Climbing into the Honda

 These were amazing days for the First Church of Jerusalem.  Thousands were coming to faith in Jesus.  

It seems like every time you turn around God is doing great miracles through the apostles.  

These believers have stood boldly for Christ when challenged by the Sanhedrin. They are so united in the Lord that people are selling property to meet every need.  

And then there was that ugly Ananias and Sapphira "incident."

Luke tells us that "many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles" (v12).  "Signs and wonders" is an important biblical phrase.  

And it's not just limited to the NT.  It's the description given in the OT for the miracles/plagues God did through Moses while in Egypt.  

Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32 in his Pentecost sermon, noting that God said, "I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below..." (Acts 2:19).

In other words, these words are a signpost to let us know that the Third Person of the Trinity is at work.  Don't forget that the Holy Spirit is the star of the show in Luke's second volume.  

The phrase "signs and wonders" appears a handful of times in the Gospels, but begins making regular appearances in Acts (Acts 2:43; 4:30; 6:8; 14:3; 15:12).

What's the purpose of the Holy Spirit working these signs and wonders?  The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians.  "The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works" (2Cor 12:12).  

In other words, these were God's stamp of approval on His apostles.  They were clear indications to the people that these men were God's official representatives.

Once again they gathered under Solomon's Portico.  This was a covered porch on the outside of the Court of the Gentiles on the temple grounds.  

Dr. Luke writes that "they were all together" there.  This is the Greek word ‘ομοθυμαδον/homothumadon.  This adverb is sometimes translated as "in one accord" 

Did you know that all of the apostles could actually fit into a Honda?  In one Accord, get it?  When Dad Jokes meet Bible Jokes we know these are dark days.

One of Luke's absolute go-to terms is ‘ομοθυμαδον/homothumadon.  He uses it eleven times.  It is only found once outside of Acts (Rom 15:6).  

It carries the idea of being united with one mind and with one passion.  We must ask ourselves if we are united with one mind and one passion with other believers.  

Or are we busy pushing our own agenda at church?  Are we "one issue voters?"  

We can be so full of...well, ourselves.  Instead, let's set aside our personal agendas and and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  

Remember, this is Jesus' new command "that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (Jn 13:34-35).  

And this is Jesus' prayer for us.  He asked His Dad "that they may be one, even as We are one" (Jn 17:11).  

It's Paul's plea to the church at Philippi, "being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Phil 2:2).

When we are submitted to Jesus and filled with His Spirit, we too are ‘ομοθυμαδον/homothumadon.  

This isn't up to anyone else.  It's up to you.  Yeah, I'm talking to YOU!  That's right, the one in the mirror.

One mind.  One passion.  One accord. 

Climb into the Accord.  There's room for one more!

©2011

Jay Jennings

Yours, Mine and Ours

There was tremendous fallout from Peter and John's trial before the Sanhedrin.  They had stood boldly against their charges to proclaim the name of Jesus (Acts 4:13).  

Ultimately, the council simply warned them to stop teaching and healing in His name, something which they openly ignored (Acts 4:18-20).  

These believers celebrated and then prayed for even more boldness to tell the world about Jesus (Acts 4:23-30).  God answered their prayer in an amazing and powerful way (Acts 4:31).

Their filling by the Holy Spirit resulted in incredible community.  It was brief glimpse of what church can be like.  "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul” (v32).  

Complete unity.  

This is what Paul encouraged the Philippians to be (Phil 2:1-11), "being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."  

Throughout the NT, God calls His church to be unified in and through His Son (2Cor 13:11; 1Pet 3:8).

We much each ask ourselves if this is the condition of our church.  Is my church divided?  Is there a divided focus and mission?  

This doesn't mean that we can't disagree on different issues.  It doesn't mean that we agree perfectly on all things. 

Mark Driscoll refers to "open handed and close handed issues."  The must hold the essential doctrines of our faith with a closed hand.  

These are views on such things as the Person of God, Jesus, the Cross, salvation and the Bible.  We can't budge on these and we hold them tightly in a closed hand.  

Meanwhile, there are other doctrines on which we do not all agree and we hold those in an open hand.  These are things like worship style, the end times, communion and baptism.

