Encouragement
Like most of you, I hope, I have a few encouragers in my
life. You know, those people who’s default modes are positive attitudes. They
don’t even consider the half empty portion of the proverbial glass,
highlighting and prognosticating extravagantly on the half full part. I am
sometimes jarred by their perceptions and melancholy drops away in their
presence. Thanks to you all. God bless you!
The Apostle Paul has just written a beautiful introduction
(chapter one) to his letter to the Philippians. In it, he expresses his heartfelt
gratitude for them, for their encouragement to him, and prayers for him. He has
reminded them that the greatest encouragement they can give him is to work
together in unity for the gospel of Christ, persevering in blessing and in
suffering.
Now he begins what must be one of the most beautiful chapters
in the New Testament. He is about to lay
a supernatural challenge before them: one that will require the help of God to
succeed. First, however, he reminds them of a few potentially life-changing
things:
If
you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from
his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one
in spirit and purpose. Philippians
2:1-2
Easily passed over as an hours
devour before the main course, this preamble offers many layers of
encouragement and comfort. Interstingly, several times he uses the word if in these conditional clauses. True to
the content of the first chapter ( Paul knows
that God will complete in the Philippians the good things he started) these ifs
carry with them a positive assumption, as if to say: “If (and I know you do)
you have any encouragement, etc.” Still, the inclusion of ifs leaves open the
possibility of another choice. It is possible for people not to have these
things.
And what things are these? At the top of the list is encouragement.
The source of the encouragement Paul is talking about comes from being united
with Christ. We are united with Christ by faith (same Greek word as trust) in
him. He has accomplished for us what we could not accomplish on our own. He has
fulfilled the righteousness of the law, he has built a bridge between our
fallen states (all have fallen short of the glory of God) and made a way (the
gift of God is salvation through faith in Christ). Romans 3;23 and 6:23
Being united with Christ also includes his work in
sanctifying (setting us apart) and maturing us. It is this Paul spoke about when
he said a Counselor, and Encourager must come. Here is a point at which the
doctrine of the Trinity (which I do believe in) becomes a bit confusing. The
Holy Spirit is not only the Holy Spirit of God, but also that of Christ. In
1:19, Paul alluded to the Spirit of Christ who has helped him in response to
their prayers. They too can count on the presence of Jesus in them to encourage
them and to assist them to do all that he is about to lay out before them.
We can be encouraged greatly by being united with Christ. He
not only promises peace with God for eternity, but also strength and
empowerment for today. Whatever God has laid before you today—blessing,
suffering, tasks that are beyond your abilities—he will help you to do. The “all
things” that we are able to do through Christ who strengthens us includes
anything he asks you to do. Look to him, not the wind and the waves. Walk on
water. Be encouraged. Christ is with you and in you. Press on!
