As Paul wrapped up the first chapter to his letter to the believers in Philippi, he encouraged them to stay positive and have a good attitude in the midst of struggles. As he begins the second chapter, he describes just what that kind of attitude looks like.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 2:1-2:

Paul’s focus as he begins this section of his letter is both encouragement and unity. If the Philippians have the same priorities as Paul does, then they should be striving towards the same goals. Since the Philippian church was facing opposition from external sources, which Paul mentioned in the previous chapter, in verse 27, these believers needed to draw themselves together for the sake of the gospel.

Since his focus is unity, he gives in this passage four motivations that the Philippians need to share. The old NIV doesn’t translate the word “therefore,” although it is there in the Greek. The newer NIV gets this right. That word links this text back to the struggles the Philippians were facing from without, and the connection is that they needed to focus on unity from within.

The four motives in verse 1 are followed by four results in verse 2. Let’s look at each in turn:

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ – The word “encouragement” could also be translated as “exhortation.” Paul may be saying here, “if I have encouraged you in Christ,” with some previous time of strengthening them in the gospel. The idea here is one of strengthening. And it comes from being united – not simply with one another – but with Christ himself.

If any comfort from his love – Paul uses “comfort” here in the manner of “consolation.” And this comes through love. This may mean Paul’s love for them, their love for one another, or Christ’s love for his church. Probably all three were in Paul’s mind as he wrote this. Love unifies.

If any fellowship with the Spirit – The Spirit evident in the life of a believer is proof of salvation. And Paul uses that common bond to encourage unity among the Philippians. The Holy Spirit cannot be divided against himself!

If any tenderness and compassion – Though similar to his use of the word “love” previously, this motive is a bit different. This may be translated as “affectionate sympathy.” Certainly, these are qualities that Jesus holds for his Church, but they are also qualities which we are to hold for one another.

Paul uses these four motives to encourage the Philippian believers to make his joy complete. Paul’s desire is unity, and nothing would bring him greater satisfaction and joy than to see the church at Philippi together for the cause of Christ. If the four motives listed above are present in their lives, then the results would be fourfold as well.

By being like-minded – This is a straightforward call to unity, encouraging the believers to share the same focus.

Having the same love – Their love for one another was to be built upon the love that they received from Christ.

Being one in spirit – This signifies togetherness. They are wholeheartedly united in one aim, that of the gospel.

And purpose – This is another use of the same Greek word just translated as “like-minded.” Paul uses it again here because it is connected closely to the previous result, being one in spirit. The believers at Philippi are to be moving in the same direction in their lives, both as individuals and as a community.

Paul’s focus on unity cannot be more clear. And these words that he wrote to the church in Philippi so long ago are still applicable today, and are still needed in our churches. Paul speaks to the need for unity in several of his letters in the New Testament, but none of them seem to ring so clearly as this passage in Philippians.

So the question for you and I becomes clear: What do we need to do to develop the same mind as Paul and these early believers? What do we need to do to be settled on unity in the church today? It begins by having these same four motivations.

And so our focus, just as Paul’s was, should be unity. Paul’s positivity here shows that it is possible to attain, even though it may not seem like it in some churches.

Achieving it will be well worth the effort.

Question: What can you do, personally, to encourage unity among the body of believers today? What prevents you from beginning to do this right now? You can leave a comment by clicking here.