The church of Jesus Christ must not be marked by division and bickering.  It must be noted for its unity and singularity of focus.  

One of the big reasons Paul wrote his stinging letter first letter to the church in Corinth was because of factions (1Cor 1:10-17).

The most obvious indication of this Spirit-filled unity in the First Church of Jerusalem is their willingness to share everything with other believers.  They were also open handed in how they viewed their possessions.  

"No one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common” (v32).  They understood that what they had were all blessings from God.  

Yours, mine and ours.

They saw what they had as a way to show grace to others.  These early Christians understood that we are blessed to be a blessing to others.  

And it is a humbling example.  Too often we hold onto what God has given us with a kung fu grip.  

A couple of problems with that.  First, that's not God's design.  Second, it REALLY hurts when He pulls it from our fingers!  We are blessed to be a blessing.

Yours, mine and ours.

Luke tells us that the apostles told everyone about Jesus' resurrection "with great power" (v33).  This was the answer to their prayer for boldness.  

This isn't "kinda sorta special power."  It is MEGA power.  The original Greek describes it as δυναμει μεγαλη/dunamei megala.  

In other words, their testimony about Jesus' resurrection was "mega-dynamic!"  That's what happens when the Spirit of God gets ahold of your life.  Is your testimony "mega-dynamic?"

And don't forget that the empty tomb and the Risen Savior was an essential component of the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30-37).  

We must remember that very most important truth as we tell others about Jesus.  He is ALIVE!  He is RISEN!  And He is till alive today!  

They not only preached with great power but "great grace was upon them all” (v33).  This is χαρις τε μεγαλη/xaris te megala, or “ MEGA grace."  

This is "mega-grace" is a two-sided coin.  On one hand, God had blessed them with His unmerited and undeserved favor.  

On the other, the people of Jerusalem continued to be blown away by what was happening in and through this incredible new movement.

This is a very practical example of the "new command" that Jesus gave His disciples (Jn 13:34-35).  Our love for one another will demonstrate to the world "that you are My disciples."  

The watching world has its eyes on us.  What are they seeing?  Do they see us loving and caring for each other?  

Or do they see us name-calling and infighting?  Let them see our love.  Let them see our love IN ACTION!

Dr. Luke tells us that in the church "there was not a needy person among them" (v34).  Again, can the same be said of our churches today (especially in the US)?  

This isn't to say that our fellowships are to be Christian communes.  No, but it is a call for us to take a "me third" attitude (God first, others second, me third).  

If we saw each other through God's eyes, we would be generous and giving.  Pray that we see with His eyes.

Yours, mine and ours.

We see that these early church members leveraged their belongings, in particular their real estate, to take care of each other.  

They would sell their possessions and give the proceeds to the apostles (v35).  They trusted their leaders to make needed decisions.       

The good doctor then gives us a very practical example of someone who did just that (v36-37).  A guy named Joe.  An average Joe.  

But you may know him better by his nickname.  Barnabas.  This nickname means "son of encouragement."  

One way this Jewish native of the island of Cyprus encouraged his brothers and sisters was to sell a piece of property.  He gave the money to the apostles so they could distribute it to those in need.

One very important reason for this passage is to set up the story of Ananias and Sapphira which follows.  Keep that in mind as you read ahead in Luke's sequel.  Theirs is an example what NOT to do.  But that's for tomorrow.

Do you and I see what God has given us as a means to bless others.  Do we see these blessings as yours, mine and ours?    

©2011

Jay Jennings

Right Before Their Eyes

We've all seen the celebrations outside the courthouse after the verdict.  The local news shows them to us all the time.  

That's the seen that Luke describes here in Acts 4:23-31.  But there's a bit of a twist.  

The people aren't so much celebrating that the Sanhedrin has dropped the charges against Peter and John, but rejoicing in the fact that they are all eyewitnesses of the unfolding of God's plan of salvation.  

It was all happening right before their eyes.

Pete and Johnny leave their hearing before the council and tell the other believers what has just happened (v23).  They relate how Pete had turned the tables on the kangaroo court and accused them of murdering the Messiah (Acts 4:10).  

