Message Notes

(I) COMBATING PROBLEMS THAT COULD HURT THE CHURCH

1. Problems from within

a) The problem of harbouring a wrong spirit in service

“Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife…The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains…” Philippians 1:15-16

b) The problem of inter-personal relationship conflicts

“I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord…” Philippians 4:2

2. Problems from without – The problem of vicious adversaries

“And not in any way terrified by your adversaries…” Philippians 1:28

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!” Philippians 3:2

(II) THE CONCRETE MANNER OF STANDING FAST IN COMBATING PROBLEMS

1. In oneness of spirit

“That you stand fast in one spirit” Philippians 1:27

a) A collective spirit

b) A cohesive spirit

c) A continuing spirit

2. In oneness of mind

“With one mind…” Philippians 1:27

3. In the Lord

“So stand fast in the Lord, beloved.” Philippians 4:1

(III) THE CAUSATIVE FACTORS TO STAND FAST AS ONE

1. Having the same concern for the gospel of Christ

a) Walking worthy of the gospel of Christ

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” Philippians 1:27

b) Standing up for the faith of the gospel

“For the faith of the gospel…” Philippians 1:27

2. Having the same love for each other

“And this I pray, that you love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment…” Philippians 1:9

3. Having the same trust in the Lord’s hand

“And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. ” Philippians 1:28

(IV) THE CHALLENGE TO STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT

1. To strive together for the faith

“Striving together for the faith of the gospel..” Philippians 1:27

a) Fighting together, not against each other

b) Fighting together with one mind

c) Fighting together in dealing with problems

d) Fighting together for a higher concern

2. To suffer together for His sake

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but to also suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29

a) Faith is more than just saying “I believe”

b) Faith must cause us to suffer for Him if need be

c) Faith would cause us to suffer together as one.