ATTITUDE

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians

Read Philippians 2

     Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 NIV

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     Paul continues his words of exhortation for unity in the church at Philippi. These new believers have trusted in Christ for their salvation and are growing in faith. He reminds them that they don’t have to do it in their own strength: “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” (13-16)

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     Lord, I praise You for the gift of Your Spirit to help me to will and act according to Your purpose. Forgive me when I complain or argue, and give me the encouraging, uplifting words of life that will shine like stars in the darkness.

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    " If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with 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 purpose."    Philippians 2:1-2 NIV

GROW UP INTO HIM

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians

Read Ephesians 4

      "...Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching... Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."    Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV

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     In this passage, Paul is reminding the Ephesian Christians of the primary purpose of the local church. Each member of the body of Christ has been given spiritual gifts or talents to be used for a specific reason – the edifying and building up of believers.

     This was and is an ongoing process where we grow in our faith "and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (4:13b) and it is not something we do by ourselves, but in fellowship with other believers. Each person has something unique to contribute "to the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament," (which) "grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (4:1)

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     Lord, I pray that you will show each one of us what part we are to play in your plan for our church. Help me to use the talents you have given me for the purpose of building up other believers in their faith. I pray also for the unity of our local church so that we can work together to send forth the gospel and disciple new believers onto maturity.

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     "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Corinthians

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FOLLOW THE LEADER

Read 1 Corinthians Chapters 1 – 3

     Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided?   1 Corinthians 1:12-13a NKJV

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     The church at Corinth had several gifted teachers, each with his own style of ministry. The new converts were lining up contentiously behind their favorite leaders, causing division in the church.

     Paul writes, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (3:5-6)

     He urges them to come together in unity and benefit from all God has given saying, “Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (3:8)

     It is human nature to get our eyes on men instead of God. Many a ministry has been hindered because of this wrong focus. Paul reminds them and us, "Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours… And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (3:21, 23)

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     Lord, keep us from being critical of leaders who are doing Your work, but not in the way we would choose. Help us to be gracious and thankful that we have so many resources available to us. Above all, help us to build faithfully on the foundation of Your Word.

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     For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.   1 Corinthians 3:11 NKJV

ONE HEART

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A SPIRIT OF UNITY

Read Romans 14–15

     For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Romans 14:7-8 NIV

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     As a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles, with different backgrounds, the Roman believers also had differences of opinion on what was acceptable behavior. Some wanted to celebrate certain holy days and others did not. Some had convictions about buying meat that had been sacrificed to idols, and others did not. Paul says, “… let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. "  (14:13)

     The principle is that we are responsible to edify and encourage our Christian brothers and sisters. Instead of insisting on our own point of view on questionable matters, we should “accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (15:7)

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     Lord, I pray that nothing I do will be a stumbling block to another Christian. I ask for a spirit of love and unity, even when I may have strong opinions about a matter. I pray that what comes out of my mouth will glorify You, and build up the fellowship of believers.

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     " May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. "   Romans 15:5-6 NIV