Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:2-4).
Paul writes Romans as a circular letter expressly to teach the churches the fulfillment of the law and the new covenant between God and Man. It is a new way of thinking. Jesus turned the world upside down, and because of this, these teachings will divide families, break down the system of social standings, and it will build allegiance to a King much bigger than Caesar. The book is written to share the depth and newness that is Jesus. It will not always be easy to stand differently in a world that likes to conform. The world system is overflowing with division, it is easily offended, and selfish pursuits, and it is ea. Do we pursue our empowerment to think like Christ? Can we hear these words of Paul written so long ago and begin to become like minded, in one accord, of one mind in the example of Christ? What does that even mean? Let’s dive in!
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
What does it mean to be strong? It means more than physically having bulging muscles. Spiritually strong means being able to withstand when there is great force or pressure to conform to lesser things. Spiritual strength is secure, solid, sturdy, resistant, and resilient.
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. (Proverbs 24:5). The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (Psalm 28:6-7).
So, if we are spiritually strong, we have a job to do. We are to bear the infirmities of the weaker, less strong. Not to make a name for ourselves, but to bear up the burdens and relieve the pressure that oppresses others. This is polar opposite and completely contrary to doing what pleases me or me first thinking. Spiritual strength will teach one of weaker abilities to keep pressing forward. Building up strength may take time and multiple attempts. We are empowered to provide the encouragement and help needed to serve the weaker rather than ourselves, and as we will see, this is exactly what Christ did.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
What Jesus did, He did in obedience to the Father. And just to make sure we have a good example to follow, Jesus himself showed us how to live for others. It was us, the weaker, the ones without strength, that He was here to save. His life, death, and resurrection was completely for others. He is already God! He didn't need us, but thank God He wanted us!
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:(Phillipians 2:5-9).
His suffering and purpose was painful, shameful, and hard.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So why do we have the written word of God? The things written were for us to learn. To see the patience, the long-suffering, and the grace of God. Paul says it in other places like this:
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 2:54-26).
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:15-16).
Ultimately, we as believers are to become like-minded. Having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind, we are to follow the example of Jesus and bring glory to God!
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
We are one body. There is one God. The same God of the Jews is the God of the Gentiles. Paul reminds us that we receive the glory of God through a Jewish Jesus, keeping God’s promises made to Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, and many others. Though the nation of Israel carried the law and prophets, God’s purpose was to bring everyone, all nations, all kindreds, and all peoples to Himself. We can all receive His grace and sing praises to the name of God our Savior. So, if that is God’s plan, it is also our plan. We were not received by God because we were worthy. Jesus died for the sinner, the outcast, and the reprobate. No matter how long or how little we have been in church, we cannot forget that we, too, were once outside grace, forgiveness, and faith. We were the weak, the tired, the scared, and we were unable to carry our life. Knowing such grace and mercy, we are to set aside our preferences and make it our priority to help others find God.
And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Paul ends this section on an uplifting and positive note. As should we when talking about God. There will never be anyone who gets to heaven who will be disappointed that they made it there! Rejoice! The Joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Praise the Lord - God inhabits our praise. The Savior, the Redeemer, the King, is here. He empowers his believers with the Holy Spirit that teaches only of Him. Hope, love, grace, forgiveness, and eternal life, is ours for the asking. They are His good pleasure to give.
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!