Christian Unity

Title: Christian Unity Script: Philippians 2:1-13

Type: Expository Where: GNBC 9-23-18/6-5-22

Intro: In one of Aesop’s Fables he describes an old man who had several sons, who were always falling out with one another. He had often, but to no purpose, exhorted them to live together in harmony. One day he called them together, and he gathered a bundle of sticks and tied them together and asked each one of them to try to break them. Each one tried as hard as they cold but none of them could break the bundle of sticks. Then the father cut the cord that he tied them together with and told his sons to break them separately. This was done with the greatest ease. “See, my sons,” the old man said “the power of unity!” Bound together by brotherly love, you may defy almost every mortal danger, but divided, you will fall prey to your enemies. “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Eccl.4:12) It is easy to “fall out” in the church. Can be a mortal danger. Need to realize how important Christ says that unity is in the body.

Prop: Examining Phil.2 we’ll better understand the need for Christian unity.

BG: 1. Written by the Apostle Paul during period of arrest.

2. Paul was writing to stem possible discord and disunity that centered around 2 key women: Euodia and Syntyche.

3. Today: communion Sunday. Always important to be reminded of need for church’s unity.

Prop: Phil. 2 will give us three insights into Christian Unity.

I. Motivation for Christian Unity. Vv.1-4

A. The Right Motives for Christian Unity vv. 1-2 a

1. Paul gives us a couple of very important lists that we need to consider in relation to Unity.

a. Illust: I find lists to be very helpful, especially the older I get. I tend to forget…and often the most important item. Now actually, it is a ploy of mine so I can get Carol to let me go to Menards more often! Ha! Unless I write down and think about the list, I forget an important item.

b. Paul has a list here: There are 4 “ifs” in v1. This passage is conditional. We could understand Paul’s writing to be read: “IF this condition is true, and it is, then…” Thus, the “therefore” means “because”. In this passage the “Therefore” looks back and the “if” looks forward to our divinely bestowed realities that we are enjoying as believers in Christ: consolation of love, encouragement in Xst, fellowship of the Spirit, affection and compassion. These are all realities we experience daily in Jesus.

2. What are these Spiritual Realities that Paul claims should motivate us?

a. “encouragement in Christ” – paralesis – Same root for the Holy Spirit in Jn. 14:16, paracleton – to come alongside of and offer help and encouragement. This we have in Christ. Illust – When’s the last time you took time to encourage parents of a special needs child? When’s the last time you talked to an elderly person? When’s the last time introduced self to an immigrant family or asked them to share a meal with you?

b. consolation of love – The Greek word used means to speak closely with someone. As when someone is giving solace and comfort. Illust: You see a young couple in love – one has suffered some disappointment and the other is very close and intent and speaking softly. Consoling. Friend, the consoling love of Christ offers salvation to sinners! Romans 5:5 “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

c. Fellowship of the Spirit – koinonia – Mutual partnership and sharing. All believers share in the HS. Every believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit. We are to be united in Christ because the HS dwells in each one of us. If you are out of fellowship w/another believer must deal with.

d. Affection and compassion – 4th reality that Paul mentions that motivates us to unity. In some ways this refers to our emotions. Illust: Just as every marriage will break down without affection, so will churches! I want you to think about one person or family you can show love to this week.

B. Now notice the Correct Marks of Spiritual Unity – v. 2b

1. Paul lists 4 Essential Marks of Spiritual Unity.

a. “being of same mind” – like minded. Means to strive to understand one another and be in genuine agreement. (Illust- Will Danaher in The Quiet Man, “Write his name in my book. Strike a line through it!” Ever notice how some people simply write other folks off? They cross them once…they disappoint them once, they look, act or talk differently…write them off. If you name the name of Christ you do NOT have that option! Person Christ died for.