Philippians 1:18-30; Philippians 2:1-4
PDF format is at: October 25,2020 Bible Study
Philippians
UNITY…………… We are continuing our study and discussion about Philippians this Sunday. Our study will include a discussion about unity (read Philippians 1:18-2:4). It is important to consider Paul’s understanding of unity. Unity by itself is not the final aim of Christians. After all, unity is possible among thieves and those who would like to cause harm to others. Consider, for example, Herod and Pontius Pilate. You could say Herod and Pontius Pilate had unity–a unity in doing harm to Jesus.
Unity in Jesus is the final aim of Christians. This is Paul’s point when he says, “Bring your thinking into line with one another (verse 2).” Paul wants us all to keep our eyes focused on the one person at the center of all things: Jesus. When all our eyes are fixed on Him, then true Christian unity is possible.
I’d be curious to hear about your experiences.
Where/in what situations have you seen unity used in a negative way?
Where/in what situation have you seen Christian unity be a powerful witness?
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.