Adult Sunday School Lesson - 9:45am 11/06/11

Unity Through Humility 

Philippians 1:27-2:4 

1. Paul Wanted Them to Stand Fast In One Spirit 

1. It was Paul's greatest desire that the church be unified 

2. If we are to be unified we must be of the same Spirit. We must all be under the influence of the Holy Ghost at all times (Ephesians 5:18).  

3. If we are to be unified we must be of the same mind. We must hold the same opinions as it concerns doctrine (Philippians 1:27 & 2:2) (I Corinthians 1:10). 

2. Paul Wanted Them each to, " esteem others better than themselves" 

1. The phrase, "lowliness of mind" means humility of mind or modesty. (Philippians 2:3). Paul was an example of this (Acts 20:19).  

2. We are no required to be Jesus, but we are required, by the power of the Holy Ghost to be like Jesus.  
3. What has Jesus asked us to do that requires we humble ourselves before Him and before man? 

1. God asked Cain where his brother was. (Genesis 4:9).  

2. Cain's first response was a lie and his second was rebellious.  

1. He knew where his brother was 

2. He was never told that he was his brothers keeper. 

3. God knew where Abel was 

3. Christians will be held accountable to God individually. However, He has placed within each Christian an immeasurable compassion for others.  

1. Spiritually, we should know where are brothers and sisters in Christ are. 

2. God has never said I'm my brothers keeper, but He does expect me to be concerned for the spiritual welfare of my fellow Christians. 

3. God knows where we all are spiritually 

4. To whom are you indebted to for sharing the Gospel of Christ with you? To whom are you indebted for modeling the Christian life to you? 

3. Paul Wanted Them to Live Without Fear of Their Enemies 

1. What is the biggest problems we face today? Do these problems make us fearful 

2. We are often fearful of men. (Romans 8:31) 

3. We are often fearful of events and circumstances (Matthew 6:25-34) 

4. Persecution is never fun but it is a proof or our profession. (Philippians 1:28) Persecution is a promise of God to them that live Godly in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12) 

5. God also promises to make all things right one day (Philippians 2:5-11) so that we can live today without fear (Philippians 1:28)