Philippians 1:27-2:11 - Enjoy Unity
How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 3)
Enjoy Unity
Philippians 1:27-2:11
Jeff Garrett
Before the sermon, I want you to look at the new church website http://www.norwayave.org/ which appears on the screens. Rob Durst built the new church website and he launched it this week. It contains all the information you need including upcoming events, announcements, and the latest bulletin. You will also be able to obtain my sermon manuscripts and, if you miss an assembly, you can listen to the most recent sermon because Rob has an mp3 player on the website. There are links to previous sermons which can be downloaded on itunes.
As always, Rob Durst, has done an outstanding job building this new website and I want to encourage you to visit it often because this is where you will find the information you need to keep up with the exciting things that are happening in our church family.
We are in a series of sermons from the book of Philippians. The theme of our series is “How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life”. In the first lesson (1:1-11) we talked about how to enjoy the people in your life. In the second lesson (1:12-30) we talked about how to choose joy in spite of difficult circumstances. In this third lesson (1:27-2:11) we are going to discussed how to enjoy unity. That’s the title of today’s sermon – “Enjoy Unity”.
Some Christians don’t know how to enjoy unity because the enjoy arguing. I have discovered that “being right” is highly overrated. The cost of proving I am right is frequently too high for me to engage in an argument. In fact, I have discovered that the older I get the less things I am willing to argue about. I used to enjoy arguing about a lot of things in the Bible but over time the list of things I believe are essential to salvation have become smaller and smaller. At this time, I believe the only essential is: “Jesus is Lord.” If you accept Jesus as Lord I believe God is living in you and drawing you to himself and I want to do everything I can to encourage you to strengthen your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and I want enjoy unity with you as we journey through life together. I want to stand with you in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. I want to make every effort to keep the unity that the Spirit created so that we are like-minded, having the same love and being one in spirit and purpose and it all focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s look at our text for today.
Philippians 1:27-2:2 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Five times Paul pleads for unity: I want to know that you stand firm in one Spirit (1:27; 2:2); as one man (1:27); with one mind (2:2) and one love (2:2) and one purpose (2:2).
Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, [whether I am released or remain incarcerated] conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. The word “conduct” literally means “live as citizens.” The Philippians were proud to be citizens of Rome (cf. Acts 16:20-21) but Paul reminded them that they are citizens of heaven – a kingdom far greater than Rome. Citizenship has not only privileges but responsibilities i.e., you are to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What does it mean to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? It does not mean perfection i.e., you never sin (1 John 1:8-2:2). It means that your lifestyle gives evidence to your faith in Jesus Christ. Negatively, it means that you do not deliberately, persistently walk in sin – Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them. So negatively, living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ means that you do not walk in high-handed, deliberate persistent sin. Positively, to live a life worthy of the Lord means that you seek to please Christ, to bear fruit, and to grow closer to God and people. Paul put it this way in Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,… So, living in “a manner worthy of the gospel” means that, you turn from sin and walk with Christ so that your behavior is consistent with your beliefs.
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. As one man, with one voice we contend for the faith of the gospel which is that God became a human being in the person of Jesus, that he died for our sins and was raised from the dead. That Jesus Christ is Lord of all. That’s what we are contending for i.e. the faith of the gospel.
Some Christians contend for the wrong thing because they don’t understand the Bible. Some Christians don’t understand even simple truths. Like this four year old little girl who heard her preacher say with arms extended toward heaven - "Dear Lord, "Without you, we are but dust..." At that moment the little girl leaned over and asked, "Mom, what is butt dust?" We don’t understand. Five weeks ago, after officiating a wedding, I was talking with a guest. He told me that he went to such and such church. I said “That’s great. The most important thing in life is the Lord Jesus Christ – following Christ and the Bible. That’s it!” He responded, “Yes, we believe in Jesus and the King James Bible!” And I thought “What is butt dust?” I didn’t say it, I just politely changed the subject. The problem of elevating non-essential issues (e.g., versions of the Bible) and giving them the same weight as to the identity of Jesus runs across all denominations.
Our denomination (Church of Christ) has been split many times over because of non-essential issues. Just look at the abbreviations in the front cover of the directory for Churches of Christ in the United States. Each abbreviation stands for divisions in our tribe. Below are some examples.