They tell them how these seminary PhDs couldn't figure out how this pair of illiterate idiots got the best of them (Acts 4:13).  They recall how the Sanhedrin was blown away by their boldness (Acts 4:13).  

They relate how the council clearly knew the two of them had spent time with Jesus (Acts 4:13).  And finally they recall how the Sanhedrin told them to stop teaching and talking about Jesus, but that they boldly told them that wasn't possible (Acts 4:18-20).

"When they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God" (v24).  These early believers thrived in community.  This was the only way they knew.  

Sure, their numbers were growing rapidly (in excess of 5000 at this point).  But they desperately needed each other.  

And when they got together, what did they do?  They worshiped!  They immediately worshiped!  They saw God's hand in the entire process and thanked Him for what He was doing right before their eyes.  There is something powerfully encouraging to other believers when we share such stories.  

When great blessings happen in our lives, what is our first reaction?  Do we seek out other Christ followers in order to share with them what God has just done?  

Do we worship?  Do we pray and thank God?  I don't know about you, but I would rather not answer these questions.

As part of this spontaneous worship service, they prayed in thanksgiving.  These believers thanked the "Sovereign Lord” (v24).  The Greek word here is δεσποτης/despotes.  

It is not used very often in the NT, especially in regard to Almighty God (Lk 2:29; 2Tim 2:21; 2Pet 2:1; Jude 4; Rev 6:10).  We get our word "despot" from the Greek.  

But this original term doesn't carry the idea of an iron-fisted dictator.  It means one who is a master or in control.  NT writers use it to describe someone in charge, often the owner of a slave.  Think of your boss or supervisor.

These early Christians understood clearly that God was in complete and absolute control.  And they were witnessing His hand in manipulating these events happening right before their eyes.

In the first part of their prayer, they recognize their Sovereign God as the Creator of the universe, "who made the heaven and the earth and the see and everything in them."  

That pretty much covers everything, doesn't it?  In other words, God was in command of everything from the very beginning.  Actually from BEFORE the beginning.  He was there BEFORE creation.

In verses 25-27, they pray from the psalms and then quickly understand what was written as being fulfilled right before their eyes.  

They quote Psalm 2:1-2.  While the psalmist does not credit this song to anyone, these Spirit-led believers understand this as "through the mouth of our father David, Your servant" (25).  

When David originally wrote these words, he was in constant battle against Gentile kings and nations.  As God's anointed king, he saw the spiritual implications of these political and military battles.  

These early Christ followers see the role of God's Spirit in the composition of David's psalm.  The Holy Spirit moved the king to say these words centuries before.  

The role of the Spirit cannot be ignored in either of Luke's letters to Theophilus.  The Third Person of the Trinity takes the lead role in both Luke and Acts.  

The early church apparently saw a much broader panorama than King David.  They see this as a prophetic psalm which is coming true right before their eyes.  

These rulers such as Herod, Pilate, the Romans and the Sanhedrin had conspired against "Your holy servant Jesus, Whom You anointed” (v27).  The “servant” recalls Isaiah 53.  

The Father anoints the Son with the Spirit.  Can you see how this verse is teaching us about the Trinity?  Cool, huh?

Once again, they understand that all of these events, including the betrayal and brutal crucifixion of Christ, were all part of God's sovereign plan (Acts 2:23).  This is something they did not and could not understand on the other side of the cross.  

These early believers now knew that EVERYTHING that has happened and is currently happening and will happen is part of God's plan.  He has "predestined to take place."

Do we see God's hand in complete control of the events in our life?  In the events of the world?  

God is sovereign.  His hand is unshakeable.  His purpose cannot be swayed.  And it's all for His glory and our good (Rom 8:28-30).

And what was their request?  They asked God to "grant to your servants to continue to speak Your word with all boldness" (v29).  

They didn't pray that they would avoid conflict with the authorities.  As a matter of fact, the result of their request would actually instigate more friction.  

But their prayer was boldness in order to fulfill what Jesus had commanded to them before He headed home (Acts 1:8).  

As they were still praying, the house started rockin' (v31).  Just as it happened when the 120 were crammed into the upper room and the Spirit fell for the first time (Acts 2:2-4), it was happening again!  

