Oneness In The Body Of Christ
Text: Philippians 2:1-4
19 July 2014
ONENESS IN THE BODY OF Christ
THE DOCTRINE OF ONENESS
1. This was taught by the Lord Jesus Christ
a) Prayed for by the Lord Jesus John 17:21
b) Exemplified by Christ’s Oneness with the Father John 17:21-22
c) Glory of Oneness John 17:22
d) Perfection in Oneness
e) Love as one of the Central Elements that will enable this special sense of Oneness John 17:24
2. The Lack of Oneness
a) In the days of the apostles
b) Churches threatened by schism
i) Corinthian church
ii) Galatian church
iii) Philippian church
3. A strong appeal to Develop Oneness
A five-fold appeal
a) Consolation in Christ Philippians 2:1a
b) Comfort of love Philippians 2:1b
c) Fellowship of the Spirit Philippians 2:1c
d) Affection (compassion) Philippians 2:1d
e) Mercy Philippians 2:1e
Focus: The application of all that we have believed in and experienced in Christ.
4. A personal appeal
Fulfil my joy Philippians 2:2a
5. Features of Oneness highlighted: –
a) Like-minded Philippians 2:2b
b) Having the same love Philippians 2:2c
c) One accord Philippians 2:2d
d) One mind Philippians 2:2e
6. Things to avoid
a) Selfish ambition Philippians 2:3a
b) Conceit Philippians 2:3b
7. Things to encourage
a) Lowliness of mind (humility) Philippians 2:3c
b) Esteeming others better than self Philippians 2:3d
c) Look out for the interest of others Philippians 2:4
BIBLE MEMORY
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.
Philippians 2:4