Rejoice in Likemindedness Phil 2:1-8 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
In Phil 2:2, Paul said, “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded…” We should rejoice in likemindedness. We are to be likeminded in our marriages, in our families, in our friendships and in our churches. We are likeminded when we are of:
One love – Phil 2:2 – Jn 13:34-35, 1 Jn 4:20-21. Paul calls this the “same love.” It’s the love that comes from God [1 Jn 4:11]. There is joy in this love.
One accord – Phil 2:2 – Acts 1:13-14. To be of one accord is to agree. This is where doctrine comes in. When we submit to the truth of the words of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we find the same doctrine, upon which we agree. This is one area the devil and men seriously attack. The body of Christ is terribly divided over doctrine. And there is no joy in that. Yet, there is joy when men agree on doctrine [3 Jn 4].
One mind – Phil 2:2 – 1 Cor 2:16. When we get saved, we have the mind of Christ. Men think alike who think with the mind of Christ [Phil 2:5]. And there is joy in being likeminded. When there is discord, someone isn’t thinking with the mind of Christ.
We see division creeping in when men start doing things through:
Strife – Phil 2:3 – we don’t rejoice in strife. Strife comes from earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom [Jas 3:14-15]. Carnal Christians strive and divide [1 Cor 3:3]. Foolish and unlearned questions result in strife [2 Tim 2:23]. When you see strife, you see discord.
Vainglory – Phil 2:3 – vainglory is extreme self-pride and boastfulness, excessive vanity. And Solomon said, “Only by pride cometh contention,” [Prov 13:10]. Men are vainglorious when they do things for recognition or they sense a secret pride that others are noticing them. When you are proud, you might have joy, but others don’t.
The way to prevent strife and vainglory from destroying likemindedness is by being:
Humble – Phil 2:3, 5-8 – “lowliness of mind.” Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. And yet, while on earth, he was a servant who had no reputation. He had “no form nor comeliness… that we should desire him,” [Is 53:2]. When men are humble, God is magnified and his words are magnified [Ps 138:2]. This certainly brings God joy.
Respectful – Phil 2:3 – let each esteem other better than themselves. This seems to be one of the hardest things for men to do. Men want to prove that they are “the better man.” But in Christ, we are to consider others better than ourselves.
Considerate – Phil 2:4 – Rom 15:2-3. In Christ, we are not only concerned with our own things but we are also concerned with the things of others. We desire their well-being. Our desire is to help others and bear each other’s burdens [Gal 6:2]. You always find more joy in doing for others than in having them do for you.
Conclusion: you know that likemindedness brings God joy. Likemindedness also brings joy to those who minister to you. Like Paul said, “Fulfill ye my joy.” And you will find, if you haven’t already found it, that being likeminded brings joy to you and those with whom you are likeminded.
If you are not likeminded then correct your love until you love the brethren who love God, correct your doctrine until it lines up with the truth, change your mind to that of Christ. Approach others with a humble, respectful and considerate attitude. Cease from strife and vainglory. And then rejoice in being likeminded with those who are likeminded with Christ.