10. Mar 16 - Philippians 2:1-4 “The Challenge of Coming Together”
If you want to win, team unity is essential.
Our effectiveness is determined by inner qualities, not outward abilities.
Do you pull together with other Christians?
What many people experience in church is:
- Uncertainty of purpose.
- Ambiguity of basic faith.
- Disunity coming from conflicting desires.
The work of Christ is always hindered where there is disunity.
Paul gives us five essentials for coming together in unity.
Remember What You Have Received (2:1-2a)
Christians receive many blessings from God.
The “if” of this passage could be translated “since” in order to convey the true meaning.
Because of their relationship with Christ they had received:
- Encouragement.
- Comfort.
- Fellowship.
- Tenderness.
- Compassion.
Resolve To Pull Together (2:2)
Look at the words Paul uses. We’re called to:
- Be like-minded.
- Have the same love.
- Be one in spirit.
- Be one in purpose.
Another of Paul’s call to unity: 1 Corinthians 1:10
But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony, and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you; but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments. Amplified Bible
One of the greatest needs of the church today is for unity.
John 17:21 - Jesus said our unity is a testimony to the fact that God sent Him into the world.
This kind of unity must be:
- Worked for.
- Chosen.
- Purposefully undertaken.
- A decision of the will.
Resist Selfish Attitudes and Actions (2:3a)
We can be the worst enemy of what God is trying to do to bring us together.
James 4:1
Selfishness is at the root of every sin.
“Pride only breeds quarrels…” Proverbs 13:10a
We must resist all selfish attitudes and actions.
Regard Others as More Important Than You (2:3b)
Here is a command that has the power to deliver us from attitudes of selfishness and pride.
God’s commands are not a demand upon you but rather a demand upon the God who gave the command.
Romans 12:10
In order to be able to do this we must have the quality of humility.
Humility:
- Is the ability to see ourselves as we really are before God.
- Informs us that we are no better than anyone else.
- Enables us to look forward toward others.
- Is essential to a healthy relationship.
1 Peter 5:5-6
Refocus on the Needs of Others (2:4)
The mark of a true Christian is that we are to genuinely love one another.
Romans 15:2-3a
1 Corinthians 10:24
We must yield together to the Spirit of God. Acts 4:31-32a
