Be Unified

Introduction

Joy

Disunity robs us of our joy.

The killing of Charlie Kirk—a nation that is deeply divided—where we view those who do not agree with our political and social views are the enemy. We dehumanize them and justify actions of hostility, hatred, and desiring their suffering and death.

But our disunity and distain in our society and on the political level is only a reflection of something more serious. We see this disunity among neighbors, our families, and even in our churches.

Text

Philippians 4:2–3 ESV

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Mark 3:25 ESV

25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Big Idea

The essence of Christian unity lies in our willingness to embody humility and selflessness, following the example set by Christ, which is crucial for a harmonious and healthy church community.

Be unified in spirit and purpose, emphasizing humility and considering others above yourselves as you follow the example of Christ.

Genuine Christian unity requires an active commitment to serve others in humility, creating a community where love prevails and God's glory is fully manifested.

Jesus

This passage points to Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and service. By looking to Christ's attitude, believers are called to emulate His spirit in their relationships, pointing to His mission of reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ.

1. Prioritize Christian Unity

Philippians 2:1–2 ESV

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Paul appeals to the Philippians to tap into their experience of encouragement in Christ, sharing in the Spirit, love, and sympathy, as the foundation for unity.

Philippians 1:27 ESV

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

We need to live as citizens worthy of the Gospel by standing firm in one Spirit…

This unity sets the groundwork for a community that reflects Christ's love, moving believers away from divisiveness towards a harmonious church life focused on love and purpose.

2. Eliminate Ego Entrapment

Philippians 2:3 ESV

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Verse 3 deals with the heart of humility.

Paul instructs the church to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, encouraging an attitude of humility and valuing others above oneself.

This selflessness mirrors Christ's humility, fostering an environment where divisiveness gives way to genuine care and concern for one another.

Humility is a uniquely Christian virtue, which, like the message of a crucified Messiah, stands in utter contradiction to the values of the Greco-Roman world, which generally considered humility not a virtue but a shortcoming.

Gordon Fee

3. Elevate Others' Interests

Philippians 2:4 ESV

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Paul urges believers not to look to their own interests but also to the interests of others.

This shift from self-centeredness to other-centeredness reflects Jesus's own example and opens the door for unity and love within the Christian community by putting others' needs at the forefront.

4. Adopt Christ's Attitude

Philippians 2:5 ESV

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Verse 5 serves as the capstone, exhorting believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

His example of humility, servanthood, and obedience becomes the template for Christian relationships.

This Christ-like attitude is foundational for overcoming division and achieving true unity in the church.

Conclusion

Philippians 2:6–11 ESV

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.