Proposition: Those who always agree in the Lord are the ones God blesses.
Interrogative Sentence: Why do we need to be in agreement in the Lord always?
Transitional Sentence: Let us see how the Philippians agreed always in the Lord.
Outline:
I. FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL, 1-2 (“in the cause of the gospel”)
A. They believe the same gospel
· They keep it and ponder it in their hearts
B. They proclaim the same gospel
· Through the written word (BIBLE) and through the living word (Life)
C. They defend the same gospel
· John 3:16
· God sent His son
· His Son, Jesus (Nazarene, born of Mary, a Hebrew), died for us, buried and rose from the dead after three days
II. FOR THEY BELONG IN THE SAME FAMILY, 1-2 (“Therefore, my brothers…”)
A. They have the same brothers in the Lord (Paul, Clement, and the rest of believers)
B. Their names were written in the same Book (of Life), 3
· Our names are written in the same book, maybe some us, names are written on the same page.
· If our names are written on the same page and book, then we belong to one great story of Love, Reconciliation, Redemption, Justification, Sanctification, Resurrection, and Glorification
Illustration:
If we are really part of God’s family, Jesus’ brothers and sister we are to do God’s will. To be in agreement with one another is God’s will. We are to listen to what he said in Matthew 12:46-50 (cf. Mark 3:21,31-32).
Note: Jesus’ family was there to take him home because they thought He has lost His senses. They are not in agreement with the Lord’s will.
III. FOR THEY ARE FELLOW WORKERS IN THE LORD, 3 (“of my fellow workers”)
A. They have the same Lord (Jesus Christ), 1
· One master
· One commander
B. They have the same co-workers (Paul, Clement, and the rest of believers)
· One goal
· One mission
· One purpose
· One work
· One team
Illustration: Jesus gave importance in partnership in the ministry to achieve the goals. He considers everyone who works for the gospel as fellow worker.
“Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:49-50)
Conclusion:
Disagreements divide and tend to weaken the body. When the body is weak it cannot move normally, then our mandate to spread the good news is also affected. Therefore, we must always agree in the Lord.
“Again, I tell you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My Name, there I am with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20
