Unity with One Another

Conrad Hilario
Philippians 1:27-2:4

Paul calls the Philippians to live in a way that reflects the reality of their true citizenship in heaven. We do this by standing firm in one spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the Gospel. We can experience another level of unity that comes from working together to carry out the mission of sharing the love of Jesus with those who don't know him.

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Ben Foust
John 4:1-42

One might suppose the Samaritan woman at the well would be the least likely person to ever follow Jesus. She is the wrong gender, race, religion, and morality. The barriers are numerous. Yet, Jesus pursues the unlikely, like this sinful woman who doesn't even know she is thirsty. She learns she is very thirsty, and the only thing that will quench that thirst is a relationship with God. Jesus has removed every barrier to receiving the living water he offers.

Taking a Stand

James Rochford
Philippians 1:27-30

Standing for Christ by standing firm in one spirit and of one mind makes sense because the mission is eternal and therefore worth the sacrifice. Our real citizenship is in heaven and we will be there relatively soon and for ever. Christian community for its own sake is fruitless. It must be in the context of a common mission of sacrificial servant love. Is it difficult? Yes, but so worth it!

Deep Unity in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 1:27-2:4

Paul uses military language of the type of unity soldiers exhibit in battle to describe the unity the Body of Christ must have. God's people must strive together in one spirit, with one mind to intrude into the enemy's territory to liberate people from the power of the evil one. We have been given a mission to spread the Gospel and we will encounter opposition that requires deep unity to overcome.

United We Stand

Scott Risley
Philippians 1:27-2:4

As Christian's, we carry dual citizenship of both heaven and a hostile, earthly world. We are under fire here, while we wait for heaven. Paul calls the Philippians, and us, to stand firm, and strive together, remembering who we are and why we are here. We are united in faith in Christ, as we hold forth the Good News

Standing Firm Together

Chris Hearty
Philippians 1:27-2:4

Paul wants the Philippians to be standing together, striving together in the faith. As duel citizens of earth and heaven, Paul calls them to live out their lives on earth in such a way as to honor their heavenly citizenship. Do not substitute the truth of God for a lie. Stand firm in the truth of who they are in Christ.

Jesus and His Disciples

Ben Foust
John 1:35-50

People started out skeptical of the claims Jesus was the Messiah. But spending time with Jesus quickly changes people's opinion of him. Something about Jesus makes people want to show him to others. All we really have to do is share what we know with who we know.\r\nGod knows us as we are. Because of Jesus Christ, he accepts us before we even show up. He has a plan and a vision that perfectly fits our life. Our only role is to come and see.

How Is Your Worldview Working Out for You?

James Rochford
Philippians 1:12-26

Our circumstances are far less important than our view of them. Paul's circumstances were far from ideal by anyone's standards. He was under house-arrest, chained to a rotating crew of Praetorian guards for close to four years. And he was under a possible death sentence! Yet, Paul was not disturbed by these circumstances. Instead, he was overjoyed at how God was bringing good things out a bad situation. The Gospel was being preached fearlessly by those believers in Rome who watched Paul's example. No matter the result of the trial, Paul viewed it as a win-win. If he is ruled innocent, then he has more time for fruitful ministry. If he is found guilty, then instantly after his execution, he will be in the presence of his beloved Savior.

The Eternal Perspective

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 1:19-25

Paul's eternal perspective allowed him to view his potential impending death at the hands of the Roman court as an opportunity to exalt Christ in his body whether he lives or dies. If he lives, then he can continue to minister to believers, and witness to non-believers. If he dies, then he will go to his death without fear, proclaiming the Gospel before his judges. And upon his death, he will be in the presence of his Lord immediately. For him, to live is Christ, to die is gain.