We are one because of Jesus, but we are becoming one through Jesus. In Philippians Paul calls a community in tension, where divisions exist, toward unity by using their advantage to serve one another and move toward unity of mind and heart. This week will explore doctrinal and identity unity, equality of status and standing in Christ, and diversity of gifting and personality in the church.
Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 2:1-11; 4:1-3; 1 Corinthians 11:18-19; 12
SERMON OUTLINE
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Philippians 2:5; 4:2)
The Philippian Challenge (Philippians 4:2)
- We are one, but we don’t live like it
- Even the mature suffer disunity and conflict
The Philippian Solution (Philippians 2:1-11; 2:12-13)
- Choosing a different way (2:1-4)
- Having the mindset as Christ Jesus (2:5-11)
- pouring out (kenosis)
- taking on servanthood
- humble obedience
- from humiliation to exaltation
- Working out salvation with God’s power (2:12-13)
How Do We Uphold Unity in the Face of Conflict?
- Live out of the overflow of life with God
- Seek humility instead of vain conceit
- Look to others’ interests instead of pursuing selfish ambition
- Cultivate the same mindset as Christ Jesus
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is your favorite activity to do with others and why?
- We continue our series on unity, “One: The Being of God in the Life of the Church,” by looking at how we live into the unity given by God through Jesus Christ. We will begin by looking at the situation in the letter to the Philippians. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read Philippians 4:2 and 2:1-13 aloud.
- Philippians 4:2 presents us with a challenge that is at play in the local house church in Philippi. What is it?
- Based on your own experience what do you think are some of the biggest hindrances to unity in the church?
- What does Philippians 2:1-4 call us toward as Christians? What stands out to you personal- ly?
- What does Paul say is the key to this in verse 1?
- In 4:2 Paul invites those in conflict to “be of the same mind,” which directly connects with what he writes here beginning in verse 5. What is the mindset he is calling believers toward according to 2:5-11?
- What do you find most encouraging and challenging about Jesus’ example and mindset for your own contribution to unity within the body of Christ?
- Directly after this in 2:12-13, Paul calls the believers to“work out their salvation.”What do you think this means? Where does the power for this come from?
- How might this relate to living in unity as God’s people?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study about upholding unity as God’s people? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you learned through this study.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Philippians 2:1-4 or 2:5-11
- Read Ephesians 4:1-6,15-16; 5:21; and 1 John 4:7-21 sometime this week. Take time to write down what these passages says to you about the love of God and the love we should have as God’s people for one another.
- If you want to explore the topic of unity over a longer period of time, consider reading Living into Community: Cultivating Practices That Sustain Us by Christine Pohl