Introduction
The London newspapers were sizzling with the news of a public conflict between its two greatest preachers. Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker each pastored a church in that city which drew thousands each Sunday. Spurgeon had recently founded a boys’ orphanage which was his special delight. He took it personally when someone misreported that Parker had criticized the orphanage. Spurgeon let his temper flare and blasted Parker from the pulpit the following Sunday. When asked for a reply, Parker said he would give it the next Sunday. This promised reply drew an expectant crowd even larger than usual. When Parker got up to speak he said, “Brother Spurgeon is sick today and cannot preach. This is the day when he takes up an offering for his orphans. May I suggest that we take up that offering for him in our church, for he’s doing a great work, and I know all of us would like to have a part in it.” The offering was so large the ushers had to empty the offering plates three times to receive the gifts. Tuesday morning Spurgeon knocked on Parker’s study door. He threw his arms around him and said, “You have more of the spirit of Jesus Christ than any man I know. You know, Parker, you have practiced grace on me. You have given me not what I deserved, you have given me what I needed.” Learn more about this Christ-like humility that puts others before self and brings unity between God’s people in Philippians 2:1-4.
Observation
Pray
As you come to God's Word ask Him to bring it to life for you so that you can understand it and so that it changes your life.
Read Focus Verses
Read Philippians 2:1-4 and consider how each of the phrases is connected with the others.
Theme
How would you put into words the theme that ties these four verses together?
Background
Philippians 1:27-30 leads into today's passage and gives us context for understanding what is said.
Context
Now read today's verses, but keep going and notice that they lead into a glorious passage that shows Jesus as the ultimate example of the life described in today's verses. Read Philippians 2:1-11.
Verse 1
What realities does Paul appeal to in verse 1 as a basis for urging these Christians to live as he describes in verses 2-4?
Verse 2
What will bring Paul joy according to verse 2?
Verses 3-4
Can you think of one word to summarize the mindset described in verses 3-4?
Not this…
How are Christians not to do things according to verse 3?
But this…
How are Christians supposed to do things instead according to verse 3?
Practically Speaking
How does verse 4 put verse 3 into practical terms that make it easy to figure out how to live?
Keyword - Unity
Marking the words speaking of unity in this passage will help this theme stand out.
One Mind, One Love
Mark the words that speak of unity in Philippians 2:1-4.
Keyword - Humility
Marking the words speaking of humility in this passage will help this theme stand out.
Humility of Mind
Mark the words that speak of humility in today's passage.
Interpretation
Living Truth
Verse 1 lists several truths and then verses 2-4 explain how they should impact our lives. Go back to Philippians 1:27 and see this pattern of a lifestyle being based on truth established.
The Gospel
What does Philippians 1:27 tell us should be the main thing impacting a Christian's life?
Comfort in Christ
As we explore the truths listed in verse 1 of today's passage, we will see that they are at the heart of the gospel. Notice what Romans 5:1-8 says about the comfort Christians have in Christ.
Comforted and Established
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 connects the comfort Christians have in Christ with the result of a good life like today's passage does.
Comfort of Hope
Hebrews 6:18-20 speaks of the unchangeable strength of this comfort Christians have in Christ.
Consolation in Christ
In light of these other passages, what does the first phrase in Philippians 2:1 mean?
Comforted in Love
Colossians 2:1-3 also speaks of the comfort Christians have in love.
Comfort and Love
What is the connection between love and comfort?
Fellowship
2 Corinthians 13:14 also mentions the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
In Your Hearts
Galatians 4:6 explains that the Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of believers.
United with God's People
Ephesians 2:18-22 explains the fellowship which Christians have with one another because of the Holy Spirit.
One Spirit
In Ephesians 4:1-6 we see why the Holy Spirit brings such fellowship between believers.
Fellowship of the Spirit
How would you explain what the third phrase of Philippians 2:1 means based on these passages?
Mercy and Compassion
Colossians 3:12-14 expands on the same theme as the last phrase of Philippians 2:1.
Practical Love
1 John 3:17-18 shows us that this compassion is to be active and practical.
Compassion and Mercy
How would you describe what God means by the final phrase of Philippians 2:1?
Joy in You
In Colossians 2:5 Paul expresses his joy over the godly lives of another church.
Joy in Obedience
In Philemon 1:20-21 Paul tells Philemon that if he obeys it will bring Paul great joy.
No Greater Joy
3 John 1:4 expresses a similar thought.
Why Joy?
Why will it bring Paul joy for these Philippian Christians to live in unity and humility based on the truths of the gospel?
One Mind
Unity was also something Paul highlighted as of key importance in the Christian life in Philippians 1:27.
Likeminded
In Philippians 3, Paul explains that Christians do not have confidence in their good works to get them to heaven but in the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Notice that he explains that this is the central thing which Christians are to be united about in Philippians 3:15-16.
The Importance of Unity
Romans 15:5-6 explains why it is so important for Christians to be united in the gospel.
Significance
Why is it so important for Christians to be united in the gospel?
One Body
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 we learn why a group of people so different from one another in background, interests, and other things can be united in mind and love.
Basis
Why are Christians united even though in earthly terms they are so different from each other?
Whose Work?
Who works in believers to bring this unity?
Beware
Consider what Philippians 3:2.
No Fellowship
Christians are to have fellowship with each other. Notice how Ephesians 5:1-12 starts in this strain and then warns that Christians are not to have unity with the world.
Partners
2 Corinthians 6:14 puts this in very practical terms.
The Difference
In Romans 12:16-19 we see the difference between the way Christians are at unity among themselves and the way they live peaceably with the world.
Unity in Truth
Why is it important to remember that the context of today's passage is unity in the truth of the gospel?
Pride and Strife
Like verse 3 of today's passage, Proverbs 13:10 connects pride and strife.
Why Pride?
Why is pride the root of strife?
Foolish
James 3:14-18 tells us what God thinks of strife.
Contention
In Scripture Christians are told to contend for the faith. How does that align with not fighting amongst themselves?
Vain Glory
Galatians 5:19-26 also connects the ideas of strife and pride, warning against seeking vain glory.
An Example
In 3 John 1:9-11 we see an example of a man who lived for his own vain glory and caused strife because of it.
Preferring Each Other
Romans 12:10 sounds a lot like today's passage.
Humility
We see a similar direction in 1 Peter 5:5-7.
Not Vain Glory
Why are Christians not to do things based on a desire for vain glory?
Greatest Commandment
In Matthew 22:36-40 the Lord Jesus tells us what is the greatest commandment. Notice how similar the second part sounds to today's passage.
Servant of All
Mark 10:42-45 explains how this way of humble living works.
Follow Him
Who is the primary example of serving others instead of serving self?
In Your Words
Restate Philippians 2:4 in your own words.
Humility Bringing Unity
How will this kind of preferring others bring the unity spoken of in verse 2?
Unity and Humility
Why are unity and humility highlighted here as two of the most important virtues for a godly Christian life?
Application
Gospel
How can you make remembering the truths of the gospel a more regular part of your life so that you are challenged to live in a way that aligns with the gospel?
Unity
In which situation in your life is God asking you to apply verse 2 to live at unity and in fellowship with another Christian?
Vain Glory and Strife
What are areas of your life that you see a desire for vain glory or self-exaltation that is leading to strife? How are you going to pursue humility instead?
Preferring Others
How does the Lord want you to prefer someone else in humility today?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has challenged you to live in unity with other Christians humbly putting others before self because of the truths of the gospel.
Feedback
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