Philippians 2:1-2  - The Like Minded Church

THE INCENTIVE TO BE LIKE-MINDED (2:1) *Unity is the Lord=s work. It respects individual viewpoints and style.  Christians do not have to fit into an assembly line mold.  The church can experience unity without sacrificing individuality.  What unites believers in Christ?

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ: - paraklhsiV - encouragement

Heb. 6:18 AThat by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:@

2 Thess. 2:16 ANow our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,@

Phile. 7 AFor we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.@

If any comfort of love: ei ti apramuqian agaphV - speaking intimately and tenderly, stressing the instrument used (love).

If any fellowship of the Spirit: ei tiV koinwnia PneumatoV - communion, loyalties

If any bowels and mercies – ei tina splagcna - (tenderness and compassion): always plural

2 Cor. 7:15 AAnd his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.@

 BEING LIKE-MINDED WOULD BRING PAUL JOY   

 Fulfill ye my joy: plhrwsate - Aor Act Imp - to bring to completion something that has already begun.

 That ye be likeminded - fronhte - Pres Act Subj - think the same thing (attitude) or living in agreement 

 Rom. 12:16 ABe of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.@

 Rom. 15:5 ANow the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

 I Cor. 1:10 ANow I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.@

 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BEING LIKE-MINDED

 Having the same Love: - thn authn agaphn econteV - Pres Act Ptc - same love that comes from Christ to us.

 Rom. 5:5 ANow I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.@

 Being of one accord - sumywcoi - one accord, one soul and mind. 

 Of one mind – to en frounounteV - Pres Act Ptc – continuously thinking the same way, with the mind of Christ.  Cf. 2:5