the Christian life is the fact that there can be unity in the Lord. This is shown so clearly in our study passage, Philippians 2 :1 , 2, " If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one ac cord, of one mind." Today, perhaps more than most times in the past, there is a need for a close, intimate relationship with other believers. Christians are often beseiged by the forces of this world and of the devil. This is one reason why we must draw togeth er, finding our fellowship in com mon with one another as well as with the Lord. If we are going to defend the Gospel successfully we must be able to move together as a solid flank. Paul pointed this out to the Philippians earlier (1:27). But, what if the victories of the Church only bring temporary peace? Once the victory or the problems are vanished, would this give reason to fly apart? While unity is made obviously necessary because of mutual dangers, yet in our mutual relationship to Jesus Christ lies true Christian unity. This relationship should be lasting such as was true with the friendship between David and Jonathan. Paul tells us in our text that there are four solid reasons for Christian unity. There is consolation in Christ; there is a comfort of love; there is a fellowship of the Spirit; and there is an experience of the ten der mercies and compassions of the Lord. This is why we are to be "like-minded." If we are not care ful there are always temptations to Page 51
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