Second Order Issues

Opening

Philippians 2:1–11 NASB95

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

*Zorro

-pointy end

-this is our tendency

*Contending

- can be done with maturity

- squabbling cannot

*Confusion

-we must not confuse “hot button” issues with 1st order issues

The Issues

*Baptism

-credobaptism vs paedobaptism

-immersion vs affusion(pouring) vs aspersion(sprinkling)

*Women as pastors

*Church Government

-Episcopal/Bishop led/Anglican/Methodist

-Presbyterian/elder-led

-Plurality of elders

*Spiritual Gifts

-tongues/cessation

Denominations

*Baptist vs Presbyterian

-Westwood/Eastside

-largely built from 2nd order issues

One Purpose

*Philippians 2:2 “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

-Gospel Centered

-God Honoring

-service to each other