Number 62: July 22, 2006



Another important principle in the book of Philippians is like-mindedness, being of one mind; which relates to fellowship. The saints in Philippi were contentious when it came to service.



Philippians 1:15-17:

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will.

The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.



The different ways in which the Gospel was being taught indicated a lack of unity. In fact, there was no one who was like-minded with the Apostle Paul there.



Philippians 2:20 and 21:

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.



They were exhorted to be like-minded on the Truth, not worldly matters. They were exhorted to stop quarreling amongst themselves and be of the same mind in the Lord.



Philippians 3:15 and 16; 4:2:

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect [mature], be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.



The concept of joy and rejoicing is used 15 times in Philippians in its various forms. When you are like-minded, you will have real joy. Joy is a result of like-mindedness. The saints were not doing badly. They did not have the major divisions Corinth had. Still, some had their ego’s working. They weren’t willing to serve. They had a knowledge of God’s Word. They were walking by the spirit. Yet, they were not cemented together with like-mindedness, that unity of the spirit. Thus, they could not manifest the joy and rejoicing that being of one mind brings.



Obedience and examples of faithful believers serving with the love of God in the renewed mind is a big part of the book of Philippians. You can serve because you have to, or you can serve out of love. To practically live the One Body, the believers must strive together in life toward the goal of the high calling with like-mindedness, joy, obedience, and love.



Philippians 3:13 and 14:

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.