Scripture Reading: Phil. 2:2, 5

Ⅰ　

In the book of Philippians, the experience and enjoyment of Christ are a Body matter:

A　

Paul remained in the flesh for the saints' progress and joy of the faith—1:24-25.

B　

Paul's joy being made full indicates fellowship as a two-way traffic between him and the believers—2:1-4.

１　

The experience of Christ is a matter of proper mutuality between the apostle and the believers.

２　

Our attitude toward the apostle is a test of our condition.

３　

The proper fellowship between the believers and the apostle is a safeguard to the normal experience of Christ.

C　

Paul, being constituted a drink offering, was poured out upon the sacrifice of the believers' faith—v. 17.

D　

Paul's seeking after Christ resulted in a concern for the church—vv. 20-21.

Ⅱ　

The secret of the experience of Christ is to be one in soul or joined in soul—1:27; 2:2, 20-21:

A　

If we are only one in spirit but are not joined in soul, we will be hindered and limited in our experience of Christ—4:2.

B　

Differences in the soul are the primary cause of division—1 Cor. 1:10.

C　

Because Timothy was like-souled with Paul, he was in a position to experience Christ to the uttermost in the Body—Phil. 2:19-20.

D　

For the enjoyment of Christ we need such a "co-soul"—v. 2:

１　

Thinking the same thing in our mind delivers us from opinions—v. 2a.

２　

Having the same love in our emotion delivers us from the honey of having different levels of love for the saints—v. 2b.

E　

Being one in soul in the fellowship of the gospel delivers us from envy, strife, and selfish ambition—1:5, 15, 17.

Ⅲ　

The only way that we can be one in soul is by taking Christ as　our pattern—1 Pet. 2:21:

A　

Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming in the likeness of men, humbling Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross—Phil. 2:7-8.

B　

This pattern is within us—Col. 1:27; Phil. 1:19; 2:13.

C　

The way to take Christ as our pattern is by living the crucified life—Luke 9:23; Phil 3:10.

D　

By taking Christ as our pattern we have His mind to think the same thing— 2:2c, 5; 4:2.