Striving together for the Gospel

Text: Philippians 1:27-30; Romans 15:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1
20 August 2006

(I) THE THINGS THAT WLL HURT THE WORK OF GOD

1. The work of the Evil One

2. The lure of the world

3. The strife among brethren

(II) A CALL TO RECOGNISE THE DANGER OF STRIFE

1. Danger of “factions” in the Church (1 Corinthians 1)

(In the Corinthian Church)

a) Those aligned to Cephas

b) Those inclined towards Apollos

c) Those who supported Paul

d) Those who disagreed with all of the above

2. Deadly results (1 Corinthians 3:3)

a) Carnality

b) Envy

c) Strife

d) Divisions

(III) A CALL TO END THE PROBLEM OF STRIFE

1. Remember- We are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9)

2. Remember- We are the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16)

3. Remember- God will discipline (“destroy” is His prerogative) (1 Corinthians 3:17)

(IV) A CALL TO STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL

1. Standing fast in one spirit (Philippians 1:27)

2. With one mind (Philippians 1:27)

3. Striving together for the faith of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27)

(V) OUR CHALLENGES

1. Pray that God would continue to keep us all united (Romans 15:5)

2. Let us work at being “like-minded to one another” (Romans 15:5)

3. Let us determine to glorify God with “one mind and one mouth” (Romans 15:5)