October 27, 2026 -- Day Twenty-seven of joy: Philippians 2:1-2

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People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 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 ESV
 
Paul is asking the Philippians to complete his joy. What a strange request. Background first. These Christians are suffering from all kinds of challenges. Paul, a man they love and respect is in prison. Some think he’s suffering for Jesus, others believe he is getting what he deserves. There are people preaching Christ out of envy or rivalry. They are contrarians to the message of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This congregation has factions. There are all kinds of worries and fears. What will bring all of them together? Knowing this is the key to understanding Paul’s joy: it is unity in Jesus Christ.
 

  • When believers who’d been divided realize their unity in Christ, all Christians experience joy.

  • When believers who’d loved one faction or another, suddenly focus on loving Christ, then all Christians experience joy.

  • When believers who’d loved some but withheld love from others, suddenly, in the power of Christ’s extravagant salvation begin to love Jesus and then in Him love one another, there is joy.

  • When believers experience the work of the Holy Spirit, Who brings the message of Christ, the knowledge of Christ and the clarity of Christ and enables ordinary people to serve Christ, there all the Christians are empowered experience joy.

 
Joy is the gift of God. And, joy must be something believers discover and rediscover repeatedly as they intentionally remove all the hindrances keeping them from fully, vulnerably, submitted, obediently, walking with Christ. Joy comes to a community through humbling oneself at the feet of Jesus and then filled with love for Jesus, learning to love His people.
 
Great are You, O LORD, my God! You delight in the welfare of Your servant.
Spirit of the Living God, point out the areas in my life where my view of Jesus is blocked by my own sins and iniquities. Let that clothing of shame be exchanged for the full righteousness of Jesus, my Redeemer. Then let my tongue tell of Your righteousness, O triune God, and of Your praise all the day long. Amen.
(Loosely based on Psalm 35:26-28)
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=EVfb4uPxV0uYHI4Y
 

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