United in Christ
Pastor Terry Smith
Christ-like humility creates unity. Philippians 2:1-4
I. The Basis for our Unity (Phil 2:1)
A. Consolation in Christ
Paraklesis (encouragement, “to draw along side”) to come along side someone to give assistance by offering comfort, counsel, or exhortation. The root word is used to describe the role of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16 (counselor or helper).
B. Comfort of Christ’s Love
Christ’s love is agape love, because only agape love gives continuously and unconditionally.<span”> “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5).
“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid (little souls), help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thess 5:14).
C. Commonness
Koinonia (to have all things common) describes partnership and mutual sharing. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Cor. 12:13).
D. Compassion Compassion expresses outward expressions of Christ’s affection and tender mercies.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). II. The Building Blocks for our Unity (Phil 2:2-4)
A. Harmony (Phil 2:2) “Let there be real harmony so that there won’t be splits in the church.…Be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Cor 1:10 LB).
3 Steps to the Holy Spirit Harmony
1. Yield to the Spirit (1 Thess 5:18)
2. Confession of Sin (Eph 4:30)
3. Live in The Spirit’s Power (Gal 5:16)
B. Humility (Phil 2:3-4) Humility begins with proper self-awareness, a virtue by which we realize our unworthiness apart from God’s grace.
“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life” (Prov 22:4).
1. Selfishness
2. Selflessness But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).