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Introduction… I.
Phil.
1:3-11; 2:1-4; 4:1-9… The
Philippian church seems to have been an excellent congregation.
They were filled with love for God, one another, and the
apostle Paul. They
were active and diligent in their work for the Lord. Indeed, Philippi is a congregation worth imitating. II.
It is easier to do what is right when we think what is right. A.
In general, attitudes are extremely important.
Cf. Prov.
4:23. B.
Proper attitudes are needed if we are to enjoy our proper
relationship to the local congregation.
CF Rom.
12:3 III.
What would be the attitudes of the ideal member of Christ’s
body? Discussion…
I.
Attitudes Toward God
A.
Love – Matt.
22:34-38 Fear B.
Faith; trust – Heb.
11:1,6 C.
Thankfulness – Col.
3:17; Cf. Eph. 5:20 II.
Attitudes Toward
Ourselves
A.
Humility – Rom.
12:3,16 *”Self-inflated
views of yourself” – “Large & in charge” 1.
Humility
includes the willingness to serve, to do even “menial” tasks
– John
13:12-16 2.
“Show
me a man who cannot bother to do little things and I’ll show you
a man who cannot be trusted to do big things (Lawrence D. Bell). 3.
Matt.
25:21; Luke 16:10 “God
is God & We are not.” B.
Teachability – Psa.
25:4-5; Acts 18:24-26 1. Teachability includes:
2.
The old as well as the young need a
teachable attitude. “Education
is too good to limit to the young”
(Elton Trueblood). C. Honesty; willingness to admit mistakes and correct them – Jas. 5:16 III. Attitudes Toward Our Brethren A. Love – Rom. 13:8; Cf. 1 Peter 2:17 B. Cooperation; willingness to work together – 1 Cor. 12:14,21 1. We need to be able not only to work, but to work together. 2. “It marks a big step in a man’s development when he comes to realize that other men can be called on to help him do a better job than he can do alone” (Andrew Carnegie). C. Appreciation for others and their work – 1 Cor. 1:4; Cf. 1 Thess. 5:12,13. 1. True appreciation for others will eliminate destructive criticism, gossip, factiousness, etc.
D. Submissiveness to leadership – Heb. 13:17 E. Peaceableness – Rom. 12:18; 14:19; Eph. 4:3; Cf. Mt. 5:9; 1 Thess. 5:13. F. Hospitality; courtesy – Heb. 13:2; 3 Jn. 5-8; Cf. Acts 28:7 G. Warmth; friendliness; openness – Acts 2:44-47 H. Gentleness; meekness – 2 Tim. 2:24-26 I. Forgiveness; forbearance; patience; longsuffering – Eph. 4:2,32 IV.
Attitudes Toward Our Work A. Gratitude for the privilege of our work – 1 Tim. 1:12; Cf. 1 Cor. 15:9,10 B. Enthusiasm; eagerness – 2 Cor. 8:3-5; 9:7 Nothing is so easy but that it becomes difficult if done with reluctance. Heb. 10:23-26 C. Industriousness; diligence, energy – Neh. 4:6; Cf. Heb. 6:11,12. Some people are like blisters: they never show up until the work is almost done. D. Initiative – Matt. 25:14-30 1. Initiative has been aptly defined as the willingness to do what is right without having to be prodded. 2. We should not have to be reminded constantly of our responsibilities. Cf. 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6 3. More “self-starters” are needed. E. Readiness to render service – Lk. 22:24-27. God measures success not in units of silver, but in units of service. F. Positiveness – Phil. 2:14 1. The chronic complainer and the negative thinker are obstructions to the work of a congregation. 2. It is good to remember that “people are often down on what they’re not up to.” G. Persistence – Jn. 4:34; Cf. 2 Tim. 4:7… We need “finishative,” as well as “initiative.” Conclusion… I.
Ideal attitudes make for ideal working conditions among
members of a local congregation. II.
Attitude improvement is analogous to the woodcutter
sharpening his ax. Eccl.
10:10 III. As we each contemplate our individual duties to the church, let us strive to emulate the mind of Christ – Phil. 2:1-5
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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