FAMILY TALKS IN PHILIPPIANS #3: WELL-ADJUSTED COMMITMENT (Philippians 2:1-11)

Expository, Letters of Paul, New Testament, Philippians, Philippians - FAMILY TALKS IN PHILIPPIANS

WELL-ADJUSTED  FAMILY COMMITMENT – PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11

FAMILY TALKS IN PHILIPPIANS #3 of 7

  • We as Christians should be committed to each other as family. What does mean to you?
  • Should commitment be a somber, no fun drudgery? Matthew 11:28-30, Colossians 3:17

The Philippian Church was a great church that had an on-going love relationship with the Apostle Paul (Philippians 1:3-7). As good as this church was, these dear saints didn’t always get along with each other. Their commitment needed an attitude adjustment. Paul gives some basic guidelines in these verses.

MOTIVATION – Philippians 2:1-2a

  • 1 – Paul begins with the word, “therefore”, which I believe goes back to Philippians 1:27-30. Paul encouraged them to live in a way “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
  • The word “if” means “since”. Since the things he mentions are true, the Philippians should be motivated to live in unity.
  • “Consolation (“Encouragement”) in Christ.” What encourages you about being in Christ that every other Christian possesses? John 1:12-13, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 7:7-11
  • “Comfort of love” – How does the love of Christ comfort you? Does every other believer have that comfort available to them? Romans 8:35-39
  • “Fellowship of the Spirit” – The same Holy Spirit that empowers you is in inside each believer. The Holy Spirit produces fellowship in believers. We should not grieve Him. Ephesians 4:25-32
  • “affection and mercy” – These are outgrowths of the work of the Spirit inside of us. Romans 12:10
  • “Fulfill my joy” – One final motivation is given by Paul. As a spiritual father, he would find joy when they lived in unity. 3 John 4

    MANDATE – Philippians 2:2-4

    • Vs. 2 – Unity
    • Vs. 3 – Humility
    • Vs. 4 – Charity

    MODEL – Philippians 2:5-8

    • Vs. 5 – We are to imitate Christ’s attitude. He subjected Himself to abuse to secure our salvation. Isaiah 53:3-5
    • Vs. 6 – form = “inner essence”. Jesus is God!
    • Vs. 7 – Jesus took on the “inner essence” of a slave as He became the perfect man. Jesus laid aside His Heavenly privileges to secure our salvation.
    • Vs. 8 – He yielded to total humiliation for us.
    • As we follow the example of our Lord out of appreciation, we will be able, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to fulfill the mandate of unity, humility, and charity.

      MASTER – Philippians 2:9-11

      • Vs. 9 – God has highly exalted him! His name is above all others.
      • Vs. 10 – Every knee of every being that ever lived will bow the knee to Christ.
      • Vs. 11 – Every tongue will also confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, either willingly or unwillingly!
      • As a grateful believer, I should be at His disposal as my Savior and Lord.
      • There should be nothing I would hesitate to do for His sake!