The Pattern Of The Prisoner

As I muse through Philippians 2 I find Paul has left us a pattern for our prison situations. Peter said Christ has left as an example that we should follow His steps. The word example is the word used for alphabet letters we trace off, when learning to write.  In 2:2 I find the pattern’s purpose. Paul speaks of his joy being full. C S Lewis life story is called surprised by joy. Surely Paul was surprised by joy on the road to Damascus. Paul wanted to find  in the life of the Philippians brethren that which would cause him to have joy unspeakable and full of glory. One of the things that would cause his joy to be filled would be if they were like minded The phrase means unity  of thought. What a great blessing to find people that think like us. Charles Haddon Spurgeon said,” If walk back in time a 100 years I will every few feet find those who believe as I do. If I walk forward a 100 years, I will walk a many a mile before I find those who believe as I do”. The second thing  to bring Paul joy was that, they have the same love. God’s love covers sin, connects with the Saviour,, and comforts the saints. The third thing to bring joy is that they be in one accord. There can be no unity unless Christ is in the midst.