Pastor’s Notes
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
“That you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
These verses were powerful words said by Paul in last week’s text. In Philippians, Paul is speaking to church family that he loves and has walked with in the past. Paul cares greatly for the people of Philippi. His great care for the people is what drives the importance of his words in this letter.
In chapter 2 Paul continues to pour into the church that he loves with encouragement, but also warnings and wisdom. Paul understands that the gravest dangers to the church come from within. When looking at the New Testament, there are no letters that avoid addressing problems within the church. This week Paul pleads with the Philippians to be united not only against common foes, but also to be unified in heart and mind and in mutual regard for one another. In chapter 2, Paul begs his brothers and sisters to stay united!
What I love as a pastor is Paul’s approach to the issue of church unity. Paul doesn’t give the people a stern talking to or scolding foolishness. No, he points the people to gospel!
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ…”.
Paul points the people to the good news of why they came together in the first place. If the purpose of the church is to worship, then the focus has to be the gospel. This week’s text is a plea to be gospel oriented as we as believers relate, care, and worship with one another.
Truth is, there will always be issues within the church. The church is filled with pride, conflict, and opinion-driven frustration. We are sinful humans that fill the Bride of Christ which is His church. Paul points us to the gospel of Jesus Christ, not simply better behavior. The gospel changes pride! The gospel changes conflict! The gospel changes frustration! A focused attention to the cross and a thankful spirit towards God’s grace will keep us as one.
Scripture to go along with the message
Read 1 Corinthians 12:13 on the topic of being “as one” in the church.
Highlight in your Bibles
Highlight verse 1-2 in chapter 2 of Philippians.
Questions to consider
1.) What conflict have you witnessed in the church during your lifetime?
2.) How did you see the conflict resolved or spread and what drove to that outcome?
3.) How does this week’s text correlate with what you experienced? What would Paul say to your situation?
