SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 23-06-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY “Exhortation to Steadfast Christian Living”: Every believer is called to be a servant of Jesus and a saint. Therefore, our sufferings and persecution on account of our faith should not make us withdraw our consecration. Neither should it hinder, but rather hasten the spread of the gospel. Believers are not expected to change their conviction because of opposition from men or the advances of the devil; we should strive together for the faith of the gospel. We are admonished to stand fast.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 748: CHRISTLIKE LOVE, UNITY AND HUMILITY MEMORY VERSE: …… “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:2,3). TEXT: Philippians 2:1-30

INTRODUCTION Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian Church on ingredients of practical Christian living. His focus was on Christlike love, humility and unity. God wants love and unity to dwell among brethren from all walks of life. We are to be likeminded, endeavour to preserve unity and avoid strife and vainglory, which destroy love. We must work out our salvation with utmost care and diligence. Finally, our service to the Lord must be done faithfully and cheerfully. QUESTION 1: How can ministers of the gospel demonstrate commitment to following the footsteps of Christ? – Phil. 2:3,4; 1 Pet. 2:21,23; 1 John 3:18

CHRISTLIKE EXAMPLE OF LOVE AND HUMILITY Philippians 2:1-11 Christ manifested the highest level of love (agape) and humility. He left His heavenly throne for the earth, emptied Himself of the honour and glories of the divine nature and took upon Himself the nature of man. He died so we could inherit eternal life. Our lifestyle should be given to divine service, bringing sinners back to God while humility should rule our our heart and characterise our lives. QUESTION 2: Mention some characteristics of Christlike love – John 15:13; 1 Cor. 13:4-8

CHRISTIANS AS LIGHTS IN A PERVERSE WORLD Philippians 2:12-18 Christians are called-out, peculiar and set apart. Therefore, we must stand out and shine as lights in this dark and perverse world. We should behave what we profess. We must not engage in murmuring, dispute or eye-service. We should be watchful so Satan does not cause us to fall or reproach the name of Jesus. We are to keep ourselves unspotted, build up ourselves through prayer, study and meditate on God’s word. QUESTION 3: How should believers live as lights in the world? – Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 2:12,15

COMMENDATION AND COMMITMENT OF FELLOW LABOURERS Philippians 2:19-30 Paul appreciated and respected ministers who worked under him. He commended the commitment of Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy was a son to Paul in the faith, yet he referred to him as a faithful representative. On the other hand, Paul called Epaphroditus his brother and companion in labour. Leaders should model the respect they teach. Christian leadership is service, sacrifice and faithfulness.

COMMENDATION AND COMMITMENT OF FELLOW LABOURERS Philippians 2:19-30 QUESTION 4: What motivation can Christian workers receive from the commendable lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus? – Phil. 2:20,21,25-27 QUESTION 5: What can Christian leaders learn from Paul’s commendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus? – Matthew 24:46,47; 1 Tim. 5:17

CONCLUSION Strife and vainglory cause disunity. To overcome them, we must allow the word of God to transform our minds and hearts. We should move from a place of serving self to a place where God and His work take the centre of our affection. We must prefer holiness, truth and duty to ease, credit and safety. Our steadfastness must lead to usefulness. And as our ministers labour, we should show love to them in practical ways and also pray for them.