MU – “Mutual Edification” – this split occurred over located preachers. These churches are opposed to hiring located preachers – the male members share in the preaching and teaching.
JO – “Baptizes in the name of Jesus Only” – this split occurred over the issue of a baptismal formula.
NI – “Non-institutional” – this split occurred over the issue of supporting institutions like orphanages, Christian colleges, and missionary associations or societies.
OC – “One cup” – this split occurred over the container used to serve communion. These churches are opposed to serving communion in multiple cups and use only one cup.
The list of abbreviations continues (e.g., OCa, OCb; OCc, OC+c, etc) and each one symbolizes another division over some frivolous, peripheral issue that has nothing to do with “the faith of the gospel.” We’ve divided over versions of the Bible, instrumental music, women’s role in the church, praise teams, etc.
This phenomenon of schisms and division is not unique to our denomination. The same sort of infighting and division has occurred in the Baptist and Methodist and Presbyterian and Lutheran and nearly every tribe of protestant and catholic churches. While some divisions were necessary because orthodox beliefs were compromised i.e., Jesus is not the Son of God, most of these divisions across various denominations should have never occurred because they did not concern core essential truths i.e. faith in Christ alone. But, in nearly every group, people elevate trivial issues and contend for them as if they were essential core doctrines but in reality they were not.
We’re not contending for a denomination. Our identity should not be wrapped up in the doctrinal distinctives of our denomination. Sometimes, because of when we make necessary changes in structure or methodology (e.g., instrumental music, small groups, organizational structure, evangelistic outreaches) people get worried and upset and say things like “We’re loosing our identity” or “I don’t know who we are anymore” or “Who are we?” But the question is not “Who are we?” The question is “Who is he?” Our identity is wrapped up in the wrong things. We are to
“stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” which is focused on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s all focused on Jesus, as you will see in 2:6-11.
Paul said you’ve got to stand together 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. Don’t be afraid of them. If God is for you who can be against you. You’ve got to be faithful. You’ve got to be focused on Jesus. And you’ve got to be fearless because This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. When see your courage they will eventually realize that they are not fighting against you – their fighting against God who will save you and destroy everyone who persistently opposes the Lord Jesus Christ.
And when you suffer you need to remember how God views it. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Jesus said “Blessed are you when men insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven!” When apostles were beaten (in Acts 5) they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name. Paul said you are going through the same struggle I’m going through – counted yourself blessed by God and realize that your present suffering is proof of your authentic faith and your suffering is not worthy to be compared to the glory of heaven.
Just focus on your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ... The word “if” could be translated “since”. Since you have encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion in Christ – let it spill over into your relationship with your brothers and sisters. One of the reasons people are divided is because they don’t have an intimate relationship with Jesus. You can’t give what you don’t have. You can’t share what you’ve never experienced. The relationship Jesus has with us is always the model for how we are to relate to other people. Jesus said, forgive each other as I forgiven you and love each other as I have loved you. I keep coming back to Psalm 103.
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
I love to think about how compassionate and gracious the Lord has been to me and I want to translate it into my relationships with people. I want to be compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. I want to stop accusing and harboring anger. I want to stop treating people “as their sins deserve”. You see, that’s what Paul’s talking about in 2:1-2. Let the encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, tenderness and compassion you receive from Jesus flow into your relationships with people - then you will enjoy unity.
2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Being “like-minded” does not mean that you agree on every single issue – it means that you agree on the essential issue that Jesus is Lord. Having the “same love” means that you share the love that comes from God. Being “one in spirit and purpose” means that the overarching goal of your life is focused on God’s eternal purpose in Jesus Christ.
The night before Jesus went to the cross he prayed for the unity of all believers. John 17:13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. … 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
A couple of weeks ago I was on the phone with Amber and I overheard a conversation between her and Tori as they were saying goodbye. Amber said “Hold on dad, Tori is leaving for the track meet.” I heard them say to each other - “OK. See you later. I love you. I love you too.” And when I heard them telling each other “I love you” it made my joy complete. How good and pleasant it is when a family lives together in unity (Psalm 103:1). But if you’re not getting along and there’s division – it’s not pleasant and you’re joy is not complete. It’s hard to be happy when there is division in the church and your family.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Our selfish ambition and vain conceit can be seen even in the pursuit of good things. We try to outdo one another and it always turns out bad. Bruce Johnson shared a story about a group of country friends from the Cottonwood Church wanted to get together on a regular basis in their small groups to socialize and play games. The lady of the house was to prepare the meal.
