One Common Denominator

Good morning and welcome in. Today we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture from the book of Philippians.

Philippians 2:1-2  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

When you are like minded it is having a like disposition or purpose; of being of the same mind or habit of thought; 

When we speak about having one mind it means to be united together as one unit.  For example, we all have many different members in our body, but each of them are controlled by one mind on the top of our head. This is the way that we are supposed to be in the church. We have many different functions in the church, but one mindedness has to do with all being of one purpose together.  Although our hands and ears may serve different functions, it is the same mind that controls them both to work as one component together. Even a sports team may have many different players but they function as one team during a game.  The church is very similar because it is a group that gathers together and shares one common denominator, the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 2:4-8  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Have you ever watched a group of children playing in the living room as they all work on a common project with each other? They want to build something as a group so they dig out a bucket of Play-Doh and help one another as they work together in unity, having the same interests and goals in mind.  Think about the numerous people involved with space technologies.  They come together from many different backgrounds, having varying abilities and education but are focused as a group on one specific goal, to develop and create a satellite to send into orbit around the Earth.

The Apostles wanted unity in the church, and our source of unity comes from the teachings of God’s Word. In a building project you have electricians, plumbers, and bricklayers who serve different functions but work towards the same goal together.  Each of us are like little carpenters who have different projects to do, according to our certain abilities, to help build the church.

1 Cor 3:9-11  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Out in society many people will join a club that shares a common interest with themselves.  Some people will join a model airplane club where the main points of discussion are focused on building and flying airplanes.  Likeminded means having similar tastes or opinions: or sharing the same ideas, or interests.  This is one of the reasons why the apostles didn’t want division in the church.  In the church we are supposed to have identical beliefs, based upon scriptural truth.  We are to join together, not as individuals, but as one body with our Lord Jesus as the head to guide and lead us in biblical unity.

Romans 12:16 – Be of the same mind one toward another.

Romans 15:5 – Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

The Apostle speaks about….” having the same love. “

1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

When something is the same, it means identical; not different, or of an identical type; exactly similar.  As I’ve said for many years the world’s concept of love is very different from God’s spiritual love.  The Bible teaches us how to love and to please God.  Love is more than just a hug, it involves truth and obedience.  It requires submission and faithfulness.  Problems and divisions can arise when certain people decide to try to influence others by bringing the world’s philosophies and concepts into the church, rather than turning away from them and abandoning them.

1 Corinthians 1:10 – Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

We need to be of one mind, united to serve Christ as a unit.  

Romans 15:6 – That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalms 133:1 – Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

The Apostle wanted to know that the church was focused and walking together in the truth of the Christian faith, not only being of one mind but of one spirit.

Philippians 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;

Instead of focusing so much on each other, we want to keep our eyes on Christ and His Word so that we can know the truth, and that we can seek after the true unity that’s based in God’s Word.

Ephesians 4:3 – Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2 Corinthians 13:11 – Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind,…..

Lastly, the Apostle wanted the church to be of one accord which is to be in agreement or harmony with others, but again, this unity is based on the teachings of scripture.  It’s the rejection of scriptural truth that brings about division.  The church needs to build upon the rock of Jesus Christ and His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Apostle Paul had certain disagreements with Peter.  Timothy had to rebuke the church at times to keep them on the right track, but it was meant to bring about unity in the faith.  There is no substitute for the truth.  

John 17:17 – Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Remember that in the church we must all be going the same direction. We must all be trying to achieve the same goal with our Lord Jesus Christ holding us all together as our

….one common denominator

Let’s think about these things for today, and Lord willing we can talk some more tomorrow. Till then, bye-bye everybody.❤️

tlkjbc.wordpress.com