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Being A Disciple – Philippians 2
Being A Disciple – Philippians 2
When Paul left Philippi, he left a congregation of disciples. Somewhere along the way they appointed elders and deacons. In reading this letter that Paul wrote to them, they appear to be an active, living, and thriving GROUP of people (a church). All such groups however are made up of individuals, people just like you. In such a gathering of people there were many differences, yet they were to be united together. Together they individually were disciples obeying the teachings of Jesus.
Such togetherness is often ‘messy’. There are some that are easy to love, and there are some that are more difficult to get along with. Men, women, rich, poor, slaves, free, long-time disciples, new converts, etc. Yet with all their differences, they were to be one in Christ, one body of believers in their community.
Paul thus writes to them: “ (1) Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, (2) make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. (3) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (4) do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:1-4).
This is how each individual (that means you) is to relate to the other disciples in his community. Does this describe your relationship with the brethren you are joined with? It needs to be!
Hugh DeLong
