Agree in the Lord
Speaker: Matt Boswell Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians Passage: Philippians 4:2–3
The Philippian church that was established in joy would also have to work together for their continued joy. The church had known pressures from the outside of the church walls, but in this part of Paul’s letter, we learn of a specific issue in the church that has sprung from within. In this letter addressed to the entire church, a letter that was to be read publicly, Paul mentions by name, Euodia, and Syntyche. These two women who are influential members in the church are also at odds with one another. While we do not know the issue between the women, we do know that the effect of their disagreement had spread and began to affect others in the church. The lack of unity between the two women had swelled into a wave of disunity within the entire church that now required Paul to address it publicly.
Our passage today is Philippians 4:2-3, and here we see a request from the Apostle Paul for these women to “Agree in the Lord”. He summons and encourages these ladies to find unity in Christ in the midst of their disagreement. What we find in our text are three requirements for cultivating unity in the church: 1. Unity Requires Humility, 2. Unity Involves The Whole Church, and 3. Unity Needs Steady Gospel Application. The main idea of our text is that Christians must pursue unity through humility with one another for the sake of Christ, the joy of his church, and the advancement of his mission.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Why is unity in the church important?
- Where does church unity begin, and how is it cultivated?
- How can we help protect church unity?
- How can we practice applying the gospel to our lives? Find two examples and practice applying the gospel to the situation.
- Who is one person you need to share the gospel with?
PRAYER
Pray that we would be a church united in the gospel, fortified in community, and driven by mission.
Pray for the one person mentioned, that they might come to saving faith in Christ.
other sermons in this series
Apr 7
2019
Established in Joy
Speaker: Matt Boswell Passage: Philippians 4:21–23 Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians
Mar 31
2019
Gospel Generosity
Speaker: Matt Boswell Passage: Philippians 4:14–20 Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians
Mar 24
2019
Christ is Enough
Speaker: Matt Boswell Passage: Philippians 4:10–13 Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians