Text: Philippians 2:1-4; John 17:21
Introduction: “Jesus prayed, “that they all may be one.”
Background: When Epaphroditus brought the mission gift from Philippi, he also brought word to Paul that the church was facing “division” because of false teachers (3:1-3) and disagreeing members within (4:1-3). These problems reveal there is a spiritual problem in their fellowship.
Quote: “There is a difference between unity and uniformity. Spiritual unity came from within: it is a matter of the heart. Uniformity is the result of pressure from without. “
The secret of joy in spite of circumstances is the Single Mind. The secret of joy in spite of people is the Submissive Mind. In Chapter one it is Christ first and in Chapter two it is others next. In Chapter one Paul is the soul winner and in Chapter two Paul is the servant.
Paul realized if the church loses its unity it loses its effectiveness for the cause of Christ. Knowing disunity is a potential danger in every church, Paul addresses the subject of unity in every one of his letters to churches. Here are some examples.
1 Corinthians 1:10
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Ephesians 4:2-4
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Colossians 3:12-15
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Although Philippi was a strong church in its teachings and missions, it also had the challenges to maintain unity. Paul knew the lack of unity would destroy this church’s effectiveness for God. So Paul warns them to protect themselves against disunity.
I. THE RIGHT MOTIVE FOR SPIRITUAL UNITY: (Vv. 2:1-2A)
A. AN UPWARD MOTIVE (POSITIONAL): “consolation in Christ”
* ”therefore” looks back to chapter (1:27)
* “if” looks forward: it is always conditional; Paul is not speaking about theological abstracts but personal relationships between Christians.
* “consolation” = means to come along side us and comfort us, counsel us, exhort us, encourage us and strengthen us. The Holy Spirit comes along side us to help us to be in one spirit and to be busy about God’s work, because we are “in Christ.”
John 14:15-16
15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Note: We are to let Christ’s comfort flow through us to those who are hurting.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Imagine: What would our unity be like if we lived out the “consolation of Christ” to those who are hurting or down rather than murmuring, grumbling, and complaining. Everyone in town would want that kind of church.
B. AN INWARD MOTIVE (PERSONAL): “comfort of love”
* “Comfort of love” = The love here is Agape love. It is the selfless and sacrificial love that Christ shows to us. It is the love that loves people who don’t deserve it and people who are unworthy of being loved.
John 15:12
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
* The answer to unity in the church is for the members to allow the love of Christ to flow through them. In verse 2 he says, “have the same love” for one another as Christ had/has for you.
Romans 12:9
9 Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
1 Thessalonians 3:12
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
C. AN OUTWARD MOTIVE (RELATIONAL): “fellowship of the Spirit … any affection and mercy … fulfill ye my joy”
* “fellowship” The Holy Spirit yokes with us to teach us and equip us and empower us to witness for him.
Acts 1:8
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
* The Holy Spirit yokes with us and causes our hearts to melt and unite with other believers . He made us one in purpose.
1 Corinthians 12:13
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Illustration: Training young horses to pull a wagon. You hook a stronger, wiser, more mature horse alongside the young horse who will set the pace, set the pull, and resist the panic. It isn’t long until the young horse is following the lead of the more mature horse.
* “Any bowels and mercies” = means tender compassion. Compassion is what caused Christ to keep after us even in our rebellion. That compassion drives Him to stay after us as long as we live.
Note: Many times in the gospels we are told how Jesus was moved with compassion.
1) Matthew 18: 21-25 = “Forgiving those who wrong us.”
2) Matthew 20:29-34 = Healing the blind men …
3) Mark 1:40-41 = Healing the leper …
4) Mark 5:1-20 = The demon possessed man of Gadara.
5) Mark 9:14-24 = Healing the demon possessed child …
6) Luke 7:11-14 = Raised widow of Nain’s boy …
7) Luke 10:30-35 = Good Samaritan
8) Luke 15:20 = the Father had compassion on the prodigal son …
Jude 22 “And of some have compassion, making a difference.”
* “Fulfill ye my joy” = Paul was so thrilled with their response. It was such a joy to minister to people like this. Their unity causes him great joy.
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
II. THE RIGHT MARKS OF SPIRITUAL UNITY: (v. 2:2b)
A. THINKING RIGHT: “like minded”
* It isn’t being cookie cutter Christians. It is normal to expect different opinions and views on different things. We all have different backgrounds, so on some things we may always differ.
Illustration: We can think differently and be wrong about some things.
