United We Stand

Philippians 1:27-30

You’ve all heard the familiar phrase “United we stand, divided we fall.” This is not only a timeless principle but also a biblical principle taught by Jesus Himself. When the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan who is the ruler of demons, He said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. A house divided against itself falls” (Mark 3:24-25). Likewise, a church divided against itself cannot stand; it will inevitably fall apart and fail to fulfill its purpose of proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus to a lost and dying world. That is the point Paul made in his letter to the Philippian church. Despite all their strengths, there was an undercurrent of strife among the precious saints in Philippi. So Paul exhorted them to resolve whatever differences they had so they could stop contending against one another and get back to contending alongside one another for the cause of Christ. In verses 27-30, Paul explained FOUR CHARACTERISTICS of a church that successfully advertises and advances the gospel.

1. THE CHURCH SYNCS TOGETHER (v. 27a)

2. THE CHURCH STANDS TOGETHER (v. 27b)

3. THE CHURCH STRIVES TOGETHER (vv. 27c)

4. THE CHURCH SUFFERS TOGETHER (vv. 28-30)

Thank God for granting you the privilege of not only believing in Christ but also suffering for Christ. Ask Him to help everyone who attends our church to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.