When Kingdoms Are in Conflict

The “Power of Perspective” Series

HOW TO NAVIGATE CHALLENGING CULTURAL WINDS

Philippians 1:27 – 2:4

(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Some “Cultural Winds” In Our Nation Today…

a. The cultural winds of : the spoken and the unspoken pressure to constantly

accumulate things.

b. The cultural winds of : the spoken and unspoken encouragement to live with

self at the center of our lives.

c. The cultural winds of : the spoken and unspoken permission to act upon the desires that

rise within us from the temptations that swirl around us.

d. The cultural winds of (so-called) : the spoken and unspoken requirement to see

every option as equal, and every claim as truthful.

A. What Should a Follower of Jesus Do When the Winds of Culture are Against Them?

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved – and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (1:27-30)

Word Study…

“Conduct yourselves” (politeuomai): to live the life of a .

1. To blend sports and political metaphors, Paul is saying, “Do not do anything that will the uniform of your .”

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

2. Followers of a crucified Savior can expect a measure of in their own lives.

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in his Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)

3. To continue the sports metaphor, Paul is saying, “The on the of your uniform is more important than the on the of your uniform.”

a. Humility is not .

b. Humility is .

c. Humility is choosing to have the of yourself and those around you.

Today’s “Big Idea”

when you , when you , and those who you.