Unity - An Exercise in the Meekness and Humility of Christ

Introduction

Unity is an exercise in meekness and humility. Paul’s writings, the work of James, and Jesus’ interaction with humanity in the gospels, indeed His sacrifice itself… they convince me this is true. When we speak of the unity of the church, the “rebar” holding us together is the body of Christ imitating Jesus’ humility and meekness. Mending relationships, asking for forgiveness, readily submitting to the needs of other brothers or sisters in Christ, gently restoring those in sin to a sabbath peace in Jesus, and letting go of grudges or hardships… those are the nuts and bolts of unity.

A good question for us to ask is: “Why is it like this?” And, “Do we see this call to unity in the Bible?” In our society, unity is something we verbally exult. But, it’s hardly the mantra of The United States. We’re more diverse and divided than we are different but unified. A sad truth for sure. But it’s arguable that civic and moral leaders still cling to the hope that we can be a nation united. (Yet, if not to Christ, to what will we cling for unity?!

The church is called to be a people of unity in Christ. “Same”, “like-minded”, “one” … those are terms Paul uses in Philippians to describe his plea for the church’s unity. Be united in your proliferation of the message of Christ. His letter to the Philippians shares three examples of how to accomplish unity.

You may ask, “Is this relevant for graduates?” Yes! It is. The first example Paul gives of how to pursue unity is none other than the life of The Lord Jesus Christ. His example in chapter 2:5-11, applies to the church as a collective body and to each individual within the body and how they “walk” day-by-day. Unity is an exercise in meekness and humility… and it is the witness of the Church. It is the example of Jesus himself. It’s an example worth following. Whatever your commencement today, lead on by following Jesus’ example.

First Service Intro:

Second Service Intro:

I know today is a special day for those who are commencing. Beginning life. Starting the life-long process of embarking on who you will be, what you will do, with who m you may do life,… and how you will pursue that thing. I pray what you find in today’s message is exactly what Paul hoped his readers in the Philippian church would find; an example!

It’s true and I am sure of it… just as Paul wrote in the opening pages of this letter, “God, who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6) Each of you is a part of His workmanship… His “poiema” – His craftsmanship or creative masterpiece as is said in Eph. 6:10. For a few minutes today, I want to consider this good work that God began in you… and the enormous challenge of bringing it to completion… not the challenge that God faces. He will do it. But, the inevitable challenges you and I will and do face.

Message Introduction:

The opening parts of Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers will need to be summed up for the message today. I’ll borrow a little from the end of Paul’s letter as well. The majority of our time will be spent in chapter 2:5-11 if you’d like to go ahead and turn your bible there.

You need to know a couple of details – historical facts that give you the context of Paul’s writing.

1. There was a Philippian war fought in 42 BC where Rome won this land over. Following that battle some Italian residents were forced to move to Philippi. Those living in Philippi were “protected” under a law called “Italic right”. Therefore, as an accommodation for being forced off their land, they were considered full citizens of Rome. They benefited from full citizenry and received all the rights of a Roman. The language Paul uses about his love for this church, his plea for their “partnership” and calling to live “worthy of their calling” as “citizens of heaven” would have pierced their ears and snatched their attention.

2. Paul spends a considerable amount of time and language in the opening chapter expressing his gratitude toward the church and their willingness to support him in his initial missionary endeavors. The word to clue in on is “partnership”. It’s especially important to understand from the very beginning of Paul’s letter… he’s NOT focusing on 1 person. He’s speaking to the entire church of Philippi! (1:1 – “all saints, overseers and deacons”). The word for partnership is “koinania” – meaning fellowship, communion, or participation… THOSE WORDS ARE KEY for engaging the letter with the emphases Paul makes.

3. There was a “good work” – started among that “koinania” – that partnership. And God would be faithfully bring it to completion (Telos).

HOWEVER…

There’s at least one major question that inevitably comes up when people work together in partnership…

WHO’S GOING TO GET THE CREDIT?

I may even be willing to go so far as to say, the question could be, “Who’s in charge?” But I think if you follow the motives to their root… it’s still a question of “Who’s going to get the credit?”

The Philippian believers knew this struggle well. In fact, from the very outset of the letter, Paul makes it clear he loves the Philippians and he’s extremely grateful for their support. In fact, they are the only church that supported Paul in his initial mission work. But there is one, major problem that must be addressed. The actual problem isn’t named!!

But WHAT the problem is DOING … ENDANGERING their UNITY is the crux of the letter.

THEY. MUST. BE. ONE!

HOW WILL THEY DO IT!!

Consider an analogy from art…

Mona Lisa – Oil Painting. One layer. Singular focal point.

Mosaic – Multi-tile. Inlaid. Individual pieces dependent on their “neighbor” to complete the picture and give us our focal points. If a piece is removed… the work is incomplete. Together, they make a magnificent, complete, picture!

The letter to the Philippians is much more like the mosaic than the oil painting. It’s a work that exults partnership (communion, fellowship and participation) for the gospel. Following the opening of the letter and Paul’s expressions of gratitude and reinforcement of his love for the church and their work for the gospel, Paul shifts his language. Now, he’s finished with the appreciations. The Philippians need a way forward to complete the good work that Christ began in them. They need something that will not only inspire them to live worthy of the calling they have received as citizens of heaven… but give them a weighty example of how to do so that cannot be ignored!

Let’s look at Philippians 2:5-11. Many have said this is an early Christian poem Paul used in this portion… some think he’s the author of this poetic segment. Regardless, Paul moves from appreciation to a vivid explanation of righteous, strong, and humble motivation.

AND HE SHOWS THEM HOW JESUS CHOSE TO LIVE.

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

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

See, Paul is addressing a serious issue of friction that was rooting out their ability to move forward on the “good work that God started in them.”

Paul does what every good leader does… he directs them to an example. An example of someone who will help them live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ... The idea of a broken partnership and fledgling participation is at hand. He redirects their attention to someone who’s more worthy, more powerful, more amazing, MORE than any of them will ever be. And he simply says, look how the King of the Universe handled power, an impeccable resume, and self exultation… He set it all aside! So that the good work (of salvation) that was began in Him would be completed (telos, fulfilled, finished)!

You see, the world knows one way to “accomplish greatness”. Pursue what you love, go at solo, forget why you might want to do whatever it is you want to do - as long as makes a lot of money, and be sure you come out as number one! This is the epitome of selfishness!! And our world exults that position!

Jesus turns that attitude on it’s head! Paul says in the build up to this epic portrayal of Christ’s person - “Do nothing out of selfish ambition of conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others! Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… (Phil. 2:3-5)

Philippians 2:3–5 ESV

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

An Acronym for Decision Making and Having Jesus’ Attitude

Revelation

Reason

Experience

Self Exultation (Emotion)

Closing

It’s a fact… we are going to run into situations where we feel like WE ARE THE ONES who should be in charge, in the lead, receiving the credit, ready to take our stand… You know… that may be the case!

But, more importantly, regardless of what we thing we are worth, how hard we’ve worked compared to someone else, or how someone else got to a position that out-performed ours… Jesus gives an indisputable example of how to consider oneself.

And notice this final reality from the passage. Paul is using the actions of Christ as a filter for the Philippians to filter their actions through. Then end of the poem isn’t just an epic ending. Look at Phil.2:9-10 again in the context of the letter…

Philippians 2:9–10 (ESV)

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,

Kate’s quote: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.”

God said every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father… Jesus response was, so be it. That’s not my concern.