When on the right path, valuable teammates show the difference, serve as “one,” and face expected challenges.

Valuable teammates… 1) Live the difference. “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27a

Being a faithful citizen “Conduct” = Being a faithful citizen

Uniqueness of the Gospel One eternal, all-powerful God He became one of us We are morally broken Jesus’ willing sacrifice Historical bodily resurrection Gospel comes in God’s grace

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1

Valuable teammates… 2) Compete as a team. “Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27b

“Stand firm” = side-by-side military formation

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity Psalm 133:1

“’I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.’” John 17:22-23

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

T E A M

Together Everyone Accomplishes More

3) Expect opposition and even suffering. Valuable teammates… 3) Expect opposition and even suffering.

“Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you “Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved – and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him,

but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1: 28-29

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts 5:41

Blessings of Suffering Awesome spiritual growth James 1:2-4 for Christ Awesome spiritual growth James 1:2-4 More God-reliant 2 Corinthians 1:9 The Gospel spreads Philippians 1:12

Gives evidence of Christ Philippians 3:10 Helps others 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Minimizes pride 2 Corinthians 12:7 Gives evidence of Christ Philippians 3:10 Eternal reward Matthew 5:12

“To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory is my reward.” Karen Watson

What kind of teammate am I? Am I living out the gospel in my everyday life? Does it show? Am I an effective teammate?

What kind of teammate am I? Am I willing to stand strong against opposition and to suffer for Christ?