Unity: Spirit of the Gospel

Prior to this, the apostle Paul tells us that if he is granted life, he will use it to cultivate the believer's joy in the faith.

Knowing that pride is the greatest killer of joy, he serves them a hearty helping of humble pie. What are the main ingredients?

1. They ought to be encouraged in the fact that they, as undeserving & unworthy sinners, are now "in Christ" by God's sovereign grace.

2. That the sovereign love of God in Christ has been bestowed upon them as God's elect.

3. That they, as God's elect, have been granted sweet communion with the Holy Spirit, who also unites the hearts of believers together.

4. That they are the recipients of God's sweet affection and tender mercies.

Paul encourages the believers to meditate upon God's gracious favor towards them. This is the greatest promoter to gospel living unity.

May we all be humbled as we look to all that God has given us "in the Beloved One."