The Motives for Unity (Philippians 2:1-4)
This sermon delves into Paul's heartfelt appeal for unity within the early church at Philippi, a congregation otherwise known for its faithfulness and commitment. It explores the deep spiritual motivations that should compel believers to live in harmony, seeing disunity as a profound act of ingratitude toward God.
This sermon identifies disunity as a deadly threat to the church, even a healthy one. It urges believers to pursue unity by reflecting on the profound encouragement, love, and fellowship they continually receive from Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Overview
The sermon begins by highlighting the exceptional qualities of the Philippian church, noting Paul's deep affection and their consistent faithfulness. This church displayed strong leadership, doctrinal soundness, and fervent commitment, receiving commendation from Paul for their love, prayers, obedience, and generosity. Despite these virtues, Paul identifies a significant danger: the lurking threat of disunity, discord, and conflict, which he considers a potential disaster for any church.
Paul frames his letter around this concern, urging the Philippians toward unity in chapter 1 and reiterating the call for harmony among specific individuals in chapter 4. The core of his instruction, however, lies in Philippians 2:1-4, which he presents as a "formula for spiritual unity." The preacher shares his personal view that spiritual apathy is what he most hates in the church, but disunity is what he most fears, underscoring its constant potential to undermine even the most zealous congregations.
The sermon emphasizes that true church unity is an inward, magnetic force, not an outward, imposed container. Like metal shavings drawn to a magnet, believers are pulled to each other because they are all pulled by the power of Christ. This unity of the Spirit requires tremendous effort to maintain, and its disruption is seen as a profound tragedy.
Focusing on Philippians 2:1-4, the sermon delves into the "motives for unity." These are presented as present spiritual experiences: the encouragement in Christ, the consolation of love, the fellowship of the Spirit, and affection and compassion from the Spirit. Paul argues that sin, especially discord, is an act of ingratitude and a violation of the intimate relationship believers share with Christ and the Holy Spirit, urging them to respond to unending grace by pursuing the unity that is precious to God's heart. He also adds a final motive: making Paul's own joy complete.
Key points
- The Philippian church was a highly commendable congregation, marked by faithfulness, love, obedience, and generosity, with strong leadership.
- Despite its strengths, the Philippian church faced the danger of disunity, which Paul addresses throughout his letter.
- Paul views disunity as the greatest fear for the church, a lurking disaster that can even affect zealous and doctrinally sound congregations.
- True church unity is an internal, magnetic bond created by the power of Christ, not an external container holding people together.
- Paul provides four motives for unity in Philippians 2:1, which are present spiritual experiences received from Christ and the Holy Spirit.
- Sin, particularly disunity, is defined as a violation of one's intimate relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit, and an act of ingratitude.
- Paul also asks the Philippians to pursue unity to make his own joy complete, appealing to their personal relationship with him as their pastor.
In John MacArthur's words
“My greatest hatred in the church is for spiritual apathy. My greatest fear in the church is for disunity.”
“When you sin you are literally violating the intimacy of a relationship between yourself and Christ.”
“Sin, sin in the life of a Christian in its simplest definition is a tragic act of ingratitude and a violation of a relationship.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: The Quality of the Philippian Church
- A. Paul's positive feelings toward them (Philippians 1:3-8, 19; 2:12; 3:16; 4:10, 16)
- B. Quality leaders (Philippians 1:1, 5, 7, 9, 19; 4:16)
- C. Lack of doctrinal or moral issues
- II. The Lurking Danger: Disunity, Discord, and Conflict
- A. Mentioned in chapter 1:27, chapter 4:1-2, and chapter 2's opening verses
- B. The preacher's personal fear of disunity
- C. Paul's consistent emphasis on unity across his epistles (Romans 12, 14, 15; 1 Corinthians 1, 13; Galatians 5, 6; Ephesians 4; Colossians 3; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Thessalonians 1)
- D. Disunity can occur even in healthy, zealous churches (William Barclay quote)
- III. The Nature of True Unity: Inward, Not Outward
- A. Compelling internally, not externally controlled
- B. Illustrated by marbles in a bag vs. metal shavings to a magnet
- C. The magnetic power of Jesus Christ pulls believers together
- D. A fragile unity requiring constant effort (Ephesians 4:3)
- IV. The Formula for Spiritual Unity: Motives, Marks, and Means (Philippians 2:1-4)
- A. Focusing on "The Motives for Unity" (Why?)
