Joy In The Journey: Standing Together In the Battle
Philippians 1:27- 2:11
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthyof the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hearthat I still have.
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Video for this Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, October 16, 2022
Most would agree that we’ve been experiencing great personal and cultural disruptions. And some, wary of other people (or even churches), have concluded that “going it alone” in life is the easiest, safest, and best option.
In his letter written to the Philippians, Paul offers a different approach: “We are in this struggle together,” he says, and challenges believers to stand together and fight in love for the faith and Good News they’ve been given.
Join us this Sunday as we hear this challenge from God’s Word (Philippians 1:27 – 2:11), encourage and pray for each other, remember Christ’s example, and explore ways we can live out his challenge today.
Looking forward to our time together!
-- Steve Eng
Steven Eng, advocacy director, National Association of Evangelicals, works with NAE leaders, constituents and others around the country to help advance the principles of the NAE document, “For the Health of the Nation,” as they use their God-given influence to bless our nation. Steve has served for three decades as an ordained evangelical pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church. He received a degree in political science from St. Olaf College and a M.Div. degree from North Park Theological Seminary.