New Year’s Message
New Year’s Message
Bro. Micah See | 4 January 2026 | Philippians 2 : 1 - 4
2 Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
A “new year” exists only on the calendar—nothing truly becomes new unless we choose to change. Seasons of life can feel overwhelming as responsibilities grow, roles expand, and the demands of work, leadership, and family increase. In such moments, it would be empty to simply call others to “work harder” without first wrestling honestly with our own limits, struggles, and need for renewal.
Matthew 7:3–5 — “the speck… the plank… Hypocrite! First remove the plank…”
This is a “heart check” moment: before we correct others, we must look at ourselves.
The theme was chosen because encouragement is essential in keeping a church from drifting into what is wrong. Even in difficult seasons, hardship is not without hope—God often strengthens His people through the fellowship of the church. Beginning a new season with genuine encouragement helps anchor the congregation in what is right, guiding hearts away from error and toward what God intends for His people.
Philippians 2 : 1–4 key excerpts:
Philippians 2:1 — “consolation in Christ… comfort of love… fellowship of the Spirit”
Philippians 2:2 — “fulfill my joy… like-minded… same love… one accord… one mind”
Philippians 2:3 — “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition… lowliness of mind… esteem others”
Philippians 2:4 — “look out… also for the interests of others”
From this passage, he moved through three clear, practical lessons.
What does it mean to have this consolation
A church marked by true encouragement reflects the spirit of Romans 12 lived out in everyday life. The “consolation,” “comfort,” and “fellowship” described in Philippians are not merely emotions or words—they are expressed through visible, consistent care among God’s people.
Scripture presents Romans 12 as a clear picture of what God intends His church to be: a community marked by sincere love, genuine affection, honour, diligence, prayer, generosity, and hospitality.
Scripture beside the point (Romans 12:9–13 – key excerpts):
“Let love be without hypocrisy… kindly affectionate to one another… in honour giving preference… fervent in spirit… continuing steadfastly in prayer… given to hospitality.”
True encouragement is often not found in grand gestures or special occasions. More often, it is revealed through quiet faithfulness—the brethren who gather week after week, those who arrive early to welcome others, those who keep Bible classes and prayer meetings going, those who prepare food for fellowship, sisters meeting regularly for study, youth staying engaged, and members who continue to serve without recognition, sometimes forgotten in the every day.
This stands in contrast to a culture shaped by social media, where attention is drawn to highlight moments and public recognition. Scripture, however, calls God’s people to diligence and faithfulness in the unseen, uncelebrated work that sustains the body of Christ.
While special days may draw larger crowds, God is ultimately honoured by steady devotion and consistent commitment. The quiet, faithful presence of God’s people—Sunday after Sunday—reflects a deeper form of worship.
Heart takeaway: Your consistent faithfulness may be the very encouragement God uses to help someone else remain strong.
“Esteem Others Better Than Himself”
True encouragement is rooted in humility, the kind that begins with seeing others clearly and compassionately. Philippians 2:3 calls believers to a “lowliness of mind,” which is not self-deprecation, but a deliberate choice to consider the weight others are carrying.
When we pause to look around the congregation, we often realise that many are bearing unseen burdens—health challenges, parenting pressures, demanding responsibilities—yet they continue to worship, serve, seek prayer, and lean on the church as a source of strength and life.
This perspective helps us understand that to “esteem others better” is not about minimizing ourselves, but about recognising the faith, endurance, and struggles of those around us rather than centering everything on our own difficulties.
Philippians 2:3 — “In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
Galatians 6:2–5 — “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ… let each one examine his own work.”
We may not know the full story behind a person’s smile or quiet presence, but simple acts—showing up, speaking kindly, listening, praying—can have a far greater impact than we realise.
When each member chooses this mindset—to esteem others above self—the church naturally becomes a place rich in encouragement, reflecting God’s design for His people.
Heart takeaway: True humility does not diminish people; it strengthens and lifts others up.
What does it look like to look at the interest of others
Philippians 2:4 calls believers to lift their eyes beyond personal concerns and intentionally care for the interests of others.
This principle is vividly illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. Two religious men saw the wounded traveller and “passed by,” perhaps reasoning that it was not their responsibility.
The Samaritan, however, stopped. He showed compassion, took action, paid the cost, and accepted responsibility. Jesus concluded with a clear charge: the true neighbour is “he who showed mercy,” followed by the command, “Go and do likewise.”
Philippians 2:4 — “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Luke 10:25–37 — “Who is my neighbor?… He who showed mercy… Go and do likewise.”
This lesson speaks directly to life in the church. It is easy to become absorbed in personal challenges and overlook the needs around us—yet a thriving congregation depends on members who are consistently thinking beyond themselves.
A “Good Samaritan” church is made up of people who appreciate the work of the church throughout the year, who ask not only what the church can do for me, but how I can help the church, and who plan intentionally to contribute to its growth and stability.
Such members think ahead about what it takes for the church to continue—its worship, its teaching, its fellowship, and its outreach. They do not merely notice needs; they step in, offer help, and share responsibility. They come not only with observations, but with willing hands and hearts ready to serve.
Heart takeaway: Love becomes real when it interrupts our comfort, and commitment becomes visible when we intentionally plan to support the work of the church—not just occasionally, but faithfully throughout the year.
Closing – What Our “One Mind” Must Be Focused On
In Philippians 2:1, 3–4, the church is called to live with humility, selflessness, and genuine concern for one another. Verse 2 brings these exhortations together by pointing us to the goal: to be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. This unity is not about comfort, uniformity, or maintaining the status quo, but about having a shared focus on spiritual improvement and growth as a church.
Throughout the Bible, God’s pattern is clear and consistent. He calls His people to evangelise the world, to sow the seed so that it may bear fruit, and to grow in the fruits of the Spirit. The overarching message of Scripture is one of growth and progress, never stagnation or complacency. God’s people are always being moved forward in faith, purpose, and obedience.
This truth invites honest self-reflection.
Have we done enough?
Have we become—even in part—the kind of congregation Paul describes in Philippians?
What more can each of us do to help the church grow, remain united, and reflect Christ more clearly?
These are questions meant not to discourage, but to call us higher.
When a congregation chooses this path—humility over self-interest, unity over division, and growth over comfort—it begins to experience what God promises in Philippians 2:1: the consolation of Christ, the comfort of love, and the fellowship of the Spirit.
This is the blessing that flows when God’s people move forward together with one heart and one purpose.
