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Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-4

Marks of Unity

(Philippians 2:3-5)

 

Intro.
 1.  Phil. 2:1-2 – Due to the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, Paul appeals to brethren to live in unity among each other (we are to share the same purpose, motives, harmonious relations & goal, Phil. 2:2).

2.  Unity of saints is a blessing that is scriptural, reason­able and attainable:

  a.  Jesus' prayer:  Basis & benefit of unity, Jno. 17:20-23.

  b.  Commanded & described, 1 Cor. 1:10.

  c.  Evidence of love, 1 Cor. 13:4-7.

  d.  Attitudes necessary to guard unity & keep peace among us, Eph. 4:1-3.

3.  Phil. 2:3-5 – Necessary marks of unity that enable & enhance it among us.

 

I.  UNITY DEMANDS HUMILITY, Phil. 2:3.

  A.  Unity is Destroyed by Evil Motives:

    1.  Selfish ambition (faction, asv): “denotes ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word; hence denotes party-making…derived from erithos, a hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers…” (Vine, II:68).

      a.  cf. Lining up supporters, power-plays, cliques, etc. among brethren.

      b.  Fruit of envy that produces strife, Phil. 1:17 (Jas. 3:14).

      c.  Refuse those who are factious, Titus 3:10.

    2.  Conceit (vainglory, asv): “groundless self-esteem, empty pride…adj., glory without reason, conceited…eager for empty glory” (Thayer, 343).

      a.  Caused by & companion of selfish pride.

      b.  Warning of potential dan­ger, Gal. 5:26, 14-15.

  B.  We Must have a Sense of “Smallness” (humility, unselfishness), 1 Sam. 15:17 (9:21).

    1.  “Equality and oneness in Christ involves a relationship I which all are looked up to and no one is looked down upon.”

    2.  Humility serves & unites, 1 Pet. 5:5.

  C.  We Must Consider Others Better than Us,

    1.  To receive each other, Mk. 9:33-37.

    2.  Yield to your brethren before serving self, Eph. 5:21 (Acts 4:32).

 

II.  UNITY DEMANDS THAT WE LOOK OUT FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS BEFORE OURSELVES, Phil. 2:4 (cf. v. 3).

  A.  This is not an Endorsement for being Busybodies, 1 Pet. 4:15.

  B.  The Interests of Others is to be Our First Priority (eliminate selfish pride).

    1.  Because we are members of same body, 1 Cor. 12:25-27.

    2.  With the same mind of looking to the best of others, selfish ambition & conceit are eliminated; unity & harmony result, Rom. 12:16.

    3.  Only then can we help each other overcome sin & go to heaven together!  Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19-20

 

III. UNITY DEMANDS THAT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST, Phil. 2:5.

  A.  Christ's Work in Redemption Shows the Mind (Heart) it takes to have Unity:

    1.  Sacrifice, Phil. 2:6-7 (Jno. 17:5).

       -To be united we must give up pride & be humble to accomplish oneness.

    2.  Submission, Phil. 2:7.

       -To the will of God & in yielding to one another (Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 5:5-7).

    3.  Steadfastness, Phil. 2:7-8 (Eph. 4:2-3).

       -Longsuffering, forbearance, love & diligence…the mind of Christ!

  B.  Having the Mind of Christ Eliminates:

    1.  Pettiness; Encourages genuine care for each other.

    2.  Driving wedges between good brethren; promotes oneness.

    3.  Speaking against one another; produces speaking up for each other.

       -Unity results from the agreement of minds, Amos 3:3; Jno. 10:30.

 

Conclusion

1.  Unity is not an easy task, but it is pos­sible, Eph. 4:1-3.

2.  Unity among God’s people is a tremendous blessing, Psa. 133:1.

  a.  To our brethren, Eccl. 4:9-12.

  b.  To the world, Jno. 17:21.

3.  Rom. 15:5-7 - May God grant us the blessing of unity as we have the mind of Christ to obey Him in all things.