(1) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spir'it, if any bowels and mercies,
(2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
(3) Let nothing be done through strive or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
(4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
LET THE MIND OF CHRIST BE IN YOU
Brethren, as believers, we are to emulate Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior in all our ways, always abide in the spirit, show love and tender mercies to fellow brethren and live exemplary lives in the faith of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, for unbelievers to see our good works in him and desire to follow us into salvation and eternity.
Case in point, let us study today's text together to see what Apostle Paul is saying, (1) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spir'it, if any bowels and mercies, (i) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, believers, for Christ to be happy and content with our right doings and reward us with heavenly blessings, let us adhere to his voice and practice the followings segments of the text; (ii) if any comfort of love. Let us encourage one another with charity, not to worry themselves, be upset or frighten about negative situations but trust in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior with all their fears and troubles, also, let us show concern about what bewails others in good faith and great compassion to help them if possible; (iii) if any fellowship of the Spir;it. Let us be in one accord regarding things of Spiritual matters to move the ministry of Jesus Christ forward and accomplish the task ahead of us, not argue or fight against one another but embrace each other as brothers and sisters in one body of Christ with one believe and one common goal to bring unbelievers into salvation and eternity; Let us have relationships with one another like chosen people who share one common faith in the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit, to convert unbelievers into believing in Jesus Christ into grace and peace; also, when we worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, let us reverence him with songs of praises to receive his goodness and mercies forevermore ;(iv) if any bowels and mercies, let us have compassion and be pitiful with tender hearts, show deeper kindness, forgiving one another's faults, be generous and care for one another as Jesus Christ has given generously unto us through his grace; Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measures. press down and shaken together, and running over shall men give unto our bosoms.....(Luke 6:38).
WORDS OF INSPIRATION:
Points to ponder, Apostle Paul says, (2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. that is, Jesus will be greatly pleased, if believers will think the same thoughts and devotion, having similar opinions and interests in the faith to accomplish the task of saving lost souls into life everlasting; (3) Let nothing be done through strive or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. As believers with a common goal to save souls for Christ, let us perform our duties with perseverance and forbearance not with anger, bitterness, conflict, arrogance or prideful spirits but with humbleness and meekness, let us respect and show affection towards one another more than ourselves.
Fruits of thought, dearly beloved, this verse is making an important point, let us study it carefully; (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Believers in Christ are to be good Samaritans, (Luke 10:30-37); let us be mindful of others who suffer from lack of physical amenities or are in devastating situations and show concerns about what to do to help them in their situations and not turn our backs on them or mock at them secretly in our hearts but emulate Christ and extend our love, kindness, goodness and mercies towards them; these kinds of gestures are parts of our duties as followers of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and are rewarded with heavenly blessings.
CONCLUSION:
Brethren, everything we read in the text today, encourages us as believers to think good thoughts about our duties and responsibilities in the faith of the righteousness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; if we claim to be who we are in him, let us also portray his attributes by loving and caring for one another; for we know that we are joint heirs with him in eternity but before our inheritance with him, let us walk in his ways of righteousness with humility and respect for others; let us serve him through serving others, love him through the love of others and worship him in the beauty of his holiness forever and evermore. Amen and Amen!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
(KJV.) St. John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
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