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More Unity
Brian Mashburn
January 28, 2007
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Now Let's Look At You
Paul has shared his great affection and love for the Philippi people of Christ, even the weighty content of his prayers for them. He has reported to them of his conditions, externally (the chains, the critics, and the crisis he's facing) and internally (the untouchable joy of Christ in the midst of it).
Now, he gets down to business. The mail we are reading turns from news of Paul and his struggles, to the Philippi church and theirs. In effect, Paul says, enough about me. Now, Philippi church, now let's look at you.
The problem at Philippi? Opposition from within the church. Rumor has it that there are some Messianic Jews who think that Jesus needs a little bit of help from Moses to save the Gentiles. You need Jesus and circumcision. You need Jesus and the Jewish feasts. You need Jesus and righteousness that comes from the Law. They have really infiltrated the ranks, making a whole lot of logical sense, but adding to the teachings of Christ through Paul.
Paul's solution to the church? More unity around Jesus Christ alone. More unity around what he taught them and lived out among them. More unity around the doctrine that they saw him beaten and sent away for preaching. More unity around the gospel of Jesus Christ...his death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Simplistic? Well, maybe in its concept. But easy? No way, not in its application.
It will demand more time together in relationship centered on Christ. It will demand trusting in Christ. It will demand looking at the opposition with humility, but with absolute solidarity. Doing this will cause suffering, Paul promises. And they are to be grateful for it. And contend as one man for this faith.
Now, Southwest church, let's look at you. Do you have a problem with opposition in the church? Do you need this call to "more unity"?