1. A Special Relationship Is Steadfast and United (Philippians 1:27-2:18)

2. The Cross…is the event in which the cycle is definitively broken
The Cross…is the event in which the cycle is definitively broken. The Christological passage in Philippians 2 means that Jesus’ obedience to the point of identification with the human condition at its most wretched and degraded, the death of a slave or a criminal, is what qualifies him to exercise the divine rule from the cosmic throne of God. Only the human who has thus identified himself irrevocably with the lowest of the low can be entrusted with the power that God exercises characteristically on their behalf. (Richard Bauckham…The bible in the Contemporary World)

3. Steadfast and United in the Face of Opposition – verses 27-30
Whatever happens,

4. Whatever happens…
conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… verse 27
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you… verse 28
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him… verse 29
stand firm in the one Spirit,[ striving together as one for the faith of the gospel… verse 27…

5. Imitating Christ

6. In your relationships with one another,
have the same mindset as Christ Jesus
he made himself nothing…
the very nature of a servant…
he humbled himself…
even death on a cross!
therefore…
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

7. Look out for number one.
Survival of the fittest.
It’s every man, woman and child for him or herself.
It’s a dog eat dog world

8. Without Grumbling

9. Conclusion
…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose… (Philippians 2:12-13)