1. The Epistle To The Philippians
Make My Joy Complete

2. What Brings Joy To Paul?
As he’s chained to a guard under house arrest.
It is when he sees his brothers and sisters in Christ behaving in peace and unity.
Today let’s study Philippians 2:1-4 and see what brings complete joy to Paul.
We’ll consider 4:4:2: -- four IF statements, four applications of those statements, and two negative statements that result in positive living.

3. Four IF Statements In Vs. 1
“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion….”
Means “SINCE” there is….
Don’t we do the same way with the word IF?

4. Is there encouragement in Christ?
Jesus said there was
John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 15: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”
PARAKLESIS = Comfort

5. Is There Consolation Of Love
Colossians 3:12 – So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience….
John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Jesus reassures us with His love. We as family can reassure one another with ours.
PARAMUTHION = Consolation

6. Is There Fellowship Of The Spirit?
Romans 5:5 -- “…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
KOINONIA = Fellowship

7. Is There Affection and Compassion?
SPLAGNOS = Guts. Inward affection. Tender mercy
Philippians 1:8 – “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
OIKTIRMOS = pity, mercy
These two words are often found together: bowels of mercy!

8. Make My Joy Complete
The four qualities revealed by the IF statements, when applied, would bring complete joy to Paul.
We are to be the living representatives of the IF statements.
We are to be encouragement
We are to be consolation of love
We are to be fellowship in the Spirit
We are to be affection and compassion

9. II. Four Applications
Verse 2 – “…make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
Because there IS encouragement, consolation, etc. in Christ, we have the work of Christ to do in the world. Starting with our relationship with one another.

10. Be Of The Same Mind We are to be united in mind, one with another.
2 Corinthians 13:11 – “Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be likeminded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

11. Maintaining The Same Love
John 15:12 – “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor…”
Romans 13:8 – “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”
Quite obviously, love is at the apex of human emotions and behavior.

12. Be United In Spirit
Not THE SPIRIT – but united in Christian spirit. But amounts to much the same thing.
Ephesians 4:2-3 – “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Seems we have some work to do in the Lord’s church!

13. Be Intent On One Purpose
What purpose is that?
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
The Purpose is God’s!
It is eternal life with God.
2 Corinthians 5:4-5 --For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

14. III. Two Negatives That Are Positive
Verses 3-4 – “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.
Illustration: Keith gives a music box for Valentine’s day.
Will we be motivated purely by love?

15. How Do We View One Another?
With humility of mind
Regarding others as more important than ourselves.

16. Do Not Merely Look Out For Self
Not for my own personal interests.
But ALSO for the interests of others.
My responsibilities are important.
Needs of others are of equal or even greater importance.

17. Make My Joy Complete
Remember that all these things together would make Paul’s joy complete. How?
By establishing genuine peace on earth!
Are we each willing to do our share in making that ambition reality?