirit of God

“…and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:19

d) The features of the affection and mercy

“…if any affection and mercy” Philippians 2:1

i) Thanking God for the church

“I thank my God…” Philippians 1:3

ii) Remembrance of the church

“…upon every remembrance of you” Philippians 1:3

iii) Affection

“…with the affection of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:8

(II) The Concept Of The Fellowship Of The Spirit

1. The fellowship of the Spirit

“…if any fellowship of the Spirit…” Philippians 2:1

a) The concept of the fellowship of the Spirit is introduced

b) The fellowship is to be understood in the light of other features

2. The fellowship of the Spirit in prayer

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:19

a) Fellowship involves more than one

b) Praying to the Father

c) The Spirit of God is the answer to the prayer

d) The Spirit of Jesus Christ

3. The significant meaning of the Spirit of God in fellowship

“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

a) His endorsement

b) His emphasis

c) His energizing

(III) The Challenge To Go Deeper With An Understanding Of The Fellowship Of The Spirit

“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2

1. Paul’s personal challenge to the church

a) His personal fulfilment of joy

b) To work towards like-mindedness

2. To develop it further

3. To complete it

4. To continue

5. To practice it