The Recipe for Spiritual Unity

The Recipe for Spiritual Unity

Dave Riddle - 3/29/20
Key Passage: Philippians 2:1-4

Our Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Philippians 2:1) 

  • Encouragement in Christ

    • Encouragement = paraklēsis (παράκλησις)

      • Coming alongside someone to give them assistance, comfort, or console.

  • Consolation of Love

    • Consolation = paramythion (παραμύθιον)

      • Speaking closely with someone. Giving comfort and solace. The word used for a mother who holds and comforts a crying child.

  • Fellowship With The Spirit

    • Fellowship = koinōnia (κοινωνία)

      • a partnership. invested in a shared relationship. Implies a commitment. A word of deep intimacy.

  • Affection and Mercy

    • Affection = splagchnon (σπλάγχνον)

      • Referring to one’s deep emotions. A heart of affection and tender mercy. 

    • Mercy = oiktirmos (οἰκτιρμοί)

      • emotions, longings, pity

The Posture of Unity (Philippians 2:1-2)

  • Thinking the Same Way

    • Fully aligned

    • Likeminded

    • Having a common understanding

  • Having the Same Love

    • To love others equally.

    • Characterized by our love for one another.

    • 1 John 3:14

  • United in Spirit

    • The only occurrence of this word in the New Testament.

      • Living harmoniously. United in Spirit

      • Being in full accord.

        • living in selfless harmony with others.

  • Intent on One Purpose

    • Similar to “Thinking the Same Way”

    • “One-minded”

      • emphasizing our pursuit or intentions.

These four principles are complementary and inseparable. 

How Spiritual Unity is Lived Out (Philippians 2:3-4)

  • In Humility

    • In Humility =  tapeinophrosynē (ταπεινοφροσύνῃ)

      • Having a humble opinion of one's self

    • 1 Corinthians 10:24

    • 1 Corinthians 13:5

    • Leviticus 19:18

    • Mark 10:45

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