Philippians 2:1,2 -- If There Is...

{Philippians 2:1} If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions,
{Philippians 2:2} make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. -- RLIV.

WHAT exhortations these are to unity, peace, brotherly kindness! How they suggest to us patience, forbearance, gentleness, helpfulness and comfort one toward another in the church; that thus the Spirit of Jehovah may abound in all, that each may make the greatest possible progress in the right way. Dear brethren and sisters, let us more and more be worthy of the name of Barnabas -- Comforter of the brethren. Let us have the Holy Spirit abounding in us more and more, for this is Jehovah's good pleasure; that with it dwelling in us richly we may be all sons and daughters of comfort in Zion, representatives of our Father, and channels of the Holy Spirit, as well as of the Truth. -- Based on excerpt from "Sons and Daughters of Consolation", Watch Tower, October 1, 1904.

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The apostle speaks of encouragement in Christ, the Anointed of Jehovah. Jesus is the one whom God has sent to reconcile us to God, but he is also our exemplar. His words as recorded in the Bible are certainly words of encouragement to any child of God. Not only this, but his actions of love and his fidelity towards God should give us encouragement to imitate him.

Then the apostle speaks of consolation of love. God's love for us has proven to be very great. He sent His only-begotten Son to die for us. Not only that, His love is displayed in what he has provided for us while in this age, whether it be little or much. To whatever degree that we are submissive to the leading of His Spirit, he will lead us in the ways of righteousness.

Our fellowship of the spirit appears to refer to our guidance by means of God's Holy Spirit. Such guidance leads to cultivating the fruits of the spirit in our lives. Or, it could be referring our fellowship with each other as guided by God's Holy Spirit. Even this, however, would be a display of the fruits of the spirit in our fellowship with each other. 

Regardless, such would lead one to be compassionate and patient with fellow believers in the Lord Jesus, and even more so toward our brethren who may not see this or that application of scripture exactly as we think it should be seen. In all instances, we should endeavor to provide a word of encouragement in harmony with love.

Some point to Philippians 2:2 to justify this or that sectarian leadership as being an authority by which all should become like-minded in every detail of scripture. Actually, such leads one away from what Paul was writing about into the very kind of pride of sectarianism that Paul elsewhere spoke against.

2 Timothy 2:5 - By the Rules

If one competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he has competed by the rules. -- 2 Timothy 2:5, RLIV.

JESUS observed God's times and seasons and methods. He never recklessly exposed his life until from the prophets he recognized that his hour had come to be delivered into the hands of his enemies. He did not make long prayers on the street corners to be heard of men, nor exhort the multitude with noisy harangue; as the prophet indicated, He did not lift up his voice nor cry aloud in the streets. (Isaiah 42:2) He chose God's methods, which are rational and wise, and which are effective in selecting from among men the class which he desires to be heirs of the promised Kingdom. Let those who would so run as to obtain the prize, mark these footprints of the Master, and be filled more and more with His Spirit. -- Based on excerpt from "Striving Lawfully", ZWT, September 1, 1902. Reprints: R3070:5

Paul was not here telling us that each child of God should consider themselves in competition to all others who belong to Christ. Such thinking could lead one to think how he or she may be holier than others. The emphasis should be understood as being obtaining the prize "by the rules". One of the rules is that we esteem fellow believers as being better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), and another is that we have heart love for each other. (John 13:34; 15:12,17; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11,23; 4:7,11,12; 2 John 1:5) If, in our hearts, we are thinking of putting our brothers in Christ down in some way that we may exalt ourselves, we may actually be falling short of obeying the rules. -- RRD.