Unity in Christ: We are one family
The attitude of Paul
Apostle Paul wrote Philippians in Rome around AD 61-63 while imprisoned. He expressed gratitude to the Philippian church for their prayers. However, members of the The Way (early Christians) were also being persecuted for being identified with Jesus.
Church members were discouraged, and pressure from authorities was causing strife and dissension. Paul was imprisoned and faced his own struggles.
However, thankfulness overtook his sorrow, and instead of being hopeless, knowing the church as one family of believers, Paul encouraged unity, love, and humility with one purpose and allegiance with Christ.
Philippians 2:1-5
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
Then, make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
DISCUSSION:
- What was the problem of the Philippians?
- Why do you think the church needed to be told to work together as if they were children?
- Do we see the same things today in our church?
Love one another
Jesus gave a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” It is the most important command of Jesus, which is difficult to obey.
It’s easy to love people who are friendly but challenging for those who are annoying or someone we do not share anything in common. Yet, even among Christians, there is strife and disunity inside the church.
God does not force us to love people outside the family of faith, but if we fail to love those who are fellow Christians, we have broken the most important command of Christ.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.
DISCUSSION:
- What are the most common types of arguments inside the church, and what should be our attitude?
- What does it mean to do good, especially to those who belong to the church?
