Hallmarks of Unity Philippians 2:1-5

2 An Appeal for Unity, Phil. 2:1-2 Same purpose: Like-minded Same motive: Love Same harmonious relations: One accord Same goal: One mind

3 An Appeal for Unity, Phil. 2:1-2 Jesus prayed for unity, John 17:20-23 Basis: The word of the apostles Benefit: The world may believe in Jesus Commanded and described, 1 Cor. 1:10 Evidence of love, 1 Cor. 13:4-7 Guard unity and keep peace, Eph. 4:1-3

4 Philippians 2:3-5 Hallmarks of unity Enable unity Enhance unity

5 Unity Demands Humility, Phil. 2:3 Unity is destroyed by evil motives Selfish ambition (faction, ASV ): “denotes ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word; hence denotes party making…derived from erithos, a hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers” (Vine) [Galatians 5:20] Fruit of envy, Phil. 1:16; Jas. 3:14 Reject the factious, Titus 3:10-11

6 Unity Demands Humility, Phil. 2:3 Unity is destroyed by evil motives Conceit (vainglory, ASV ): “groundless self- esteem, empty pride…adj., glory without reason, conceited…eager for empty glory ” (Thayer) Caused by and companion of selfish pride Love of preeminence, 3 John 9-10 Warned of its danger, Galatians 5:26,

7 Unity Demands Humility, Phil. 2:3 Sense of our own smallness, 1 Sam. 15:17 (9:21) Humility serves and unites, 1 Peter 5:5 Consider others better than us… In order to receive each other, Mark 9: Yield to brethren before self, Ephesians 5:21

8 Unity Demands Looking Out for Others before Ourselves, Phil. 2:4 (3) Not a busybody, 1 Pet. 4:15; Prov. 16:28; 17:9 Well-being of others is our first priority Members of the same body, 1 Cor. 12:25-27 Replaces conceit with concern, Romans 12:16 Help each other, Galatians 6:1; James 5:19- 20

9 Unity Demands We Have the Mind of Christ, Phil. 2:5 Sacrifice, Phil. 2:6-7 (Jno. 17:5) Give up pride and be humble Submission, Phil. 2:7 Will of God and each other, Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 5:5-7 Steadfastness, Phil. 2:7-8 (Eph. 4:2-3) Longsuffering, forbearance, diligence

10 Unity Demands We Have the Mind of Christ, Phil. 2:5 The mind of Christ eliminates… Petty complaining (encourages genuine care) Driving wedges (promotes oneness) Speaking against one another, Col. 3:13 Unity results from the agreement of minds, Amos 3:3; John 10:30

11 Hallmarks of Unity Unity is not easy, but possible, Eph. 4:1-3 Tremendous blessings, Psalm 133:1 For each individual, Eccl. 4:9-12 For the church, 1 Cor. 1:10-11; Eph. 4:13-16 For the world, John 17:21 Be likeminded and honor God, Romans 15:5-7