Philippians 1:27-30

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

A Call to Unity

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Unity in Christ is a sign of God’s salvation.

  2. Suffering for Christ is a sign of God’s favor.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Do you want a prosperity gospel or Paul’s gospel?

  2. Let’s fight together and not fight each other.

QUESTIONS

  1. Explain the word, “conduct,” as used in Philippians 1:27. Why did Paul use this word here?

  2. What prompted Paul to exhort the Philippians to strive for unity?

  3. How is unity a sign of God’s salvation?

  4. Is unity the same as uniformity?

  5. Does persecution necessarily mean physical suffering?

ANSWERS

  1. It is a word that has to do with citizenship. Paul used it because Philippi was a Roman colony and the Philippians were Roman citizens. As such, they knew the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Now, as citizens of heaven, they were to conduct themselves worthy of the gospel of Christ.

  2. The rift and resulting disunity growing within the church. He was concerned that the rift be healed before it grew larger.

  3. See Philippians 1:28. It is sign from God that enemy forces are fighting a losing battle.

  4. No. Christians differ in many ways, but they are to be unified in purpose when it comes to the gospel.

  5. No. Christians can be persecuted in many ways, especially verbally, when they take a stand for Christ.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Read Philippians 1:29 and 2 Timothy 3:12. In what ways have you suffered for Christ?

  2. How do you strive for unity within your fellowship?

  3. Do you know people who have been deluded by the prosperity gospel? Have you ever faced this problem? How would you deal with it?

CHALLENGE

  1. “Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” Philippians 1:27 Determine to make your conduct reflect your position as a heavenly citizen.

KEY VERSES

  • “Be not terrified by your adversaries…for to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…” Philippians 1:28-29

New Testament, Philippians, TalksDeb HarmsPhilippians 1:27-30