When it came time for Al and Janet to be the hosts - Janet wanted to outdo all the others. Janet decided to have mushroom-smothered steak, but, mushrooms are expensive. She then told her husband, "No mushrooms. They are too high."He said, "Why don't you go down in the pasture and pick some of those mushrooms? There are plenty in the creek bed." She said, "No, some wild mushrooms are poison." He said, "Well, I see varmints eating them and they're OK."
So, Janet decided to give it a try. She picked a bunch, washed, sliced, and diced them for her smothered steak. Then she went out on the back porch and gave Ol' Spot (the yard dog) a double handful. Ol' Spot ate every bite. All morning long, Janet watched Ol' Spot and the wild mushrooms didn't seem to affect him, so she decided to use them.
The meal was a great success. After everyone had finished, they relaxed, socialized, and played dominoes. About then, the neighbor lady came in the house and whispered in Janet's ear, "Ol' Spot just died."Janet went into hysterics. She called the doctor and told him what had happened.
The doctor said, "That's bad, but I think we can take care of it. I will call for an ambulance and I will be there as quick as possible. We'll give everyone enemas and we will pump out everyone's stomach. Everything will be fine. Just keep them calm."
Soon they could hear the siren as the ambulance was coming down the road. The EMTs and the doctor had their suitcases, syringes, and a stomach pump. One by one, they took each person into the bathroom, gave them an enema, and pumped out their stomach. After the last one was finished, the doctor came out and said, "I think everything will be fine now." Then he left.
They were all looking pretty weak sitting around the living room, and about this time, the neighbor lady came back in the house and said, "You know, that fellow that ran over Ol' Spot never even stopped!"
Selfish ambition and vain conceit always spoils a party and makes everybody sick. Stop trying to outdo one another. Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up.
Do you remember the song “You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you”? I identify with that song because sometimes I am vain and I think everything is about me. I'm trying to change but I still have problems with pride. The Holy Spirit convicted me of vain conceit just this week after I visited Fairland Middle School. I stopped in the school to drop off something for Shayna and I was talking to the principal Mike Whitley and his secretary Debbie. Mike and I usually talk about hunting and school and children and life. But this time I went on and on about myself. I bragged about my speaking engagements in Malibu CA and Birmingham AL and Charlotte NC and I went on to tell them how next month I will be speaking at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island MI. I just went on and on bragging about myself and when I walked out the door the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks in the parking lot. I did not hear him audibly but I’m almost certain God’s Spirit said to my spirit “I hope your flesh got something about of that – I didn’t. I will not bless you when you brag on yourself like you just did to Mike and Debbie.” It bothered me for two days and I finally called the school and apologized to Debbie. I said “Debbie, I am sorry for bragging on myself like I did. I didn’t even let you or Mike get a word in because I was so busy bragging on myself.” Debbie, laughed and said “I didn’t even notice.” And I said “Well, I did and I am sure God did and I just needed to apologize for that. The next time I’m going to try to have a more humble attitude.”
The Hymn of Christ
2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This passage (2:5-11) is probably an ancient hymn. It is called the "Carmen Christi" or the Hymn of Christ. I have divided the song into four stances.
First, Jesus is God (v.6) - 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped … Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is fully God. He is equal with God.
Second, God became human and died on the cross (v.7-8) - 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! … When God became human he did not cease to be God. Jesus did not empty himself of deity. That’s impossible! Jesus could not empty himself of deity anymore than we could empty ourselves of our humanity. In him the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form. God became human in the person of Jesus. Jesus was a humble servant and he learned obedience by the things he suffered. He was obedient to death – even death on a cross.
Third, Jesus was resurrected and exalted (v.9) - 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,… All authority has been given to Jesus. Jesus has been given a name that is above every name. The name Paul referred to is not “Jesus” but "Lord".
