Striving Together

Philippians 1:27-30

Introduction

1.       Clubs and other organizations can provide you with fellowship, shared goals and a vision for a better world

2.       The church exists for these reasons plus it exists as a group working together to get each person to heaven

3.       Apart from a realization of our ultimate goal, all else adds up to nothing but failure

4.       Phil 1:27  

Discussion

1.       Standing firm in one spirit

a.       Assumes that you are in the place where God wants you to be  

b.       Psalm 1:1-3  

c.       1 Cor 15:58  

d.       See Rev 2:4; 3:1-2  

e.       The spirit in which we stand firm is also important  

2.       Striving together

a.       Sports events are divided into spectators and participants – the church is not a sports event  

b.       Unlike sports events, we are not to be divided into competing groups  

c.       Gal 6:9  

d.       It is the “faith of the gospel” for which we are to strive together – it is the faith of the gospel that assures that we will strive together – 1 Cor 1:10  

3.       For the faith of the gospel

a.       It is not our opinions for which we are to strive – 1 Cor 15:1-4  

b.       Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world – 1 John 2:2  

c.       Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins and into the death of Jesus – Acts 2:38  

d.       The church is the body of Christ – Eph 5:25  

e.       Jesus is the head of the church – Eph 1:22-23  

f.        Proper worship is in spirit and in truth – John 4:24  

Conclusion

1.       The Bible is clear on the need for unity, the basis for unity and the potential for unity

2.       The Bible is clear on the basis for unity

3.       The Bible is clear on the potential for unity

4.       Will you join with us in striving for the faith of the gospel