Consolation in Christ

Philippians 2:1 begins, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ…”

I imagine a slight smile on Paul’s face as he authors these words. He has given thanks, prayed for the Philippians, and reported on his situation. In every thought, his language is laden with theological riches.

“The One Who started a good work in you will never stop until it is finished.”

“Your love may abound in knowledge and judgment…you can live discerning, blameless lives… don’t forget the Lord’s return… Jesus will fill your lives with a harvest of righteousness.”

“Though I’m suffering in prison, Christ sustains me by His Spirit! Christ’s gospel is advancing!”

“My life is Christ, and He is magnified if I live or if I die. Because I am His, I don’t fear death. I long to be with Him, but as long as I’m here, I will labor for your joy to abound in Christ as mine does.”

“As you presently suffer, keep on living a life that matches the gospel. Remain fearless in the face of affliction, and see your suffering as a gift. Because of Christ, everything ends well– even when we die.”

In our Bibles, there is a chapter division between 1:30 and 2:1. In Paul’s letter, he’s just continuing the thought to his next point. And this is where I imagine that slow smile spreading. Paul is about to make a serious appeal to his beloved church. But first, he will give them four bases for its obedience.

And this is the first: “If, beloved Philippians, you find any encouragement in Christ…”

Consider what he has just said, and see if there is indeed any encouragement to be found in Christ. 

Though I see the plethora of ways I have failed to live in blameless love, Paul’s prayer (1:2-11) reminds me that Jesus is able and active to make me complete, mature in righteousness lived out to God’s glory and praise. My own sense of failure is no match for the encouragement of God’s guarantee to complete his work in me, by Jesus’ power.

Though present circumstances may seem less than favorable, Paul’s prison praise (1:12-19) reminds me that Jesus is able to turn any situation to salvation. My circumstances, however bleak, are no match for the encouragement of a Savior Whose cause advances on the wings of adversity.

Though death itself stares me down, Paul’s proclamation (1:19-26) reminds me that Jesus is glorified by both faithful living and faithful dying. My self-preservation instinct is no match for the encouragement of Jesus’ certain exaltation and my eventual departure to be with Him in joy forever.

Though affliction linger on, Paul’s promise (1:27-30) reminds me that Jesus gives his people the gift of knowing Him, even in the fellowship of His suffering (3:10). My despair at the prospect of pain is no match for the encouragement of Jesus’ presence to deliver me from fear and empower me to stand firm in the faith.

Within all these truths of Who Jesus is and what Jesus does, is there any encouragement?

Oh, yes. Consolation abounds in Christ. So if there is…since there is…then what?

Wait. This is only the first of four conditions upon which Paul will rest his next main point. For this moment, may our thoughts simply linger and our hearts find encouragement in the person and promises of Jesus.