(Php 2:3) “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”  Simply put – if you and I would practice this, then all our conflict would cease!  “So and So offended me! I can’t believe they said that!” If our reaction would be,  “Oh, but I know he (or she) would not have done that on purpose; or maybe something is going on their life; or they simply didn’t think that statement out.” That is esteeming other better than ourselves. Think highly of others! Put them before yourself! Put your hurts aside and love them! Life will be much better for you and me if we practice this precept of Scripture!  

(Php 2:3) “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;….”  “Vainglory” – the worthless glory of self! So often conflict occurs within the church simply because our minds are fleshly, wrapped up in self – me, myself, and mine! Our pride is hurt (pride is never used in a positive way in Scripture, yet we mimic the world in our verbiage, ‘I am so proud of my children”). The first thing we should look at when our feeling are hurt is “why”? Am I in “need” of the compliments or thankfulness of others. Truth is, if it is given to God, then it is He and He alone we will look for a response!   

(Php 2:3) “Let nothing be done through strife….”  Oh, how often we find we have done something through strife! To do so means we have reacted in the wrong way! We are to examine ourselves before the Lord. His church and His work comes first in all things. That means we are to seek to ALWAYS react the right way whether in church, at work, in the world, or at home. There are times when we even seek the do the right thing “the wrong way”! God help us! We are not to be “self-will” but “God-willed”.  

(Php 2:1) “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)Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” IF you have discerned the Lord’s moving in your life; IF you have been comforted over your sins through His love in forgiveness; IF you have discerned the presence of the Holy Spirit within you; If you have experienced the mercy of Almighty God, then bring joy to your Lord by, as a church, being in agreement, loving one another, getting along as brothers and sisters, having one focus – the glorification of God!

(Php 2:1) “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)Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  If we needed any proof the Lord thoroughly knows us, this should be it. It should be enough that He saved us, for Him to demand of us (v.2) and we respond, “Whatever you desire, Lord.” Instead, He has to appeal to us with the precious things gained through the salvation experience (v.1). Merciful, merciful God!”  

(Php 1:29) “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”  Suffering! Anathema to the average American Child of God.  We think we are suffering if we are asked to attend church more than a Sunday Morning. We think we have suffered if the building is too cold or hot, if the preacher preaches too long or is too boring! God help us!

 (Phil 1:27c) “….that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  (28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”  The Lord Jesus said, (Joh_16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Such tribulation, or troubles, for standing for or sharing the gospel of Christ Jesus, is a sure sign of the genuineness of one’s profession. Who would suffer persecution for what they did not believe? Rejoice, when standing brings your Lord such glory through your sacrifice.

(Phil 1:27c) “….that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  (28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” 

For one to stand against the gospel for which we seek to hold forth and stand behind, gives evidence to the fact of the condemnation of their soul. They stand in a terrible position, as to fight against God Himself. Pray. Pray for such a soul. Pray for God’s mercy. Pray for Him to open blind eyes that they might see.

 (Php 1:27) “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”  That which is fitting for those who profess the gospel is that they hold to the truths of God’s Word, “stand fast in one spirit”. In other words, they as God’s children would be in agreement. Among God’s local assembly, they are to walk together in unity. I say, “Among God’s local assembly”, first of all because this book was written to a local church. Some would wrongly pronounce, doctrine should not divide God’s people. They would be wrong. We are to stand for the truths of God’s Word. Doing so will divide among good meaning brethren. That does not mean we are to be rude nor mistreat one another. How could those possessing the love of Christ rightly do so? Yet, we are to stand.  

(Php 1:27) “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:”  This Old English word is not restricted to our verbalization. It includes the very way we live among men. So often we “get in the flesh”, or “live in the flesh” and save our religiousness for those around us who are religious. That is not Christianity. We are what we are all the time. If you are fleshly, then chances are you are still lost in sin. Salvation makes us new, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature….”  What does your “conversation” reveal about you?