Philippians 2:1 | Pastor Burns' Study Notes

Paul begins with a plea, and it is rooted in what we already have in Christ. The word “if” is not doubt-it carries the idea of “since.” Since we have consolation in Christ, since we have comfort in His love-this sacrificial agape love-and since we share in the fellowship of the Spirit, there should be a response. The Spirit of God indwells us and guides us into truth, creating unity among believers. We have also received compassion and mercy, just as Christ was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). All of this is based on our position in Christ-and because we have received these things, we should live differently toward one another.