The Book Philippians (1:27-2:11)

What is up Vertical. Week 2 of the Book of Philippians.

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Here is my main point for today:

Main Point: The greatest hindrance to the name of Christ, is those who call themselves Christians, yet do not follow Christ.

Principle # 1- The commitment to the Gospel.

Phil 1:27-30 “27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.”

Paul does not pull any punches. He reminds the church of Philippi that whether he is there or not, whatever happens, they have a commitment to the Gospel of Christ. There are three commitments that I see in this passage:

The commitment to the church.

“...stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” (v.27b)

The commitment against opposition.

“...without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” (v.28)

The commitment in suffering.

“...For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” (v.29)

Main Point: The greatest hindrance to the name of Christ, is those who call themselves Christians, yet do not follow Christ.

Principle #2- The commitment to Church Unity.

Phil 2:1-4 “1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Unity is achieved by:

Salvation:

Put your faith in Christ’ Saving Power

Love:

Not an emotional feeling but an act of will.

Conviction:

It ain’t wrong but it ain’t right.

Tenderness & Compassion

Affection. An emotional involvement. People you care for.

Unity is characterized by like-minded people working towards the same purpose.

Main Point: The greatest hindrance to the name of Christ, is those who call themselves Christians, yet do not follow Christ.

Principle #3- The Commitment to Humility.

Phil 2:3-8 “3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

Humility means:

Value others.

Help others win.

Reject manipulation.

Embrace an attitude of service

To kill our pride

Christ is the supreme example of humility

Principle #4- The Commitment to Christ

Phil 2:9-11 “9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Following Christ means acknowledge Christ’s Lordship now, instead of later.

Rev 5:11-13 “11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!””

Thermometer Gun

Main Point: The greatest hindrance to the name of Christ, is those who call themselves Christians, yet are not committed to follow Christ.

Let’s pray.