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943
“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
“This ’telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.”
Western Union internal memo, 1876
“The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a ’C,’ the idea must be feasible.” –A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith’s paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)
“Who the heck wants to hear actors talk?” –H.M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927.
“We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.”
Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.
“Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.”
Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895.
“640K ought to be enough for anybody.” — Bill Gates, 1981
“Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? You’re crazy.”
Drillers who Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859.
* On what is basic, fundamental, and the essentials of Christianity, we must think the same things and we must keep on thinking the same things. We are united and we are one on the essentials.
* When a church is in full harmony on the essentials and fundamental teachings of the Word and in full harmony on their purpose and spiritual goal that Church can reach their City, and greatly affect their State, Nation and World.
Warning: Setting our minds on carnal and worldly things keeps us from being of the same mind.
Colossians 3:2
2 Set your affection of things above, not on things on the earth.
B. LOVING RIGHT: “same love”
* This is “Agape” love. It is the love of will, not of preference or attraction. It is based on an intentional, conscious choice to seek the welfare of its object. It is not based on emotions or feelings but God’s command.
* This is a love that is possible because we are saved. There is a supernatural ability from God through salvation that can cause us to love others and to seek the highest good for them; because it is a measure of Christ’s love flowing through us.
1 John 3:14
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
C. UNITED RIGHT: “one accord”
* It literally means one-souled. It is being in selfless harmony with other believers. It is the removal of personal ambition, selfishness, hatred, envy, jealousy and any other evil that would promote self-love.
Acts 2:1
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Story: One of the first conductors born and educated in the United States to receive worldwide acclaim was Leonard Bernstein. He directed the New York Philharmonic, conducted concerts by some of the world’s leading orchestras, wrote symphonies, and music for Broadway hits such as West Side Story and Candide. His obituary in The New York Times (October 15, 1990) called him “one of the most… talented and successful musicians in American history.”
Bernstein once was asked which instrument was the most difficult to play. He said, “The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm–that’s a problem.”
D. RIGHT PURPOSE: “of one mind”
* This statement is synonymous with his first statement of having the same mind. All four of these statements are complementary, overlapping and inseparable. They are the same basic idea expressed four different ways. He wants to make sure they get it.
III. THE RIGHT MEANS FOR SPIRITUAL UNITY: (Vv. 2:3-4)
A. NO STRIFE: (3A)
* The word strife means a selfish ambition. This is listed first because it is the root of every other sin. It is the sin of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-17) and the sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3).
* Even if this sin isn’t outwardly manifested, it will still cause anger, resentment and jealousy.
* No matter how doctrinally sound a church may be, this sin is a constant threat and will weaken and divide a church.
Note: “Vain glory” = This is one who considers himself always to be right and others had better agree with him. This conceited person/persons make themselves big by putting others down. The only unity they seek is for everyone to agree with them.
Galatians 6:3
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
B. NO SUPERIORITY: (3B)
* “lowliness of mind … esteem others better” This is the exact opposite of pride. It is the first Beatitude, “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). It literally means we view others more important than we view ourselves.
Note: Jesus describes Himself this way:
Matthew 11:29
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Paul says, “he is least of the apostles and not fit to be called an apostle” (1 Corinthians 15:9), “he is least of all saints” (Ephesians 3:8) and “even chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
C. NO SELF-SEEKING: (4)
* It is living a godly life that isn’t focused on what you want but what is best for all of the Body.
Romans 14:19
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:21
21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Story: Several years ago a country Church voted to build a baptistery. For years they had used the creek so some in the congregation did not see this as a need, one was the pastor. The Church voted to build the baptistery and do the work themselves to save money. The Saturday the work was to be done the first person on the job was the Pastor. Some of the members said they thought he would not be there because he was not in favor of the project. The Pastor immediately said everyone can voice their opinion but then the unity comes from the decision of the body and I am part of this body, you are my family.
CONCLUSION:
1. Are you saved? Then the love of Christ can flow through you.
2. Is there anyone between you and the Savior? Does a name of face come to mind when you pray?
3. Is there anything between you and the Savior? I didn’t get my way so I am mad and I quit.
4. What have you done to Hurt or Help the Unity of this Church?
Song: Nothing between my soul and the Savior.
Resources used: reality living, Jeff Adams, Philippians by John MacArthur, Philippians by Warren Wiersbe, Philippians by Johnny Hunt, John R. Rice study Bible, Sermon Central Illustrations, Illustration Exchange
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