“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

Praise the Lord. Thank God for His word. For a topic, What are you pouring out? We had our sister Pauline this week eloquently ask that question and give us some facts from the Word of God, and she asked the question, “What are you pouring out?”

She reminded us about giving thanks and praying without ceasing. When I’m going to give you what God has given me, my portion of what God has given me, I still have to ask, what are you pouring out?

Children of God, what are we pouring out? We have an obligation. The book of Philippians was written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them in their faith. The Philippian believers were a great encouragement to Paul. They enjoyed a very special relationship with him.

In this chapter, Paul emphasizes unity based on Christ’s example of humility and sacrifice. Although the church at Philippi was exemplary in many respects, and Paul had occasion to commend the saints warmly, there was still disagreement and strife. There were contentions among the people of God.

Last week, our pastor spoke on the topic Poured Out. He encouraged us to be strong in the faith, to be committed to the faith, and to live a life that exemplifies Christ, who emptied Himself by taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men, found in human form. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.

What are you pouring out? And you will hear me saying, “What are you pouring out?” constantly through this message. It is a form of indoctrination, according to Bishop, because whatever the Word is saying, I want it to stick. The more I say it, the more we will understand and receive God’s Word which is a lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path. What are you pouring out?

Paul is saying, “If these foregoing arguments carry any weight, then reconcile. Fulfill my joy by having the same attitude and the same love, living in harmony and keeping one purpose in life.” The Philippians had indeed given Paul much joy in his association with them. They could continue to do so by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mind, even during their differences.

Verse five tells us, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” To be like-minded means to have the mind of Christ — to see things as He would see them and to respond as He would respond. To have the same love means to show the same love to others as God has shown to us.

He has given us the ability to do so — a love that did not come with conditions. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrated His love toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

As I read this scripture over and over again, it did something to me. It reminded me of Jesus and Peter. Some of us are waiting for friends and relatives to change. Some people we cannot stand because of who they are. But the Bible tells us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He did not wait until we changed. He made the sacrifice before we were changed.

So again, I ask, what are we pouring out? Love — because of His love. Love is the subject that affects all people. Love has life-changing power — power to change attitudes, power to change relationships. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love has the power to change futures.

John 13:35 tells us that all will know we are His disciples if we have love for one another. We, the people of God, are the means by which God has chosen to express His love to the world.

What are you pouring out? To be of one accord means to work together in harmony toward a common goal. To be of one mind means to act unitedly so that Christ’s mind directs our activities.

Paul goes on to say, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Selfish ambition and conceit are two of the greatest enemies among the people of God. Selfish ambition is the desire to be number one at any cost. Conceit speaks of pride and self-display.

James 4 tells us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. What are you pouring out? Esteeming others better than ourselves calls for the highest regard for others. God wants us to be selfless. It is not about us.

Esteem grows out of love. It enables us to look for the best in others and causes us to care for others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. This is the key to putting away strife and vain glory.

Having the mind of Christ is obedience, and obedience is better than sacrifice. Caring for the needs of others above our own reflects the mind of Christ. It makes us humble instead of hateful, giving instead of greedy, selfless instead of selfish.

We learn of Christ at the cross. He laid aside His glory — how can we seek glory? He humbled Himself — how can we be proud? He became a servant — how can we covet high positions? He was obedient unto death. God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name.

Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord. What are you pouring out? After paying the price for redemption, He is now seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us.

We have an obligation to pour out the things of God. Brethren, I encourage us — let Christ be seen in us.

Father, we thank You and we praise You for this Word. Oh God, help us to live a life that reflects Your glory. We are salt and light. Help us, God, to let our light shine so that men may see and You will receive the glory and the honor.

God, thank You for the price that You paid. You were wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon You.