- B. Understanding the Greek "if" as "since" or "because" (first-class conditional)
- C. Motive 1: Encouragement in Christ (Philippians 2:1)
- 1. Christ's consistent help and counsel
- 2. Unity is Christ's great prayer and desire (John 17; 13:35)
- 3. Discord is an act of ingratitude and a sin against the relationship with Christ
- D. Motive 2: Consolation of Love (Philippians 2:1)
- 1. God's tender love, comfort, forgiveness, and mercy in Christ
- 2. The word "paramuthion" (gentle cheering, intimate counsel)
- 3. Disloyalty to unity is a violation of this intimate relationship
- 4. Sin is a violation of relationship, not just a code (Psalm 51)
- E. Motive 3: Fellowship of the Spirit (Philippians 2:1)
- 1. The Holy Spirit desires and is the source of unity (1 Corinthians 12:13)
- 2. The Spirit's indwelling, sealing, filling, gifting, cleansing, and intercession
- 3. Disrupting unity is quenching the Spirit and an act of ingratitude
- F. Motive 4: Affection and Compassion (Philippians 2:1)
- 1. The Spirit's deep feelings and longings for believers (splanchna - 'gut, viscera')
- 2. The Spirit's tender mercies and sympathetic care (oiktirmos)
- 3. Discord is disloyalty to a loving Christ and Spirit
- G. Motive 5: Make My Joy Complete (Philippians 2:2)
- 1. Paul's pastoral plea to the church, akin to a father's tender request
- 2. Maintaining unity brings joy to spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
- 3. Paul's joy, despite imprisonment, would be made full by their unity
Scripture references
- Philippians 2
- Philippians 1:3
- Philippians 1:4
- Philippians 1:5
- Philippians 1:8
- Philippians 1:19
- Philippians 2:12
- Philippians 3:16
- Philippians 4:10
- Philippians 4:16
- Philippians 1:1
- Philippians 1:7
- Philippians 1:9
- Philippians 1:27
- Philippians 4:1
- Philippians 4:2
- Romans 12:10
- Romans 12:16
- Romans 14
- Romans 15
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
- Galatians 5
- Galatians 6
- Ephesians 4
- Colossians 3
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9
- 1 Thessalonians 4:10
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
- 2 Thessalonians 1:4
- Philippians 2:1-4
- John 17
- John 13:35
- Psalm 51
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
- 1 Corinthians 6
- Romans 8:26-27
- Hebrews 13:17
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Insights
Unity within the church flows from an awareness of God's constant, tender goodness.
Our actions within the community reflect the loyalty of our relationship with Christ.
Disagreement can arise even where there is genuine zeal and commitment.
Questions & answers
What is the sermon's main concern about the Philippian church?
Despite the Philippian church being doctrinally sound and highly committed, Paul expresses grave concern about disunity, discord, and conflict within the congregation, viewing it as a "deadly snake with poisonous venom."
What does the preacher identify as the greatest fear for the church?
The preacher states that while spiritual apathy is what he most hates, his greatest fear for the church is disunity, conflict, and division, considering it a constant battle to maintain spiritual unity.
How does the sermon define the nature of church unity?
The sermon defines church unity as an inward, magnetic force, not an outward container. It means people are drawn to each other because they are all pulled by the same power of Jesus Christ, making them united in hearts, minds, and souls.
What are the four primary motives for unity Paul presents in Philippians 2:1?
Paul presents four motives for unity: the encouragement experienced in Christ, the consolation of love received from Him, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the affection and compassion given by the Spirit.
How does the sermon characterize sin in a Christian's life?
The sermon defines sin in a Christian's life as a tragic act of ingratitude and a violation of the intimate relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit. It is not merely breaking a code, but breaking a personal bond.
What additional motive does Paul add for the Philippians to pursue unity?
Beyond their relationship with Christ and the Spirit, Paul appeals to the Philippians to maintain unity to "make my joy complete." He asks them to do it for his sake, acknowledging their concern for his well-being as a pastor.
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