5.

Struggling Together for Christ

Walk the Talk (1:27a) Standing Together (1:27b) Striving as a Team (1:27c) Surviving to the End (1:28) Suffering for Christ (1:29) Struggling with Others (1:30)

5. Struggling Together for Christ

Walk The Talk Verse 27a - We should live as citizens of heaven Philippians 3:20 - We are to live as if we are being watched at all times

5. Struggling Together for Christ

1. Standing Together Verse 27b - Standing firm is a Roman military formation - It is important to Christ that we stand together as Christians John 17:23, Acts 2:44, 4:32

5. Struggling Together for Christ

2. Striving as a Team Verse 27c - Striving is an athletic term meaning to compete as a team - Paul desired the church to work together Romans 15:5-6

5. Struggling Together for Christ

3. Surviving to the End Verse 28 - Frightened is an image of a startled horse - We should expect opposition John 15:18

5. Struggling Together for Christ

4. Suffering for Christ Verse 29 - We have been granted both salvation and suffering Acts 5:41, 2 Timothy 3:12 - We are blessed even in our trials 1 Peter 4:12-13

5. Struggling Together for Christ

There are many Scriptural benefits to suffering:
It matures us James 1:2-4 It helps us not rely on ourselves 2 Cor. 1:9 It is an evangelistic tool Philippians 1:12 It increases our reward - Matthew 5:12 Helps us minister to others 2 Cor. 1:3-4 Helps keep our pride in check 2 Cor. 12:7 It shows us we belong to Christ Philippians 3:10

5. Struggling Together for Christ

Christians all over the world are suffering for Christ:
Missionary couple slain in Mexico Christian charged with blasphemy in Pakistan Church leaders beaten at Police station in Bangladesh 3 Christians killed in an attack in Nigeria Muslim extremists torch churches in Tanzania (www.compassdirect.org)

5. Struggling Together for Christ

5. Struggling with Others Verse 30 - Conflict is the root of our word agony - We should struggle and agonize together

5. Struggling Together for Christ

When problems ring your door bell, will you answer the call? Will you dedicate your life to serving the One who died for you even though it may mean difficulty or suffering?
Stand for Him!