This apparently larger group was being filled with the Spirit of God.  He was answering their request immediately, right before their eyes.

And the Spirit empowered them to do exactly as they had asked.  They "continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (v31).  

Is this our prayer?  Do we regularly pray for God to give us boldness to tell others about Jesus?  If so, He might just rock our world.  I'm not sure the room would shake (but I can't guarantee it!), but I am sure He will readily respond to our request.

And then don't be surprised at what will happen right before our eyes.

©2011

Jay Jennings

Blessed to Be a Blessing

 These were special days.  In the weeks following Jesus' return to heaven and the Spirit's arrival in the church, God was up to His jaw dropping best.  

These first Christ followers had simple priorities, Jesus first priorities.  Devotion to four basic activities (v42).  

The teaching of the apostles.  Spending every available moment together.  Sharing meals including the celebration of the Lord's Supper.  Praying together.  

There was an emphasis on community.  Notice that there's really nothing done in verse 42 that was done alone.  

While we can certainly read, study and meditate on Scripture ("the apostles' teaching") and pray by ourselves, Luke emphasizes that the infant church did everything together.

Each of us needs to ask, "Am I in community with God's people?  Am I devoted and committed to what God is doing in and through my church?"  

It's been said many times that there are no Lone Ranger Christians.  As a matter of fact, our enemy loves to get us alone.  A wolf who finds a sheep away from the flock is easy pickin's.

Their devotion and commitment to these four activities result in what we read in verses 43-47.  When you hear God's truth together, hang out together, eat together and pray together, an amazing thing happens.  

The Holy Spirit gets a hold of your heart and turns things upside down.  You go from a "me first" to a "me third" attitude.  God occupies the pole position that is rightfully His.  

And like Jesus, you begin to see others and their needs as much more important than your own (Phil 2:1-11).  You don't ignore your needs, they are simply no longer your highest priority.  We see this practically lived out in v43-47.

Luke tells us that one of the first things that happened to those 3,120 members of the early church was that "awe came upon every soul" (v43).  

The Greek word here is fobos, which means everything from fear and terror to reverence, respect and awe.  We derive our word phobia from it.  

These four activities open our eyes to what God is doing right in front of us.  When we look for Him, we see Him.  And when we see God for who He truly is, we respond in worship.  We are in awe.

"Many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles."  These miraculous marvels were God's way of confirming His choice of these men as His apostles and representatives.  

They were His divine ID.  Don't miss the fact of who was REALLY performing these miracles.  God was doing all of them THROUGH the apostles.  

Each of us is to simply make ourselves available to be used by Him.  It's not about ability, but availability.  The only way I can accomplish anything is to allow Jesus to work through me (Jn 15:5).

Just in case we may have missed it, Dr. Luke confirms what he had already told us.  These early believers spent every available moment together (v44).  "And all who believed were together and had all things in common."  

Don't miss that little three-letter word "all."  Every Christian on the planet was together.  This would be the last time until Jesus comes back that this would happen.  But they clearly met in as a group at times.  

And all believers shared all things.  Again, this is the result of a "me third" attitude.  What we have belongs to God.  Does anyone else need it?  We need to remember that we have been blessed to be a blessing. 

The good doctor goes on to write, "And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need" (v45).  

So were these early believers actually living in some sort of first century Jesus loving commune? Many understand this to be the case.  

And others hold these verses to be prescriptive rather than descriptive.  In other words, this is God's commanded design for life in the Body of Christ.

A couple of thoughts.  The key phrase in verse 45 is probably "as any had need."  When someone had a need, these believers used their resources to meet it.  

They did whatever they needed to do.  They gave.  They sold.  They took care of needs, not wants.  Needs.  It seems to be on a case by case basis.

Some NT scholars believe this was a special situation for a special time.  These early followers of Jesus expected Him to return at any time.  

Because of that, they saw now reason to be too attached to earthly possessions.  There is certainly validity to this view.

So what do we do with these verses?  First, we should make those four activities in verse 42 a priority.  Study God's Word TOGETHER.  Hang out TOGETHER.  Eat TOGETHER.  Pray TOGETHER.  

