Stand Firm
Christlike • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
In the following verses of Scripture we have instructions to the church (the community of believers).
Problems in the church of Philippi:
Misguided eschatology (doctrine of last things). They believed that they were already raised with Christ to a heavenly life here and now.
They believed that their lives were exempt from hardship and suffering.
They looked upon those “Christians” (like Paul) who were experiencing suffering as ones who lacked faith or were living in sin.
Pride and ego were embraced and humility rejected.
Therefore, the Scripture in Philippians now focuses on the inner life of the Christian community as it faces significant challenges from the culture.
Text
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Today, just as it has been throughout the history of the church, the community of believers face hardship and suffering.
Temptation, cultural hostility to the holiness of God, pride, and other pressures are difficult to face and overcome.
But we are not left alone to figure it out ourselves—God’s Word give us the answer and the way forward.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
The “gospel of Christ” is the good news of salvation.
We are instructed to live in a manner that is worthy of God’s gift of salvation.
Appreciation
Gratitude
Worship
Obedience
Live as citizens of heaven!
Transition: So, how is this possible? How do we live a life that is worthy?
Paul wrote: “so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you are standing firm…”
Stand firm gives a picture soldiers prepared for battle—soldiers working together as a trained unit that is ready to face the enemy.
For the Christian, we must stand firm in our faith.
Stand Firm in the Spirit
Stand Firm in the Spirit
Stand firm in one spirit.
Common spirit (attitude)
The Holy Spirit
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Stand Firm in a Unified Mind
Stand Firm in a Unified Mind
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Present a united front.
A divided church is an ineffective church.
Stand Firm in a Unified Faith
Stand Firm in a Unified Faith
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
Stand Firm in a Unified Courage
Stand Firm in a Unified Courage
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Conclusion
29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.