Philippians 2
Unity in a Divided World
September 22, 2019
Philippians 2:14-18 NIV
Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:2 ESV
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Full accord – Together in soul, like an orchestra.
Story of my dad making my brother and I hug after we fought
There are 14 accounts of the children of Israel complaining and arguing once they left Egypt for the Promised Land.
Argue – an internal anger that spills out with our words.
Proverbs 12:18 NIV
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
We’re either looking for a fight or we’re looking for the Holy Spirit.
It seems many of us find ourselves caught between two tensions. As Christ followers, we do not want to be divisive or pick unnecessary fights. We also do not want to stay on the sidelines of important discussions and allow our voices to be muted by threats or intimidation.
Unity does not mean we always agree.
Wisdom says to choose your battles carefully.
Relationships are more valuable than winning an argument.
Rules of Engagement (Military)
When we’re right, we should be gracious.
Gloating is not a fruit of the Spirit. 😊
When we’re wrong, we should ask for forgiveness.
“You’re right, and I’m wrong. I am so sorry”
Conclusion:
The church is a community of revolutionary unity in Jesus.
Christianity upset the social order because class divisions dissolved when the Greeks, Romans and Jews gathered to worship.
The Table:
John 13:35 MSG
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. 35 This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other."