Second, we should open our eyes to what God is doing all around us.  

Third, we should understand that the Lord has blessed each of us so that we can be a blessing to others.  If we read these verses and see their charity as simply describing a unique time, we need to take a long look in the mirror of God's Word.  

Let's be clear about one thing.  This is NOT a call to live the Poverty Gospel.  But it should convict us.  

It certainly convicts me.

©2011

Jay Jennings

I Gotta Fever!

“As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy” (2Tim 1:4).

It’s okay to be human. There are times you just have to let your guard down and let people in. Times when you have to stop pretending to be bulletproof and show your friends you’re mortal. Times we you have to admit you’re lonely and desperately need a friend.

That includes Paul. Yeah, THAT Paul. The Apostle Paul. We’re talking about the guy Jesus handpicked to tell non-Jews around the world all about God’s incredible invitation into His kingdom. The same Paul who would make three tours of the Roman Empire sharing the Good News with anyone who would listen. The same apostle so devoted to God’s mission that he experienced prison, beatings, floggings, stonings, three shipwrecks, and even bitten by a poisonous snake. This dude who would write a grand total of 13 books making up a nearly a quarter of the New Testament. 

The same man Jesus used to change the course of history sits in a Roman dungeon. Specifically, the notorious Mamertine Prison in the capital city. Paul is on Death Row. He knows he’s only got a short time before he faces the executioner. So he writes a very personal plea to his very dear friend Timothy. As the clock ticks down, the apostle desperately needs a visit. “As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy” (v4). God brought the two of them together several years ago in Lystra, a city in what we now know as Turkey (Acts 16:1). Since then, they’ve always been there for each other. Paul is not too tough to admit he needs his buddy, right here and right now. He’s gotta fever. And the only prescription is more Timothy.

In the opening lines of this little letter to his close friend, Paul flips through the mental scrapbook of their relationship. “I remember you constantly in my prayers day and night…I remember your tears…I am reminded of your sincere faith” (1Tim 1:3, 4, 5). Memories. Prayers. Tears. Faith. The kind of stuff a deep friendship between believers is based on.

Here in verse 4, he remembers the time he was there for Tim’s tears. He’s probably talking about the last time they saw each other. It may have been when Paul left for his Macedonian assignment he mentions in his previous note (1Tim 1:3). The man from Tarsus knows all about heartbreaking goodbyes. Dr. Luke writes about how the apostle met with the Ephesian leadership when they thought they would be the last time they ever saw each other. “And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again” (Acts 20:27-38).

What a powerful reminder that real men cry real tears. Jesus certainly did (Jn 11:35). Paul tells his friends in Rome that true friends have deep empathy for each other no matter what they’re going through. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15). No doubt these two friends have shared both gut-busting laughs as well as gut-wrenching cries. You can bet when Tim shed tears, Paul did too.

Who have you laughed with and weeped with? Who’s that close friend who celebrate with you and also walked the darkest parts of the path with you? Who’s that person you’ve cried with? Hopefully God has placed someone in your life with a tender heart, a soft shoulder, and a fresh Kleenex. Paul needs that. Tim needs that. You need that. And I most certainly need that.

As Paul walks the Green Mile of Mamertine, he doesn’t want to walk it alone. The good news is that his good friend the good doctor is at his side. “Luke alone is with me” (2Tim 4:11). But the apostle yearns that Tim can join them. “I long to see you” (v4). He uses a Greek word (Gr. epipotheo) which means to yearn passionately, deeply desire, experience an affectionate yearning for someone or something. It’s the same term Paul drops when he desperately wants to see folks (Rom 1:1; Phil 1:8) or when he describes his burning desire to be with Jesus forever (2Cor 5:2).

Just like the Blues Brothers, the apostle wants to get the band back together one last time. Starting in chapter 16, these three men are pretty much side-by-side-by-side throughout the Book of Acts. After drafting Tim onto his team in Lystra (Acts 16:1-3), it seems clear Luke joins the party in Troas (Acts 16:10). As the author of Acts, the good doctor never mentions his own name but that’s where the pronouns change. That’s where “they” suddenly becomes “we.” In his final days in the slammer, Paul wants to reunite the Three Amigos one last time on this side of eternity. He’s gotta fever. And the only prescription is more Timothy.

