Stand Fast in One Spirit with One Mind Striving Together for the Faith- Part 850

When we read Paul's teachings, we are privy to the insights from a man who knew the intricacies of faith. Indeed, Paul -- formerly Saul -- knew firsthand in whom he believed, and his desire was for all of us to become equally privileged possessing an in-depth knowledge of Jesus too. But when we read Paul's teachings and begin to understand how Jesus revealed Himself to him, we begin to discover that there is so much more to our faith journey. 

Like Paul, we need to seek Jesus and all His righteousness if we are to know the truth. He is to become our "all in all." Therefore, it is in this context that we need to become "fishers of men." Note however that I did not say "church planters." There is a reason for this, but we will leave that topic for another day. 

For now, let's suffice by reading what Paul wrote in the first chapter of Philippians. It is therein that we might begin to understand how important it is for us in this current dispensation of grace to study the Word and show ourselves approved. (II Timothy 2:15) 

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace." (Philippians 1:1-7)

Paul went on to say --"For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:8-11) 

"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel, so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Only let your conversation be as it becomes 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; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." (Philippians 1:1-30)

Indeed, stand fast in the supply of the Spirit of Jesus with one mind striving together for the faith. (Philippians 1:19) Stand in the offering plate.