Philippians 2:1–4 (NKJV)
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Of course there is consolation in Christ! Of course there is comfort in love! Of course there is fellowship of the Spirit! And, of course there is affection and joy! But where do these exist? Answer: where there is a like-mindedness. Where there is a being of one accord, of one mind, of having the same love. All of that happens when the New Man overcomes the selfish desires of the Old Man. This happens when and where God creates and sustains faith.
The creating and sustaining of faith happens when and where the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity and the Sacraments are administered according to Christ’s institution. When that takes place then the Holy Spirit is not hindered in working through God’s Law and Gospel, which ultimately aim to drive sinners to Christ. The message of Christ, being found in appearance as a man, humbling himself and becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross, brings the New Man in believers not to do things with selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind they esteem others better than themselves.
As God’s Word of Law brings us to be familiar with how selfish our sinful flesh is, it only shows how it has to be something (more like, Someone) that’s not natural to us that can bring about such selflessness. That is the power of the Gospel! What God wants, God brings about, by His own doing. Consolation, love, fellowship of the Spirit, and affection and joy—all flowing from Christ’s fully atoning merits. And all thanks and glory go to God!
Let us pray: Almighty and Everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may obtain what You have promised, make us to love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
