Philippians 2

1 Therefore

if there is any 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.

M.O.T. – Christian Unity

C.I.T. – Paul reminded them that identification with Christ required working together.

Thesis – The seriousness of identifying with Christ required unity among Christians.

Proposition – I want the hearers to understand that, if the world is to see a honest image of Jesus, we must be unified.

Probing Question – How can a diverse group of believers present a unified appearance?

Unifying Word – Ambitions

1. Christian unity is a labor of love. Vs. 1,2a

2. Christian unity requires having the same goals. Vs. 2

3. Christian unity requires putting others first. Vs. 3

5 Let this mind be in you

which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

7 but made Himself of no reputation,

taking the form of a bondservant,

and

coming in the likeness of men.

8 And

being found in appearance as a man,

He humbled Himself

and

became obedient to the point of death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him

and

given Him the name which is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of those in heaven,

and of those on earth,

and of those under the earth,

11 and that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

M.O.T. – Exaltation through Surrender

C.I.T. – Paul reminded the Philippians of the example of Christ’s servanthood, and His exaltation because of it.

Thesis – Exaltation in God’s eyes and others can only come through genuine humility.

Proposition – I want the hearers to understand that a good standing before God can only come through surrender and service.

Probing Question – Why is total surrender necessary?

Unifying Word – Goals

1. To identify with Christ

2. To serve my fellow man

3. To surrender all to Christ

4. To exalt Christ now

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear

and trembling;

13 for it is God who works in you

both to will

and

to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,

15 that you may become blameless and harmless,

children of God without fault

in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,

among whom you shine

as lights in the world,

16 holding fast the word of life,

so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ

that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering

on the sacrifice and service of your faith,

I am glad and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

M.O.T. – The Christian Life is to be Lived Out

C.I. T. – Paul reminded that the Christian life, if real, would have evidence of such.

Thesis – True Christians will have a lifestyle that backs up their profession.

Proposition – I want the hearers to understand that there must be evidence of their salvation.

Probing Question – How can Christians live a productive life?

Unifying Word – Works

1. Salvation is more than a profession. Vs. 12

2. Through surrender works come naturally. Vs. 13

3. Obedience enables testimony. Vs 14-16

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly,

that I also may be encouraged

when I know your state.

20 For I have no one like-minded,

who will sincerely care for your state.

21 For all seek their own,

not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

22 But you know his proven character,

that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

23 Therefore I hope to send him at once,

as soon as I see how it goes with me.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

M.O.T. – Christian Concern

C.I.T. – Paul wanted the Philippians to know that, even in prison, he cared about their welfare.

Thesis – Concern for others should motivate us to move beyond our circumstances to ministering to them.

Proposition – I want the hearers to be more concerned about others and their needs than they are their own.

Probing Question – What must happen for us to be more concerned for others than ourselves?

Unifying Word – Conditions

1. A desire for spiritual growth in others. Vs 19

2. Ministry partners who are dependable. Vs. 20-23

3. A never say die attitude. Vs 24

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus,

my brother,

fellow worker,

and fellow soldier,

but your messenger

and the one who ministered to my need;

26 since he was longing for you all,

and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death;

but God had mercy on him,

and not only on him but on me also,

lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly,

that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness,

and hold such men in esteem;

30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death,

not regarding his life,

to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

M.O.T. – Dedicated workers

C.I.T – Paul praised a worker willing to give his life in the ministry for others

Thesis – Dedicated workers do, at times, experience trials and tribulations because of their service to others.

Proposition – I want the hearers to understand that the blessings of God for service are not always the happy joyous things we want.

Probing Question – Why live to serve others, if it may cost me my life?

Unifying Word – Commitments

1. To Christ. Vs 30

2. To fellow workers. Vs 25

3. To rejoicing in the Lord. Vs. 28-30