[Therefore] if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…
Summary: It has been several days since we took a break from Philippians, so it might be worthwhile to review our last meditation, “Philippians 2:1-2 – Paul’s Request,” before continuing with this one.
There is a theme that runs through Paul’s collection of claims and clauses in his sentence. Behind the workings of his finely tuned academic brain, I hear a question that seems to come from his heart. It sounds like this:
“Am I connected to Christ?”
Jesus speaks to this when he tells his disciples, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).
So, how do I tell if I am connected to Jesus? How do I know if I am “united with Christ” or if I “remain” in him?
When I think on this question, Jesus’ teaching on specks and planks comes to mind.
This passage is from the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew’s account tells us of his testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and the beginning of his ministry (Matthew 4:12-25). Eventually, crowds come from all around to hear Jesus teach and to be healed.
Among his many teachings, Jesus says:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5)
I am guilty of this myself.
I continually look to others to validate my “Christianity.” I am concerned when people present versions of Christianity that do not match what I read in the Bible. I am suspicious of those who require me to vow fealty to a person or an organization. I have been fighting this battle so long that I have forgotten how to look inside and check for planks in my own eye.
As Paul continues his thought, he will point us to several “tests” that reveal our unity in Christ, but for this meditation, let’s look at the pointer in today’s text: Do we have any encouragement from being united in Christ?
If we are feeling discouraged and lack direction from our Lord, perhaps it is because we are not paying enough attention to the things that connect us to Jesus.
Just sayin’ …
Application: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)
Food for Thought: How does Jesus encourage you?
Have a blessed day !
Thanks, Anon! 🙂
How does Jesus encourage you?
Jesus gives me purpose and is the power in me to accomplish all He has for me to do. I no longer live for this world of chaos and disorder, but am now empowered by the true Creator, King of all things to live according to His will over my own.
Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24
I Can Do All Things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Hebrews 13:6
Thank you, Ron!
You write “Jesus gives me purpose.”
That is such an important gift. I can’t remember how many times I have heard the question posed, “What is the meaning of life?”
The answer is, “Jesus!”
How does Jesus encourage you?
To encourage means to give support, confidence, or hope.
Jesus wants us to live a life pleasing to God, so he gives us the power through Him to turn from sin. Legalism and works is a heavy burden, the yoke of Christ is light. He speaks truth to our heart through His Word and the Holy Spirit, and in doing so, encourages us on the path of righteous living. He gives us the ability to walk with Him, the confidence to walk through Him, and the hope that our walk with Him will bring life more abundantly. The hope is both hope in our present day, for the days ahead, and for eternity.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Thank you, Chris.
Jesus does give us support, confidence, and hope. Hope is possibly the most important.
I love the Matthew 11 passage CH cited. It is one of my “life verses.” I love that Jesus calls us to Himself first. I love that He wants us close to Him. I love that He is the Good Shepherd. I am also encouraged every time I meditate upon the cross. Remains 5: 8.
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” — Romans 5:6
Thank you, Rich! Redemption is definitely the prerequisite encouragement!