Staying Unified Series

Philippians 2:1-11

Staying Unified

Canadian & American Worms Joke

My experience in church life can be like that, but often times it is more that the worms are crawling over one another to get on top! It is amazing that in the smallest churches that I’ve been involved in, there are at least a few people trying to push themselves to the front – to be in charge, to get the glory.

Most church splits get couched in theological terms, or the arguments are based on the practice of the church, but in the end they are usually really about who is in charge – who gets their way, who gets the glory.

I have to admit, that that is not my experience here

In the last passage, Paul mentions that when we are in adversity – or opposition, we need to stand in unity. I didn’t spend much time on that point, because I knew that he was going to expand on it in chapter 2.

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Motivation for keeping unified

Remember where you came from

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.– 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

Remember the gift that you have been given

Brynn

– verse 1 – the Joy that is in Christ – no need for seeking other glory

If you are tempted to push yourself forward – focus on what Jesus has done for you… is doing for you

Be unified with each other as you are with Christ

Our relationship with each other is to mirror our relationship with Jesus

Verse 1 Verse 2

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, - then make my joy complete by being like-minded,

if any comfort from his love, - having the same love,

if any common sharing in the Spirit, - being one in spirit

if any tenderness and compassion, - and of one mind.

No self-seeking “Selfish Ambition”

This is not about not using your gifts out of a false sense of humility – it is about motivation

No glory seeking “Vain Conceit”

Matthew 6:1-4

"Be careful not to do your ’acts of righteousness’ in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Look after each other “value others above yourself”

– Fred W

Be like Jesus 5-11

Knows who he is – “Who being in very nature God…”

The devil’s main temptation in the desert – “if you really are the Son of God…” – if he could attack Jesus’ identity, the war is won.

Man in airport – “do you know who I am?!”

When we know who we are, we have no need to prove ourselves.

If you struggle with glory seeking, or self seeking, (even if you don’t) meditate on who you are in Christ

In Christ, I am:

…God’s child - 1 Pet. 1 :23

In Christ, I am:

...Forgiven of all my sins - Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14; Col1:14; 1 John 2:12; 1 John 1:9

In Christ, I am:

...A new creature. - 2 Cor. 5:17

In Christ, I am:

...The temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Cor. 6:19

In Christ, I am:

...Blessed

- Deut. 28:1-14; Gal. 3:9

In Christ, I am:

...Holy and without blame before Him in love

- 1 Peter 1:16; Eph. 1:4

In Christ, I am:

...Victorious

- Rev.21:7

In Christ, I am:

...Set free

- John 8:31-33

In Christ, I am:

...Complete in Him

- Col.2:10

In Christ, I am:

...Free from condemnation

- Rom.8:1

In Christ, I am:

...Reconciled to God

- 2 Cor. 5:18

In Christ, I am:

...His faithful follower

- Rev. 17:14b; Eph. 5:1

In Christ, I am:

...Being changed into His image

- 2 Cor. 3: 18; Phil. 1 :6

In Christ, I am:

...Raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places

- Col2:12; Eph. 2:6

In Christ, I am:

...Beloved of God

- Col. 3:12; Rom. 1:7: 1 Thess. 1:4

Know who you are and you won’t have to ask anyone if they know who you are