Introduction:
1. Satan tempts us. Our arsenal is made up of prayer and the word of god.
2. Our charge is to protect the Bible. One way we do that is by the life we live.
3. Paul pleas with the church at Philippi to stand up for Jesus.
4. Philippians 1:27-30.
I. Conduct (verse 27a).
A. Note the word “only” it means-one essential thing. The word conversation means conduct. It has as its background politics. It means to behave yourself as a citizen of the kingdom.
B. Our challenge.
1. Live like a Christian. (Rom. 12:2; Ja. 1:22; 2:18).
2. We have been called (Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1Pet. 1:16).
3. We are compelled (1 Pet. 2:11).
4. We are to be committed (Lk. 9:23, 24).
II. Cooperation (verse 27b).
A. Note the words: Stand firm means to stand fast. Not to move. One spirit has reference to emotion/attitude, One mind has reference to thinking. There was possibly some problems in the church (Phil. 4:2). Paul besought Philippi to work together and stand for the truth. Satan’s strategy is to divide and conquer.
B. Our challenge is to be united. We are to be involved in the same work with one goal in mind. Heaven is our aim.
1. God expects unity (Jn. 17:20, 21; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 1:10).
2. There is beauty in unity (Ps. 133).
3. There are problems that arise: factions, quarreling, opinions, selfishness, personalities, opinions, immaturity, majoring in minors.
4. Cooperation is needed we are to work together (Nehemiah, Isaiah 2:2-4; Eph. 2:21, 22; 4:16, 3).
III. Courage (verses 28:30).
A. In Philippi Paul faced opponents. We are not sure who or what. Paul reminds them to not be terrified. This is the idea of a startled horse. Suffering is a sign you are on the right road, an unwanted gift. Just know that others are experiencing the same.
B. Our challenge.
1. Satan works through man (Eph. 6:11, 12; Mt. 16:23; Jn. 6:70).
2. Problems will come (2 Tim. 3:12).
3. We are to persevere (Nehemiah, Elijah, Acts 5:29; 2 Tim. 1:7). Don’t be intimidated (Lk. 12:4; Heb. 13:6; Prov. 28:1).
4. Remember Gideon (Jud. 6:25-31).
Conclusion: 1 Cor. 16:13; 1Thes. 3:8.
Entered on 5/16/2010
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