Cup of Joy

Philippians 2-Part 1
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels (affection-NAS)  and mercy.   Philippians 2:1

LET IT GLOW

During the wintertime, I enjoy a cup of hot apple cider. In fact, rarely do I stop with one cup, but have two or three. There is just something soothing about it (to me, that is). What's the difference between cider and juice? It is made from apples that are pressed for the juice. Is that why it's thicker? After reading in the encyclopedia, I learned that I have to watch out for firmented, hard cider. It contains 2-7% alcohol. I learned something new today.
I see Paul wants his cup of joy full and running over. Is yours ready to be filled, too? Mine is.

In this first verse, Paul uses the word if to begin the sentence.
It was a conditional sentence expressing the condition as a fact in Greek. Since. Since these things are blessed realities, saints should act as if they exist. (Falwell)

Since these things exist in Christ, they should exist in Christians, who are His followers. What things?
Consolation, comfort, fellowship, affection and mercy.

1. Is there consolation in Christ?
 What's consolation mean?
Holman Bible Dictionary defines consolation as comfort which eases grief and pain; compassion.
Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament defines it in Greek as meaning exhortation, admonition, encouragement.
Of course there is. Every Christian should know what it's like to have Jesus console their soul. He has encouraged and consoled each of us at one time or another.
Luke 2:25 says that one of the titles for Jesus as the Messiah is the Consolation of Israel.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 reminds us that" God has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace."
 2 Corinthians 1:5 says "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ."

2. Is there any comfort of love?
 Yes, we should know what it's like to have Jesus give us the comfort of love.
2 Corinthians 1:3 says that God is the "God of all comfort." So nothing prohibits Him from comforting us, and with a comfort of love.
The Greek word for comfort is the word paraklesis, which means soothing sympathy. It has the idea of strengthening, of helping, of making strong. The love of God in our lives makes us strong and brave. (David Guzik)

3. Is there any fellowship of the Spirit?
 Yes, Christians should know what it's like to have fellowship of the Spirit. "Do we do it?" is the question.
The Greek word for fellowship is the word kononia. It means the sharing of things in common. The Holy Spirit fills, guides, moves in our lives in a  powerful and precious way.(Guzik)

4. Is there any affection and mercy?
 Of course, every Christian should know the affection of God and the mercy of God. Bowels (KJV) means tenderheartedness, tender mercies. Mercies means compassionate yearnings and action. These result in peace and in power. (Falwell)

 "Paul mentions these things in a manner that suggests to us that they should all be obvious parts of the Christian's experience. He could have said, 'If water is wet, if fire is hot, if rocks are hard.' " stated David Guzik.

All right then, I am to have consolation, comfort, fellowship, affection, and mercy. And they are to be obvious in my life. Are they?


LET IT GROW

Verse 2 says, "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."

Sherpherd's Notes states:

Paul assumes that the Philippians are experiencing the four conditions mentioned in verse 1. Now he is urging them to fill his cup with joy by:
(1) thinking and feeling the same,
(2) loving each other with the same love, and
(3) having their souls in harmony with each other and with Jesus Christ.
Nothing would make Paul happier than for this unity of thought and feeling to pervade the church.


Hey, it dawned on me, these principles can be applied not only in our churches, but also in our families, too. With divorce rampid in our country, we surely need this.
Paul wants his cup of joy full and running over. I can have my cup full and running over if I keep thinking, focusing, on the same thing, Jesus; equally love others while being loved; have our souls knit together in one accord by the Holy Spirit; hearts beating in unison. It is the unity of heart, soul, and mind. This is what Christ can and will do. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
There's nothing like unity in a church and in a family, is there? Am I doing my part?
My cup is getting full, but I may refill it with cider as I contemplate this.

LET IT GO

Speak encouraging and comforting words.

Have fellowship and mercy with others.

Live in unity with Jesus, family, and church members.