4. LOVING TO BE GOD'S NOTHINGS (Philippians 2:1-11)

A happy fellowship is ensured when made up of a people who first love to be God's nothings. A people of humble or lowly mind - seeking nothing in the way of self-glory. Willing to be nothing that Christ may be something in their lives. It is only a fellowship of NOTHINGS through whom God can manifest His glory. Consider the valuable teaching of these verses. Be one of God's nothings:-

4.1. BY SUBMITTING TO BIBLE PRECEPT (Philippians 2:1,2)

Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

His humble, lowly "disposition." Weymouth

Philippians 2:1 "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,"

It is based on all that is sweetest and dearest in the life of a believer.

	Does the "consolation" and encouragement of your relationship mean anything to you?
	Does the "stimulating force" of Christian love mean anything to you? i.e "Comfort" Greek 'paramuthion' "stimulating force".
	Does your "fellowship" in the Holy Spirit mean anything to you?
	Does the depth of "affection" and compassionate sympathy received mean anything to you?

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

It is reasonable to obey the precept - just to please Christ, and to enjoy the happy fellowship.

Philippians 2:2 "fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."

In the interest of unity, concord, harmony. Nothing would give Paul greater joy. Lowliness is a twin of unity. God's NOTHINGS become a symphony of souls in accord with each other - a blending in unison. United in glorifying the Lord, and saving the lost. This lowliness in unity - under the sovereignty of the Lord, through the working of the Holy Spirit, will bring the power of the unity of prayer.

Matthew 18:19 "... if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."

Be one of God's nothings. Note the explanation in Matthew 18:20, "there am I in the midst" (KJV). This makes something of a fellowship of nothings.

4.2. BY SENSING A DISCORDANT PROBLEM (Philippians 2:3,4)

In the interest of avoiding discordant things, (Philippians 2:3 ). Do nothing by strife and with a desire for display or self-parade or self-promotion. Never "play to the gallery" - never be conceited, never seek admiration of men, or say anything to gain flattery. Regard others as more worthy than yourself. (Philippians 2:4 ). Do not be selfish - self-centred, self-opinionated, self-assertive, self-seeking. Do not be occupied with a trinity of self, "I - me - and myself."

The watchword of our lives needs to be others. It was so with Jesus. With Him it was:

	"Other cities" (Luke 4:43 )
	"Other sheep" (John 10:16 )
	"Saved others" (Matthew 27:42 )

Philippians 4:2 "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. "

To bring this about Matthew 5:23,24 must be obeyed.

Matthew 5:23,24 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "

Remember the greatest hindrance to revival in the Church is not opposition, worldliness, ritualism - the greatest hindrance is division - disunity - dissension - disharmony. The reason for the presence of hindering things is SELF - every time. Its ugliest manifestation - PRIDE. Submit to the Bible precept - become God's NOTHINGS and you will experience happy fellowship, and be part of a fellowship that is a symphony of praise to God in manifesting Christ to the world.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. When you consider what you mutually enjoy in Christ, are you motivated by selflessness, concord and harmony? (Philippians 2:1-2 ).

2. What discordant things must you avoid, and what should be your preventive thought pattern? (Philippians 2:3-4 ).