Unity Versus Uniformity

How to Have Joy While Living In This World – Part 4
Unity Versus Uniformity
Pastor Terry Wilcox

Philippians 2:1-11

Paul had great affection for the church in Philippi and wanted them to understand the source of joy.

Philippians 2:1-4

Being united with Christ results in:
encouragement, comfort, tenderness, and compassion.

“Like-minded” begs the question of unity and/or uniformity.

Both have value, but they are not the same.

John 17:2

From a Biblical perspective: Unity comes from within us.

Uniformity is the result of pressure from outside us.

“Happiness is learning to like doing the things you have to.” ??
That may be helpful – but Paul is telling us the key to joyous Christian living.

How to have the “must do” replaced by the “want to.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Having the burden of a “must-do” religion replaced by a “want to” relationship with God is miraculous.

• He is the God of miracles:
  • Romans 5:8
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • Titus 3:4-6
  • Philippians 2:6-8

Joy is the result of love-motivated “want to”, replacing fear-motivated “must do.”