P H I

LO G O S
L I P P I A N S S t u d y t w o

1
L A S T
A Call to Unity
W E E K . . .
Last week we examined three Now, let’s look at the impact of a person
themes in Chapter 1 related to
“Paul’s Heart.”
who has a heart for the gospel.
What were they? At the end of a weekend conference for our college ministry, everyone shared with
the group what the weekend meant to them, what they learned, etc. A student,
John, stood and told how God had used each person there in his life. He said that
even though he was new to the group, he felt loved and accepted. He felt

What did you learn from our study? befriended by many. He went on to share how he had come to the retreat.

Four weeks ago, Rick came to my room and explained the gospel to me.
As a youth, I had never heard about a personal relationship with Christ.
Once I understood Rick’s explanation of the key scripture related to
knowing Christ, I invited Jesus into my heart. What can I say? I knew for
the first time that Christ lived in my heart rather than up in the clouds
somewhere. I was confident of eternal life. If it hadn’t been for Rick, I’d be
C H A P T E R O V E R V I E W lost. Thanks Rick!
PHILIPPIANS 1:27–2:30
Later, I came to some of your meetings and met Robin. She
Unity is the Proper Conduct
was nice to me and invited me to this retreat. From the time I
for the Gospel 1:27-30
arrived, I have felt loved unconditionally by all of
Unity Involves Mind,
Emotion and Will 2:1,2 you. I have never felt loved by anyone before. My
parents, brothers, and sisters don’t love me. They
Unity is Attained by Humility
2:3,4 can barely tolerate me and don’t try to hide it. I’ve
always felt rejected by my family. These last four
Humility: The Example of
Christ 2:5-11 weeks have been great, thanks to the Lord and

Humility: The Example of thanks to you. Keep reaching out to people like me.
Paul 2:17,18
Everyone realized that a life had been changed by Christ right before their eyes.
Humility: The Example of
Timothy 2:19-24 All of us rejoiced, and there was not a dry eye in the group.

Humility: The Example of

Epaphroditus 2:25-30 How might JohnÕs life be different if Rick had not had a heart for the gospel?
A Call to Unity CYCLING AND UNITY

What things drive a group of people apart or prevent them Serious cyclists know the benefits of unity.
from connecting? In the major tours of 100-mile races, cyclists rely on each
other to conserve energy and increase speed. They
travel in what is called a peleton.

In a peleton, a group of anywhere from 4 to 50 cyclists

What are some of PaulÕs concerns in 1:27-30? Why is he
concerned?
What insights do you gain about unity in 1:27-2:2?
will work together to decrease wind resistance by
having the rider in front of them block the wind.
Plus they continually switch leaders so one
person isn’t doing all the hard work. The need to
be fluid and in sync is important
because unless the cyclists are six inches
or less from the person in front of them, the
tactic is useless.

With two people drafting each other, they

Why is the unity of the believers in Philippi important to conserve only 15 percent. Five to ten riders can conserve
Paul? Why should unity be important to all believers? 30 percent. In larger groups, the cyclists can conserve up
to 60 percent of their energy. Also speed is normally
increased by up to five miles an hour.

A team identifies one or two people with the best

How is humility described in 2:3,4? chances of winning the stage or race and then cradles
them between them. The team members work harder
for the one person so they can win or place, which wins
points for the whole team.

What is the connection between humility and unity? As the team of cyclists travel in a line, individual cyclists
take the lead for a short time, then move to the left and
then all the way to the end of the line as someone else
takes the lead.

What do you learn about humility from ChristÕs example?

EpaphroditusÕ example?

PaulÕs example?

What are the benefits of unity? What are the consequences

of disunity?
TimothyÕs example?

L I F E C H A N G E
Imagine that you are in a group where there is conflict instead of unity. What could
you do as an individual do to promote unity?

In the opening story of John, what might have happened if the students at the
retreat had been in cliques and no one had let John into their group?

Discuss what it might mean for your group to have Òconduct worthy of the gospel.Ó

What are some things you can do to promote unity within our small group or
within our campus movement as a whole?
(
ISBN 1-885702-36-1 ©1996 WSN Press; Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc. 741-055S Distributed by Integrated Resources 1-800-729-4351