Philippians 2:1, 2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,… (2) The testimony of our spiritual and moral conscience. St. Paul is now on higher ground, showing how unreal is all Christian profession which does not desire unity. I. 1. What consolation (or, exhortation) is there in Christ without this desire? What growth in the knowledge of him or in union with him? 2. What comfort of love? How can the royal law of love of the brethren be fulfilled without this? 3. What fellowship of the Holy Spirit? It is the office of the Holy Ghost to bind together. How can we be partakers of him unless he is working in us his peculiar work? 4. What tender mercies and compassions? Even natural loving-kindness prompts the desire for unity. II. How much nearer to unity should we be if all who profess to love the Lord Jesus would dwell on these points, rather than on the points about which they differ! - V.W.H. Parallel Verses KJV: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, |
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