Striving Side by Side for the Faith of the Gospel
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We cannot be fruitful members of the household of God or citizens of the Kingdom of God without a meaningful connection to our fellow saints and citizens.
We cannot be fruitful members of the household of God or citizens of the Kingdom of God without a meaningful connection to our fellow saints and citizens.
We cannot be fruitful members of the household of God or citizens of the Kingdom of God without a meaningful connection to our fellow saints and citizens.
1. The Ministry of Fellowship - vs. 25-26
1. The Ministry of Fellowship - vs. 25-26
To remain is more necessary on your account.
Paul was conscious of the fact that what he most wanted was not first importance, but rather what was most needed in the body of Christ, in the plan of God.
This reminds us that there is a very real ministry that each one of us can and does perform to one degree or another, one which does not require the gift of teaching or administration or anything particular at all.
Helping their progress and joy in the faith.
I hope I can help
Paul knew this was possible, and he is not bragging here or assuming his importance as much as he is offering something that he himself has received, and seen transpiring in the lives of other saints.
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
I have received comfort and joy from you
The hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you
There is a ministry of fellowship which is just that - fellowship, standing with Christ in common, and bringing refreshment, help, comfort, and joy to our brothers and sisters.
2. The Manner of Fellowship - vs. 27-28
2. The Manner of Fellowship - vs. 27-28
Only Let - Whatever happens, let...
Let your manner of life be Worthy...
Conduct yourselves as good citizens
In a manner befitting of the citizen
In a way that people will recognize that you are...
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Citizenship was important for romans, like the Philippians.
Rights and Privileges, along with the duties.
Our citizenship is in heaven, with Christ and His Kingdom.
Rights and Priveleges, along with the duties.
Whether I come and see, or whether I am absent and hear...
Recognizable Citizenship
Our conduct?
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
A Harmony of Purpose.
Harmony Illustration
With evident love, walking in the Spirit, in unity and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, we are to be...
Standing Firm
Military Term
Striving Side-By Side
Athletic Term
Teamwork
For the same goal
For the same city
What is the object we are standing and striving together upon and for?
The Faith of the Gospel
Faith in the Gospel
The Faith (belief, creed) of the Gospel
The Faithfulness that is produced by the Gospel
In the context of the book
The Advance of it.
Why is there a need to stand firm together and strive for the faith, the truthfulness and the message, of the Gospel of Christ?
Opponents
This truth is opposed.
What is the problem with it being opposed?
Look at the ramifications.
Look at its value.
Look at its Author.
Salvation vs. Destruction.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
So what does striving together for it look like?
What does it not look like?
Standing Firm as One
rather, unified in One Spirit
Side-By-Side
Not swords drawn against one another
Striving
Struggle Forward - advance.
3. A Mark of Fellowship - vs. 29-30
3. A Mark of Fellowship - vs. 29-30
It has been granted...
a gift given out of generosity
A. to believe
That’s a gift!
B. to suffer for his sake
That’s a gift!
Belief is realy a gift when we see the weight of opposition, and we see that in this text as it describes our suffering as
for the sake of Christ
On behalf of
This is from the very teaching of Jesus
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Granted to you to believe - I chose you for this
Granted to you to suffer - I chose you for this
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
They will do this to you on my account
They would still be doing it to Him if he were here.
Don’t believe that?
Look at his words
If they hated you...
The one who believes in me will do greater things...
Look at his Spirit
It is better for me to leave so that the Spirit can come...
Let these things be our encouragement, and let it be then the reason that we obey this scripture
by that Spirit
Stand Side by Side and struggle forward for the Gospel.