The apostle knows if he can lay his eyes on Tim one last time, “I may be filled with joy” (v4). Remember, Paul knows death is right around the corner. He makes that clear. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:6-7). Despite certain death, he still has joy in the joint. And he’s sure a visit from his boy Tim will top off the tank. 

So Paul pleads with him to get his tail to Rome ASAP. Toward the end of this letter, he comes out and says it, not once but two more times. “Do you best to come to me soon” (2Tim 4:9). The apostle begs Tim drop everything and get there before it gets cold. “Do your best to come before winter” (2Tim 4:21). Do you need to see someone? Don’t beat around the bush. Don’t just drop passive/aggressive hints. Come right out and say it.

So what do Paul’s words to his friend Timothy back in the first century have to do with you and me 2,000 years later? They challenge us to stop pretending to be tough when we’re really not. As followers of Jesus, it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to need each other. It’s okay to be not okay. So take off the mask. That means finding some fellow believers where you can dump your garbage and be transparent. Who do you have in your life to do that?

This verse reminds us that following Jesus is a team sport. Don’t buy the lie that the Christian life transforms you into some sort of lone wolf for the Lord. Pop culture continually glorifies heroes going it alone against the enemy. Guys like Mad Max, Rambo, and (one of my personal faves) Billy Jack. Even the seemingly loner heroes had some covering their backside. Jack Bauer had Chloe. Sherlock Holmes had Dr. Watson. The Lone Ranger had Tonto. Don’t make the mistake of seeing Paul as a High Plains Drifter for Christ. He always had partners and teammates. Who’s the Robin to your Dark Knight?

Finally, who can you fill with joy? Who needs a visit? A call? An email? A text? Who’s in the middle of a mess and could use some encouragement? Maybe you’re joy tank is running on empty. Do you need a friend to reach out to you? Remember, this is at the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just feel sorry for us when we trashed God’s perfect universe and rebelled against His kingdom. He left the posh comforts of the heavenly palace and dove headfirst into the dumpster of sin we call Earth. When we couldn’t get to Him, He made a holy house call. That’s how He earned the nickname Immanuel which simply means “God is with us” (Mt 1:23). Because Christ did it for us, let’s do it for others.

Paul is in prison. The clock is ticking down. He really wants to see Tim one last time. He's gotta fever. And the only prescription is more Timothy.

Captain Obvious

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2).

Captain America has his Vibranium shield. Captain Crunch is a legend because of crunchberries. But my new favorite is Captain Obvious. He’s awesome. This dude possesses the not-so-superpower of recognizing and stating facts that are crystal clear to everyone who can fog a mirror. From his prison cell in Rome, Paul demonstrates that he may we'll have similar abilities. He tells his friends back in Philippi that if four facts about our faith are true then there’s really only one thing we must to do. And it becomes crystal clear that the apostle isn’t using any sort of prophetic mumbo jumbo. He states these conspicuous truths as a way of reminding us who Jesus is and what He’s done for us. Since all Christ has accomplished is undeniable, our response is without question. Just call the apostle Captain Obvious.

Most Bible translations make it seem that there’s some doubt about these four proposals. The very big difference is how we understand a very little word. “If.” Paul kicks off chapter 2 by writing “So if there is any…” (v1 emphasis added). This is the itty bitty Greek term ei. Can we translate it to mean an uncertain outcome? You betcha. But it also can mean since, surely, and because. It can be used to a express a fact regarded as true. Instead of “if” try inserting “since it is true that…” Take each one of the following four proposals and know that they are actually stone cold, lead pipe locks. Surely, what the apostle says here is totally legit. And don’t call me Shirley.