Fourth, everyone will confess “Jesus is Lord” (v.10-11) - 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Every knee will bow including the angels in heaven, the demons in hell, and every human who ever lived – and every one will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
The hymn of Christ is more than a great theological statement about the identity of Jesus, it is intended to make us humble and obedient so that we can enjoy unity with our brothers and sisters. The message of the song is capture in the scripture "Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up" (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).
To enjoy unity you’ve got to let your faith rest fully on the Lord Jesus Christ. Not on non-essential issues, but on Christ alone. Then, adopt the humble attitude of Jesus. Like Jesus, humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. Consider others better than yourself. Stop fighting for your rights and focus on your responsibilties to love others and maintain the unity of the Spirit. Let the attitude of Jesus dominate your thought life and your behavior will naturally follow.
Prayer Time
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Small Group Questions
Philippians 1:27-2:13
“Enjoy Unity”
Churches often divide along denominational, cultural, theological and social lines, what would it mean to apply Phil. 1:27 in our community? What would have to change to make this possible?
1. Reading between the lines, what was wrong with the church in Philippi?
2. Read Phil. 2:1-2 and name 4 motives for living in unity?
3. How is this unity related to humility?
4. How does Jesus exemplify this humility? (What stories from the gospels come to mind)
5. What else stands out about Jesus from this early church hymn? Vv 6-11
6. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your family life?
7. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your church life?
8. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your work life?
9. How does humility differ from ‘being a doormat’?
In verses 2:12-13 what does it mean to “work out your salvation”…what part is up to God and what part is up to you?
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Resources - I borrowed and used the same title for my sermon series in Philippians as Rick Warren: "How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life". The resources I used in preparation for this series include: Rick Warren; Ray Stedman's expository studies; Rick Atchley's sermon series "To Live is Christ"; Tyndale's commentary "Life Application Bible Commentary"; James Montgomery Boice's commentary; and John MacArthur's commentary. In addition, Jeanie Meadows used the Serendipity Bible and other online resources for the small group questions which are used in our small group ministry on Sunday nights.
Enjoy Unity
Philippians 1:27-2:11
Jeff Garrett
Before the sermon, I want you to look at the new church website http://www.norwayave.org/ which appears on the screens. Rob Durst built the new church website and he launched it this week. It contains all the information you need including upcoming events, announcements, and the latest bulletin. You will also be able to obtain my sermon manuscripts and, if you miss an assembly, you can listen to the most recent sermon because Rob has an mp3 player on the website. There are links to previous sermons which can be downloaded on itunes.
As always, Rob Durst, has done an outstanding job building this new website and I want to encourage you to visit it often because this is where you will find the information you need to keep up with the exciting things that are happening in our church family.
We are in a series of sermons from the book of Philippians. The theme of our series is “How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life”. In the first lesson (1:1-11) we talked about how to enjoy the people in your life. In the second lesson (1:12-30) we talked about how to choose joy in spite of difficult circumstances. In this third lesson (1:27-2:11) we are going to discussed how to enjoy unity. That’s the title of today’s sermon – “Enjoy Unity”.
Some Christians don’t know how to enjoy unity because the enjoy arguing. I have discovered that “being right” is highly overrated. The cost of proving I am right is frequently too high for me to engage in an argument. In fact, I have discovered that the older I get the less things I am willing to argue about. I used to enjoy arguing about a lot of things in the Bible but over time the list of things I believe are essential to salvation have become smaller and smaller. At this time, I believe the only essential is: “Jesus is Lord.” If you accept Jesus as Lord I believe God is living in you and drawing you to himself and I want to do everything I can to encourage you to strengthen your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and I want enjoy unity with you as we journey through life together. I want to stand with you in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. I want to make every effort to keep the unity that the Spirit created so that we are like-minded, having the same love and being one in spirit and purpose and it all focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s look at our text for today.
Philippians 1:27-2:2 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Five times Paul pleads for unity: I want to know that you stand firm in one Spirit (1:27; 2:2); as one man (1:27); with one mind (2:2) and one love (2:2) and one purpose (2:2).
Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, [whether I am released or remain incarcerated] conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. The word “conduct” literally means “live as citizens.” The Philippians were proud to be citizens of Rome (cf. Acts 16:20-21) but Paul reminded them that they are citizens of heaven – a kingdom far greater than Rome. Citizenship has not only privileges but responsibilities i.e., you are to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What does it mean to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? It does not mean perfection i.e., you never sin (1 John 1:8-2:2). It means that your lifestyle gives evidence to your faith in Jesus Christ. Negatively, it means that you do not deliberately, persistently walk in sin – Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them. So negatively, living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ means that you do not walk in high-handed, deliberate persistent sin. Positively, to live a life worthy of the Lord means that you seek to please Christ, to bear fruit, and to grow closer to God and people. Paul put it this way in Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,… So, living in “a manner worthy of the gospel” means that, you turn from sin and walk with Christ so that your behavior is consistent with your beliefs.
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. As one man, with one voice we contend for the faith of the gospel which is that God became a human being in the person of Jesus, that he died for our sins and was raised from the dead. That Jesus Christ is Lord of all. That’s what we are contending for i.e. the faith of the gospel.
Some Christians contend for the wrong thing because they don’t understand the Bible. Some Christians don’t understand even simple truths. Like this four year old little girl who heard her preacher say with arms extended toward heaven - "Dear Lord, "Without you, we are but dust..." At that moment the little girl leaned over and asked, "Mom, what is butt dust?" We don’t understand. Five weeks ago, after officiating a wedding, I was talking with a guest. He told me that he went to such and such church. I said “That’s great. The most important thing in life is the Lord Jesus Christ – following Christ and the Bible. That’s it!” He responded, “Yes, we believe in Jesus and the King James Bible!” And I thought “What is butt dust?” I didn’t say it, I just politely changed the subject. The problem of elevating non-essential issues (e.g., versions of the Bible) and giving them the same weight as to the identity of Jesus runs across all denominations.
Our denomination (Church of Christ) has been split many times over because of non-essential issues. Just look at the abbreviations in the front cover of the directory for Churches of Christ in the United States. Each abbreviation stands for divisions in our tribe. Below are some examples.
MU – “Mutual Edification” – this split occurred over located preachers. These churches are opposed to hiring located preachers – the male members share in the preaching and teaching.
JO – “Baptizes in the name of Jesus Only” – this split occurred over the issue of a baptismal formula.
NI – “Non-institutional” – this split occurred over the issue of supporting institutions like orphanages, Christian colleges, and missionary associations or societies.
OC – “One cup” – this split occurred over the container used to serve communion. These churches are opposed to serving communion in multiple cups and use only one cup.
The list of abbreviations continues (e.g., OCa, OCb; OCc, OC+c, etc) and each one symbolizes another division over some frivolous, peripheral issue that has nothing to do with “the faith of the gospel.” We’ve divided over versions of the Bible, instrumental music, women’s role in the church, praise teams, etc.
This phenomenon of schisms and division is not unique to our denomination. The same sort of infighting and division has occurred in the Baptist and Methodist and Presbyterian and Lutheran and nearly every tribe of protestant and catholic churches. While some divisions were necessary because orthodox beliefs were compromised i.e., Jesus is not the Son of God, most of these divisions across various denominations should have never occurred because they did not concern core essential truths i.e. faith in Christ alone. But, in nearly every group, people elevate trivial issues and contend for them as if they were essential core doctrines but in reality they were not.
We’re not contending for a denomination. Our identity should not be wrapped up in the doctrinal distinctives of our denomination. Sometimes, because of when we make necessary changes in structure or methodology (e.g., instrumental music, small groups, organizational structure, evangelistic outreaches) people get worried and upset and say things like “We’re loosing our identity” or “I don’t know who we are anymore” or “Who are we?” But the question is not “Who are we?” The question is “Who is he?” Our identity is wrapped up in the wrong things. We are to
“stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” which is focused on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s all focused on Jesus, as you will see in 2:6-11.
Paul said you’ve got to stand together 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. Don’t be afraid of them. If God is for you who can be against you. You’ve got to be faithful. You’ve got to be focused on Jesus. And you’ve got to be fearless because This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. When see your courage they will eventually realize that they are not fighting against you – their fighting against God who will save you and destroy everyone who persistently opposes the Lord Jesus Christ.
And when you suffer you need to remember how God views it. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Jesus said “Blessed are you when men insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven!” When apostles were beaten (in Acts 5) they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name. Paul said you are going through the same struggle I’m going through – counted yourself blessed by God and realize that your present suffering is proof of your authentic faith and your suffering is not worthy to be compared to the glory of heaven.
Just focus on your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ... The word “if” could be translated “since”. Since you have encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion in Christ – let it spill over into your relationship with your brothers and sisters. One of the reasons people are divided is because they don’t have an intimate relationship with Jesus. You can’t give what you don’t have. You can’t share what you’ve never experienced. The relationship Jesus has with us is always the model for how we are to relate to other people. Jesus said, forgive each other as I forgiven you and love each other as I have loved you. I keep coming back to Psalm 103.
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
I love to think about how compassionate and gracious the Lord has been to me and I want to translate it into my relationships with people. I want to be compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. I want to stop accusing and harboring anger. I want to stop treating people “as their sins deserve”. You see, that’s what Paul’s talking about in 2:1-2. Let the encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, tenderness and compassion you receive from Jesus flow into your relationships with people - then you will enjoy unity.
2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Being “like-minded” does not mean that you agree on every single issue – it means that you agree on the essential issue that Jesus is Lord. Having the “same love” means that you share the love that comes from God. Being “one in spirit and purpose” means that the overarching goal of your life is focused on God’s eternal purpose in Jesus Christ.
The night before Jesus went to the cross he prayed for the unity of all believers. John 17:13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. … 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
A couple of weeks ago I was on the phone with Amber and I overheard a conversation between her and Tori as they were saying goodbye. Amber said “Hold on dad, Tori is leaving for the track meet.” I heard them say to each other - “OK. See you later. I love you. I love you too.” And when I heard them telling each other “I love you” it made my joy complete. How good and pleasant it is when a family lives together in unity (Psalm 103:1). But if you’re not getting along and there’s division – it’s not pleasant and you’re joy is not complete. It’s hard to be happy when there is division in the church and your family.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Our selfish ambition and vain conceit can be seen even in the pursuit of good things. We try to outdo one another and it always turns out bad. Bruce Johnson shared a story about a group of country friends from the Cottonwood Church wanted to get together on a regular basis in their small groups to socialize and play games. The lady of the house was to prepare the meal.
When it came time for Al and Janet to be the hosts - Janet wanted to outdo all the others. Janet decided to have mushroom-smothered steak, but, mushrooms are expensive. She then told her husband, "No mushrooms. They are too high."He said, "Why don't you go down in the pasture and pick some of those mushrooms? There are plenty in the creek bed." She said, "No, some wild mushrooms are poison." He said, "Well, I see varmints eating them and they're OK."
So, Janet decided to give it a try. She picked a bunch, washed, sliced, and diced them for her smothered steak. Then she went out on the back porch and gave Ol' Spot (the yard dog) a double handful. Ol' Spot ate every bite. All morning long, Janet watched Ol' Spot and the wild mushrooms didn't seem to affect him, so she decided to use them.
The meal was a great success. After everyone had finished, they relaxed, socialized, and played dominoes. About then, the neighbor lady came in the house and whispered in Janet's ear, "Ol' Spot just died."Janet went into hysterics. She called the doctor and told him what had happened.
The doctor said, "That's bad, but I think we can take care of it. I will call for an ambulance and I will be there as quick as possible. We'll give everyone enemas and we will pump out everyone's stomach. Everything will be fine. Just keep them calm."
Soon they could hear the siren as the ambulance was coming down the road. The EMTs and the doctor had their suitcases, syringes, and a stomach pump. One by one, they took each person into the bathroom, gave them an enema, and pumped out their stomach. After the last one was finished, the doctor came out and said, "I think everything will be fine now." Then he left.
They were all looking pretty weak sitting around the living room, and about this time, the neighbor lady came back in the house and said, "You know, that fellow that ran over Ol' Spot never even stopped!"
Selfish ambition and vain conceit always spoils a party and makes everybody sick. Stop trying to outdo one another. Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up.
Do you remember the song “You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you”? I identify with that song because sometimes I am vain and I think everything is about me. I'm trying to change but I still have problems with pride. The Holy Spirit convicted me of vain conceit just this week after I visited Fairland Middle School. I stopped in the school to drop off something for Shayna and I was talking to the principal Mike Whitley and his secretary Debbie. Mike and I usually talk about hunting and school and children and life. But this time I went on and on about myself. I bragged about my speaking engagements in Malibu CA and Birmingham AL and Charlotte NC and I went on to tell them how next month I will be speaking at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island MI. I just went on and on bragging about myself and when I walked out the door the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks in the parking lot. I did not hear him audibly but I’m almost certain God’s Spirit said to my spirit “I hope your flesh got something about of that – I didn’t. I will not bless you when you brag on yourself like you just did to Mike and Debbie.” It bothered me for two days and I finally called the school and apologized to Debbie. I said “Debbie, I am sorry for bragging on myself like I did. I didn’t even let you or Mike get a word in because I was so busy bragging on myself.” Debbie, laughed and said “I didn’t even notice.” And I said “Well, I did and I am sure God did and I just needed to apologize for that. The next time I’m going to try to have a more humble attitude.”
The Hymn of Christ
2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This passage (2:5-11) is probably an ancient hymn. It is called the "Carmen Christi" or the Hymn of Christ. I have divided the song into four stances.
First, Jesus is God (v.6) - 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped … Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is fully God. He is equal with God.
Second, God became human and died on the cross (v.7-8) - 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! … When God became human he did not cease to be God. Jesus did not empty himself of deity. That’s impossible! Jesus could not empty himself of deity anymore than we could empty ourselves of our humanity. In him the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form. God became human in the person of Jesus. Jesus was a humble servant and he learned obedience by the things he suffered. He was obedient to death – even death on a cross.
Third, Jesus was resurrected and exalted (v.9) - 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,… All authority has been given to Jesus. Jesus has been given a name that is above every name. The name Paul referred to is not “Jesus” but "Lord".
Fourth, everyone will confess “Jesus is Lord” (v.10-11) - 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Every knee will bow including the angels in heaven, the demons in hell, and every human who ever lived – and every one will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
The hymn of Christ is more than a great theological statement about the identity of Jesus, it is intended to make us humble and obedient so that we can enjoy unity with our brothers and sisters. The message of the song is capture in the scripture "Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up" (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).
To enjoy unity you’ve got to let your faith rest fully on the Lord Jesus Christ. Not on non-essential issues, but on Christ alone. Then, adopt the humble attitude of Jesus. Like Jesus, humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. Consider others better than yourself. Stop fighting for your rights and focus on your responsibilties to love others and maintain the unity of the Spirit. Let the attitude of Jesus dominate your thought life and your behavior will naturally follow.
Prayer Time
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Small Group Questions
Philippians 1:27-2:13
“Enjoy Unity”
Churches often divide along denominational, cultural, theological and social lines, what would it mean to apply Phil. 1:27 in our community? What would have to change to make this possible?
1. Reading between the lines, what was wrong with the church in Philippi?
2. Read Phil. 2:1-2 and name 4 motives for living in unity?
3. How is this unity related to humility?
4. How does Jesus exemplify this humility? (What stories from the gospels come to mind)
5. What else stands out about Jesus from this early church hymn? Vv 6-11
6. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your family life?
7. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your church life?
8. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your work life?
9. How does humility differ from ‘being a doormat’?
In verses 2:12-13 what does it mean to “work out your salvation”…what part is up to God and what part is up to you?
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Resources - I borrowed and used the same title for my sermon series in Philippians as Rick Warren: "How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life". The resources I used in preparation for this series include: Rick Warren; Ray Stedman's expository studies; Rick Atchley's sermon series "To Live is Christ"; Tyndale's commentary "Life Application Bible Commentary"; James Montgomery Boice's commentary; and John MacArthur's commentary. In addition, Jeanie Meadows used the Serendipity Bible and other online resources for the small group questions which are used in our small group ministry on Sunday nights.
posted by Jeff Garrett at 7:26 AM
1 Comments:
In each of the church schisms you mention above, one side believed them to be a matter of doctrine, while the other believed it to be a matter of opinion.
Looking at I Corinthians 8, wouldn't the proper thing for the former be to give up their liberty for the sake of unity?
What we usually see, though, is the former giving the latter a choice: do things our way and violate your conscience, or leave. Not exactly Christ-like.
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