Introduction:
1. I, Me, My, Mine are major disturbers in the church.
2. The Church is better than petty selfishness
3. Phil. 2:1-4
I. What we have in Christ.
A. Consolation-encouragement (Rom. 8:38-39).
B. Comfort-love in Christ (2 Cor. 5:14; Eph. 5:25).
C. Fellowship of the Spirit (Romans 8:26).
D. Bowel and mercies-affections and compassions (Mt. 20:34).
E. Because of these blessings we are to use them as a resource and strive for unity.
II. What should not be present in a congregation.
A. Selfishness-only of self, self interest at the expense of others. This often dictates values and behaviors (Gen. 13:7-13; Mt. 20:20-28). Greed, hoarding, neglect of others, opinions, ideas, want your way (Rom. 12:4, 5; 15:1; Mt. 7:12).
B. Vainglory-conceit, empty glory (Rom 12:3; Prov. 16:18).
C. Look on your own interest. Feels no compassion for others/work of the church, etc. (Rom. 15:3; 1 Thes. 2:4; 1 Cor. 10:33).
III. What should be present in a congregation.
A. Be likeminded-“attention”. Life, values, people (Phil. 2:5).
B. Same love. Must have (Col. 2:2; Eph. 5:2). We must band and bond together (1 Thes. 4:9; Jn. 15:12).
C. One in spirit and purpose (attitude and aim) (1 Cor. 1:10; 3:9; Rom. 12:16).
D. Humble-self forgetful, not focus on self (Rom. 12:3). Consider others first (Mt. 22:39). Not me but thee (2 Cor. 3:5; Eph. 3:8; Lk. 22:24-27; Mt. 5:3).
E. Looking to the interest of others (Gal. 6:1-3). Many carry alone their own burdens. We need to help them.
Conclusion:
1. Doing for others is the key. We are our brother’s keepers.
Entered on 5/23/2010
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