SF572 - THE JOY OF UNITY - UNITED WE STAND (Philippians 2 1-4)
SF572
THE JOY OF UNITY
United We Stand
Philippians 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION
The Threat: Disunity
In Paul’s Day
False doctrine from without (3:1-3)
Dealt with the nature of salvation
Disagreement from within (4:1-3)
Euodia & Synthche
In our Day
False doctrine from without
Liberalism
Legalism
Disagreements from within
Over methods
The Cure: Christian Unity
Not simply union
Two cats tied together
Not uniformity
Everyone has to look alike...
Unity
The ability to agree on the truth of the Bible and to share a common goal... This come from within!
1A. THE FOUNDATION FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY (1)
1B. A Certainty in Salvation (1a)
“Encouragement” = comfort, consultation
“From being united with Christ” = in Christ
The basis of our encouragement and unity is our relationship with Christ - This is the glue that holds us together!
(Galatians 3:28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
2B. The Comfort of His Love (1b)
“Comfort” = comfort, consolation
“Agape” = unconditional love of God
This relieves us of the pressure and need to perform for love!
(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
3B. The Companionship of His Spirit (1c)
“Fellowship” = koinonia, communion, fellowship.
His presence (John 14:16-17: 16:7)
His purpose (John 14:26; 15:26)
4B. A Compassion for His People (1d)
“Tenderness” = bowels, inward affection, + tender mercy.
“Compassion” = pity:‑‑mercy.
Colossians 3:12-13
2A. THE FRUITS OF CHRISTIAN UNITY (2-4)
1B. A Common Mind set (2a)
“Like-minded” = having the same mind
The key to this is found in...
Philippians 2:5
2B. A Compassionate Motive (2b)
“Same love” = this is the selfless love of Christ!
(John 13:35) By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
This is unconditional love - it does not depend on performance!
3B. A Compelling Mandate (2c)
“One in spirit and purpose”
(Romans 15:5) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,
To Exalt the Savior
(1 Corinthians 10:31) So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
To Evangelize the Sinner
(Mark 16:15) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
To Equip the Saints
(Ephesians 4:11‑12) ... some to be pastors and teachers, {12} to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
4B. A Considerate Manner (3-4)
Rooted in genuine humility (3)
“Selfish ambition” = contentionious, strife.
“Vain conceit” = empty glorying, i.e. self‑conceit:‑‑vain‑glory.
“Humility” = humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty:‑‑humbleness of mind,
“The humble person is not the one who thinks meanly of himself; he simply does not think of himself at all!” - Andrew Murray
“...better...” = huperecho, to hold oneself above, to excel; superior,
Reflected by gracious charity (4)
J - esus
O - others
Y - ou
APPLICATION
You want to have a...
better Church?
better Marriage?
better Home?
better Career?
Then...
Make Certain of your Salvation
Find Comfort in His Love
Seek the Companionship of His Spirit
Show Compassion to His People
Then you will...
Share a common Mind set
Serve with a compassionate motive
Sense a compelling mandate
Behave in a considerate manner
Then Life will come together!!!