Philippians: Unity in the Church
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A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
In Ecclesiastes 4:12 we read that a threefold cord is not quickly broken. The first cord that must underlie our Church is a unity in LOVE.
I. OUR CHURCH, UNITED IN LOVE
Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, thus stand firm in the Lord, beloved.”
A. THIS IS BASED ON “STANDING FOR THE LORD”
(also Ex 14:13; II Chron 20:17; Job 37:14)
B. HOW IS THIS “STANDING” ACCOMPLISHED IN OUR CHURCH?
(also Ps 1:3-4; 40:1-3; Eph 6:13-14; I Cor 1:13-14; Gal 5:1; I Pet 5:8-9)
NEXT, the second cord, adding to the standing fast in love, will more than double the strength of the Church in difficult times:
II. OUR CHURCH, UNITED IN MINDSET
Philippians 4:2 “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to have the same mindset in the Lord.”
A. THIS IS BASED ON “STANDING TOGETHER”
B. HOW IS THIS “STANDING” ACCOMPLISHED IN OUR CHURCH?
NEXT, in addition to the cord of love and cord of unity, a THIRD cord needs to be added to secure the church from schism and to motivate us to use our love and unity:
III. OUR CHURCH, UNITED IN MINISTRY
Philippians 4:3 “Yes, I also ask you, true colleague, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers (whose names are in the book of life), assist these [women] who have worked side by side with me in the gospel.”
A. THIS IS BASED ON “STANDING FOR A CAUSE”
(also Acts 16; 20; I Cor 16:15)
B. HOW IS THIS “STANDING” ACCOMPLISHED IN OUR CHURCH?
(also Rev 20:15; Ps 68:29)