Gospel-centered Relationships

Bible Passage: Philippians 1:27; 2:1-11

I. In verse 1:27, Paul exhorts the believers of the church at Philippi to lead a life “worthy of the Gospel”

1. The word “conduct/live/walk” is a unique word that is different from Paul’s usual word for “conduct/live/walk”
2. It refers to “one’s conduct in relationship with others based on a set of values/laws”
3. This conduct with others points to a person’s nationality, allegiance, etc.
4. Here, Paul is exhorting Philippian Christians to live in Philippi which is worthy of their allegiance or relationship with God through Jesus
5. In Philippi, claims and conduct were not in sync: e.g., Euodia and Syntyche (4:2-3)
a. Longtime friends
b. Well-known members of the Philippian Church
c. Companions (true) in Paul’s ministry (4:2)
d. Conflict (4:2)
e. Consequently, the believers of Philippian church was not walking worthy of the Gospel

II. Cause of the conflict

1. Bifocal vision (1:27)
2. Not being like-minded (cf. 1:7, 2:2, 5, 3:15, 4:2, 4:10)
a. To have a common goal and to have unity in purpose—It is a sign of friendship (togetherness in purpose)
b. Absence of personal agenda and not having ego centric priorities
3. Selfish ambition (2:3) and vain conceit
a. Relationship purely for personal reasons
b. Using the other person
4. Personal agenda (2:4)
a. Egocentric priorities
b. Obsession on self

III. Solution to the conflict

1. Regard others better than yourself (2:3)
2. Not looking to your own interest, but the interest of others (2:4)
3. Humility in relationship (2:5)
a. Jesus provides us the model (2:5-8)
b. God the Father provides the real exaltation, which all followers of Jesus must seek after

Take Away: 

Take up Jesus’ model to avoid conflicts in relationships