So let’s take a closer look at Paul’s proposals. Call them the Fantastic Four (hey, we’ve got a superhero thing going, so why stop now?). First up, he wants to know if anybody out there has “any encouragement in Christ” (v1). The apostle drops a word (Gr. paraklesis) that paints a picture of somebody walking alongside and helping a buddy when times are tough. Once we place our trust in Jesus, He promises to never leave us hanging. Never to leave us alone. Always have our back. We may hike through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, but we never have to do it solo. Jesus walks with us. Through downsizing. Through divorce. Through chemo. He’s there with us, encouraging us every step of the way. Here’s the deal, the Son of God came a LONG way to be by our side. He left the comforts of the heavenly palace to execute the most awesome rescue mission the universe has ever seen. So is “there any encouragement in Christ” (v1)? Well, duh!!

Second, the apostle proposes there is “any comfort from love” (v1). “Comfort” is the Greek word paramuthion, which also means an incentive, persuasion, stimulation, arousal, or even calming. So just how does God’s love persuade us? First of all, Jesus tells Nick at night about His Heavenly Dad’s incredible demonstration of love for those made in His image. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). And just what did we do to deserve such an incredible gift? “But God shows His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). In other words, we did absolutely nothing to earn His love. Instead of earning God’s love, we were terrorists against His kingdom. Jesus came anyway as an act of divine grace. Tullian Tchividjian refers to grace as God’s descending, one way love. We REALLY deserve death. Instead He puts us under the waterfall of His grace. Doesn’t His love persuade you to do something? Doesn’t His love stimulate you? Persuade you? So is there “any comfort in from love” (v1). You’re kidding, right? Of course there is!

Paul’s third proposal: is there “any participation in the Spirit” (v1)? He’s talking about how the Third Person of the Trinity makes us teammates in the Gospel. As followers of Jesus, we become partners who cooperate together. Sure there are other groups, clubs, and organizations that participate as teams. But there’s one HUGE difference between these gangs and Christ’s crew. His Holy Spirit. Jesus gives each believer gifts through the power of the Spirit. We’re to use those spiritual gifts to build up, challenge, and encourage each other (1Cor 12:4-11). There’s no flying solo in the Spirit. No Lone Rangers for Jesus. We only get the full blessing of God’s Spirit when we hook up and team up with other followers. So is there “any participation in the Spirit” (v1)? You betcha!

The fourth and final proposition from Paul is actually a dynamic duo. As a follower of Jesus, do we experience “any affection or sympathy” (v1)? Let’s be clear, when the apostle writes “affection,” he’s not talking about a warm, fuzzy feeling full of rainbows and teddy bears. This is the Greek word (Gr. splagchnon) for guts, bowels, or intestines.  Has what Jesus has done for you hit you on a gut level? Is there a visceral reaction to His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection on your behalf? Paul pairs this gut level “affection” with “sympathy” (v1). Here’s another intestinal term (Gr. oiktirmos) that describes a connection with others on such a deep level that makes their suffering your suffering. That’s exactly how Jesus reacted when He got a firsthand glimpse of the sick and disenfranchised. “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). Does your heart break when you see people’s pain? After trusting in Christ, did your heart suddenly become super sensitive to others? So once Jesus gets ahold of us, do we have “any affection or sympathy” (v1)? No question!

There’s absolutely no doubt about this Fantastic Four of faith in Christ. So now that Paul has proved he’s the first century version of Captain Obvious, what do we do with these? So glad you asked. The apostle writes, “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (v2). If you’re wondering how you could put a smile on the face of the man from Tarsus in his prison cell, stuff a sock in your arguing and start getting along. Nothing would make Paul happier than hearing that his friends in the Philippian church are living in harmony. The night before His murder, Jesus asked His Father for that kind of oneness among His followers. He prayed that we would have the same sort of supernaturally intimate relationship He had with His Dad (Jn 17:11).

Can we take an honest look in the mirror for just a moment? As God’s people, we aren’t exactly known for our teamwork and harmony. Same mind? Same love? One accord? Instead of sharing the unconditional love of Jesus with our friends and neighbors, we’re too busy arguing over silly stuff like music styles, wardrobe, and drinking alcohol. It’s as if Paul saw it coming almost 2,000 years ago! Let’s stop getting our undies in a bundle about the differences in how we worship and celebrate our agreement and union in what we believe. According to the apostle, that’s “being of the same mind, having the same, love, being in full accord and of one mind” (v2). Sometimes we need to be reminded of what is right in front of our face. Just call Paul "Captain Obvious."