A Church of Unity
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Context, Context, Context
Context, Context, Context
Author? Recipient? Purpose? Setting?
Illustration
Illustration
Lack of Joy and Unity in the Church
Main Idea: A Biblical church is a United church.
Main Idea: A Biblical church is a United church.
Text
Text
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Phil. 2:1: Christian Experiences
Phil. 2:1: Christian Experiences
Text
Text
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
4 Christian Qualities
4 Christian Qualities
Encouragement in Christ
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Comfort from Love
Participation in the Spirit
Affection and Sympathy
Phil 2:2a: Christian Joy
Phil 2:2a: Christian Joy
Text
Text
English Standard Version Chapter 2
complete my joy
Complete
Complete
Complete means to fill up. Paul has already experienced joy.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice,
Joy
Joy
Comes from Salvation (Joy of the Lord)
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Strength
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Eternal
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Phil. 2:2b: Christian Unity
Phil. 2:2b: Christian Unity
Text
Text
English Standard Version Chapter 2
by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Qualities of Unity
3 Qualities of Unity
Like-Minded/One Mind
Set aside quarrels and focus on the mind and purpose of Christ.
There can be differences of opinion, but the essentials, the things Jesus calls us to be and do as his church.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Same Love
Love one another sacrificially with the love of Christ serving one another.
This is the same love Christ showed to us.
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.
United in Spirit
We are united in spirit, as soul brothers, when we possess one mind and one love.
This unity in spirit will enable the church to work as one.
Practical Responses to Qualities of Unity
Practical Responses to Qualities of Unity
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Worship with One Another
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Encourage/Exhort One Another
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Serve One Another
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: