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Philippians 1:27-2 Philippians New Testament

Unity that Glorifies God

Study Overview: An expositional study on Philippians 1:27-2 by Rhodes Davis, examining key biblical principles, textual insights, and practical applications for Christian character and faith.
Speaker / Author: Rhodes Davis
#The Nature of God #Youth & Family #Holiness & Sin

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[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:27-2:4

I. A life worthy of the gospel of Christ that glorifies Jesus and the Father

  1. Unified in attitude and action
  2. Standing firm in one spirit
  3. Bound together in one mind
  4. Striving together against a common enemy
  5. Bold in the face of opposition and persecution
  6. Unity must be developed in the life of the Christian – does not happen on accident

II. Since we have a great calling and must be unified in order to be effective, certain characteristics must exist

  1. Encouragement in Christ
  2. We have encouragement, consolation, or comfort because of we have a relationship with Christ
  3. Since we are all beneficiaries of God’s grace, it should result in solidarity because without Christ we are nothing! We are not a family. We are not saved. We have neither hope nor peace!
  4. We cannot receive encouragement from Christ and be a discouragement to others.
  5. Comfort from love
  6. We have received comfort from God’s love for us
  7. He is the source of all comfort
  8. Hebrews 6:18 – “”…we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.”
  9. His forgiveness and daily providential care should comfort us.
  10. Receiving comfort and encouragement from Christ must produce fruits
  11. Be encouraging and comforting to others, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
  12. Romans 15:5 – “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,”

A. Participation (or fellowship) in the spirit

B. We have fellowship with the Spirit of God and fellowship with one another in His Spirit

C. 1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

D. 1 John 1:3-7 – fellowship with one another through fellowship with God

E. The family of God is a unity of Christian spirits within the Spirit of God

F. 1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves [1] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”

G. Philippians 1:27 – Standing in the spirit together

H. Tenderness and Compassion

I. We have comfort from a loving relationship with fellow brethren and it is expressed in the tenderness and compassion in how we talk with one another and serve one another

J. Where strife exits, tenderness and compassion rarely does, 1 Corinthians 3:3

K. If we derive comfort from a loving relationship with brethren we should not do anything that would generate or perpetuate strife.

L. When we care for one another, it is the fellowship of the spirit in action!

III. If we have these characteristics, certain results must follow

  1. One mind
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
  3. Ephesians 4:3 – “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
  4. Eager (Webster): marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest
  5. We have a strong desire in trying to stay unified and peaceful; not passing interest.
  6. When we disagree we must seek peace
  7. Must abide in God’s word, James 3:13-18
  8. The fruit of God’s word is peace, mercy, reasonableness, sincerity, and impartiality.
  9. If these do not exist, we need to see where one or all have departed from God’s word either through self-seeking or ignorance
  10. If there is disunity, are we being divisive, unmerciful, unreasonable, insincere, or partial?
  11. Sometimes there are matters of opinion or expediency that require us to resolve differences of opinion on a course of action following some common sense guidelines.
  12. Listen carefully and seek to understand one another
  13. Express ourselves in order to be understood
  14. “Speak now” to help the conversation as it is happening
  15. Encourage others to speak by receiving their opinions gladly and respectfully
  16. The wisdom of the group is powerful but we must share our viewpoints.
  17. Work together for the best solution without resorting to campaigning, politics, or pressure
  18. Avoid those who insist on causing division
  19. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 – avoid foolish arguments
  20. Romans 16:17 – “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.”
  21. , Titus 3:10-11 – avoid divisive people

A. One love

B. Showing love without impartiality to one’s wealth, status, abilities, family, role in the church, etc.

C. Love all equally, greatly, and actively.

D. One fellowship

E. Souls joined together with one another as one family under one Father

F. No cliques or subdivisions within the family of God but one family

G. One purpose

H. We have the same goals

I. Live faithful lives in the middle of an ungodly world

J. Preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified to lead others to the Father through Him

K. Edify one another and encourage one another in faithfulness

L. Live together with the Father eternally in heaven

M. We cannot execute these goals when disunity exists and we can’t do these things alone

N. If we have these characteristics and the resulting fruits, we will reflect the glory of Jesus in our lives and in the church

IV. Follow the example of Jesus, Philippians 2:5-11

  1. Nothing done through conceit – state of mind – excessive pride in oneself
  2. Jesus was humble as He lived among men
  3. Jesus humbled Himself by coming to the earth and dying in order to save us
  4. Nothing done through selfish ambition – seeking one’s own goals
  5. Esteem others better than self
  6. Attitude of mind where you have a healthy view of yourself but you recognize the inherent worth in others and are focused on reflecting this attitude in your actions towards them.
  7. Jesus served others, especially those who were considered societal rejects
  8. He deserved to be served and adored but came to serve
  9. Look out for the interests of others
  10. This is the remedy for selfish ambition: be concerned with the ambitions of others
  11. Do things that are in the best interests of others
  12. Again, Jesus is the example of this who sought our good and was exalted in due time

V. Glorious result

  1. The result of Jesus’ attitude and action: He helped us, received the glory due Him, and glorified the Father
  2. The result of our attitude and action in unity, love, and service is that it helps our fellow brethren, we will be rewarded by the Father, and Jesus and the Father are glorified
  3. John 17:20-23 – This is what Jesus prayed for. It is up to us to answer that prayer by our attitude and actions.
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