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Introduction: A.
At
the heart of this letter: 1.
The exhortation to “stand firm in one spirit, with one
mind striving together …” Phil.
1:27 2.
To maintain the same love, united in spirit, intent on
one purpose. Phil.
2:2 3.
To do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but
with humility … Phil.
2:3 B.
So
many of us as Christians, however, are beset by our own sinful
ways: pride, arrogance, selfishness, and worldliness. 1.
The
result:
conflict and strife among people … even among our own brethren
we love. 2.
If we are to grow as a body – our thoughts and deeds need
to be “likeminded” in Christ.
If we are to grow as a body – our thoughts and deeds need
to be “likeminded” in Christ. Discussion: I.
Likeminded in Thought A.
Our
thoughts are the key to how we walk before God and maintain
fellowship among brethren. 1.
As a man thinks in his heart, so he is. Prov.
23:7 2.
While our thoughts do not always manifest itself outwardly
… they reveal exactly the kind of person we are before God. B.
Our
thoughts need to center on the well-being of others.
Phil.
2:3-4 1.
We may all be equal in Christ, but our attitude should
reflect a humility that esteems others as more important than
self. Gal.
3:28 II.
Likeminded in Deeds A.
Out
of the abundance of the heart a man speaks (and acts). 1.
A person with an evil heart eventually produces fruit
representative of it. Lk.
6:45 2.
Those with a good and noble heart speak the truth in love. Eph.
4:14-16 B.
Our
heart manifests itself by the way we speak about others.
Jas.
3:13-18 1.
Thus, our actions are very telling about what resides
within the heart. 2.
It will exude either the wisdom of God or Satan’s chaos
and division. C.
Applying
Paul’s exhortation. 1.
Our speech and behavior should reflect both humility and
the interest of our brethren. 2.
This cannot happen, however, without emptying ourselves
…THAT is at the heart of being “likeminded”. Conclusion: A. What do your thoughts, speech and behavior reveal about you?
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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