Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Introduction Video
Opening Question
Do a quick online search: What movie won Best Picture at the Oscars the year you turned 18 and could legally vote in the United States?
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of 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 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. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.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, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.– Philippians 1:27-2:11
We heard in the sermon that in Paul’s time and in ours, political allegiance can create disunity among people, which impedes the advancement of the gospel. In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul encouraged them to consider themselves as citizens of heaven before citizens of a political nation. Paul then gave them four emotional and theological tools to help them advance the progress of the gospel in their city. We will spend our time discussing those tools:
Tenacity
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 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
– Philippians 1:27-28
As we heard in the sermon, there is political pressure nipping at Christians constantly, insisting we prove our faith by voting a certain way, endorsing (or rejecting) a certain candidate, or posting about a particular issue or event.
Have you seen politics divide people who were once united as friends, colleagues, family, or neighbors?
What actions can strengthen our relationships with people who have different political views?
A Divine Necessity
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
– Philippians 1:29-30
Paul shows us that suffering will always be present when the gospel advances in a politicized culture.
When you consider people suffering for the sake of the gospel, what first comes to mind?
Have you ever felt persecuted for your faith in God? What did God teach you through that experience?
Unity
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, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
– Philippians 2:1-2
Paul roots unity in the oneness of a three-in-one, or triune, God. Unified diversity sits at the very center of who God is, and it is also the key to unified love among believers. Paul points out that we have received:
Encouragement from union with Christ
Comfort from God’s love
Common sharing in the Spirit
How can a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross help unify people from different political backgrounds?
How can a deeper understanding of the Father’s love help unify people from different political backgrounds?
How can a greater share in the Spirit’s comfort and power help unify people from different political backgrounds?
Humility
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
– Philippians 2:3-4
How did Jesus embody God’s commitment to valuing others above himself on the cross?
We don’t typically see a great deal of humility modeled in political discourse or campaigns. How can we practice humility when we speak about elections, political leadership, or issues with one another?
Closing Thought
In your final time together, pray for God to bless our government officials and authorities. Ask him for revival in the hearts of those in power, for unity in the hearts and minds of Christians, and pray for strength and rescue for the persecuted church.