Philippians 2:1-4 A Pastor’s Joy CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Paul said, “Fulfill ye my joy.”  And the joy was about everyone in the church getting along without the back biting and bickering and division that is so common today.  What he was asking for is a pastor’s dream – a church without division and discord.  Now there are four reasons why he should expect that of them and why a pastor should today.

The consolation in Christ (v.1)

1. Alleviation of distress misery, grief, or disappointment – Christ took all of those away from us
2. Rom 15:5
3. II Thes 2:16

The comfort of his love (v.1)

1. Great deal of comfort in loving someone and being loved
2. First mention, Gen 24:67
3. Again, II Thes 2:16-17

The fellowship of his spirit (v.1)

1. Jn 15:15-17
2. II Cor13:14

The tenderness of his mercy (v.1)

1. The heart is the seat of pity and tenderness
2. SOS 5:4-5
3. Eph 2:4-5

Now they had those things and so do we.  If you’d concentrate on them and allow those benefits from Christ to operate in your heart and mind then you could do this thing that brings the pastor joy.  The characteristics would be:

Compatibility (v.2)

1. Likeminded, capable of existing together without discord or disharmony
2. Comp I Cor1:10-11
3. Rom 15:5-6

Love (v.2)

1. I Jn 3:23
2. I Jn 4:19-20

Agreement, one accord (v.2)

1. Amos 3:3
2. Acts 1:14, pray together, stay together

Unity, one minded (v.2)

1. Ps 133:1
2. Eph 4:3

Humility (v.3)

1. Col3:12-13
2. I Pet 5:5-6

Usefulness (v.4)

1. I Thes 5:12-13

Do that and there will be joy in the church.