Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV) Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
The church is comprised of people from diverse backgrounds, but Jesus Christ unites us as a body of believers, so what are some practical ways we can intentionally foster unity while respecting our diverse backgrounds? Have you ever experienced disunity in a church or group due to differing opinions or traditions? How was it resolved, and how could it have been handled better?
The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle from prison to inform the church in Phillipi of his condition. Despite being under house arrest, he was able to receive visitors and gifts, write, and send letters. The books of Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon are all prison epistles. They contain all the important teachings and instructions for the churches that the Apostle Paul had planted.
One of the purposes of writing the epistle to the church in Philippi was to address some division or discord within the church. Similarly, we are likely to have seen divided churches due to politics among the leadership, opposition to the pastor, and individuals with vested interests pulling the church in various directions instead of fulfilling what God has mandated them to do through the pastor. A divided church is one that has fallen into the devil’s trap, rendered weak and ineffective. Therefore, we must not permit the devil to gain a foothold and instigate division in our church. Instead, we must remain united for a common purpose—to worship the living God.
One crucial thing we need to note is Paul’s love for the church, just as Christ loves the church. A church is a body of believers who are called out, congregating to worship the living God. Honestly, the purpose and importance of the local church are often overlooked by the body of Christ today, largely due to a lack of proper teaching on the importance of the local church. Consequently, the local church is often the last priority when it comes to serving, amongst other ministries. The church which you have decided to worship in is your home church. It is a place where you worship God weekly, serving Him and making Him known through the body of believers.
Sermon Series： Unity in Diversity (ServeFest 2025)
在多元中合一
腓立比书 2:1-4 所以，在基督里若有什么劝勉，若有什么爱心的安慰，若有什么圣灵的契通，若有什么慈悲怜悯，你们就要意念相同，爱心相同，有一样的心思，有一样的意念，使我的喜乐得以满足。凡事不可结党，不可贪图虚浮的荣耀；只要存心谦卑，各人看别人比自己强。各人不要单顾自己的事，也要顾别人的事。
教会由不同背景的信徒组成，但耶稣基督使我们成为合一的属灵身体。在尊重多元背景的同时，我们可以采取哪些具体行动来促进合一？你是否曾因意见或传统差异而经历教会或团体的分裂？当时如何化解？若以今天的眼光看，怎样处理会更合神心意？
使徒保罗在狱中写下这封书信，向腓立比教会说明自己的境况。虽被软禁，他仍能接待访客、接受馈赠并撰写书信。《腓立比书》《歌罗西书》《以弗所书》与《腓利门书》同属”监狱书信”，承载着保罗对所建立教会的重要教导。
保罗写信的目的之一是为化解腓立比教会的纷争。今日我们也常见教会因同工间的权谋、对牧者的抵触，或个别人士为私利拉扯教会偏离异象而分裂。分裂的教会正落入魔鬼的网罗，变得软弱无力。因此，我们绝不容让魔鬼在教会中制造分裂，总要同心合意敬拜永生神。
需特别注意保罗对教会的爱——这爱是从基督而来的。教会是被召出来的信徒群体，聚集敬拜永生神。但今日许多信徒轻看地方教会的重要性，往往因缺乏相关教导，以致在参与事工时将教会排在末位。你所委身的教会是你的属灵家园，是你每周敬拜神、透过信徒群体事奉并传扬祂的地方。
讲章系列：ServeFest 2025—在多元中合一
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