WHAT CAN WE ACCOMPLISH? Philippians 2 I. Introduction. A. Paul desired the Philippians to make his joy "full": verse 1-2. B. Then--he specified ways in which they were to accomplish such. C. People do tend to measure a church's success on standards other than the revelation of Christ. D. Yet--all of the specifics of this chapter can be obtained by a congregation. II. Body. A. There can be unity: verse 2. 1. How achieved? Be of same mind, same love. 2. Also--one accord, one mind. 3. Paul's epistles abound with encouragements to unity among brethren: I Cor. 10-13. 4. What causes division? Humanity(I Cor. 1, 3). 5. Take note of John 17:20-21. 6. Cure for division? Do what the Lord says! 7. The beauty of unite: Psalm 133. B. Humility is characteristic of God's people: verses 3-11. 1. The greatest example: Christ. a. Existed as God--equal with God--exalted as God. b. Colossians 1:16. 2. The exhortation: I Peter 5:5-6. 3. Jesus said: Matthew 18:4. 4. Who was humble in the Old Testament? a. Abraham. b. Moses. 5. Who was humble in the New Testament? a. Paul. b. Timothy. C. God's people can be pure: verses 12-18. 1. Do all things without murmurings/questionings. a. Remember: I John 5:17. b. The problem: James 1:14-15. 2. To become blame-less and harm-less. 3. Can lead to God receiving glory: I Pet. 2:11-12. 4. Think about this: I Peter 4:1-6. 5. To walk becomingly: Romans 13:13-14. 6. Purity is needed today--as it was then! D. The people of God can be useful: verse 19-24. 1. Timothy cared truly! a. So easy for one to be useless because do not care. b. Served as a child serves father. 2. Most in the world are after their own glory, not furtherance of gospel. 3. Timothy had a good background. a. His teachers: II Timothy 1:5. b. The encouragement: II Timothy 3:14-15. c. Think of those who have helped you...helped this church. 4. Paul had a hand in his development. a. I Timothy 4:12-13, 15-16. b. II Timothy 4:5. 5. So--Timothy was useful--contrast with present. E. Endurance is possible for any dedicated congregation: verses 25-30. 1. Epaphroditus' hazarded his life for them. a. To supply something they needed. b. He was Paul's fellow-worker and soldier. 2. A word of encouragement: II Timothy 4:5-8. 3. How different from those of today: a. Won't make effort to support and uphold the work of Christ. b. Any thing that would inconvenience some becomes an insurmountable barrier. 4. Think of the endurances of Paul: II Cor. 12:24-27. 5. Some people will serve God: a. When it does not cost anything! b. When requires minimum of effort! c. When little sacrifice is asked! d. When no great demand is made of time! e. If there is not conflict with other plans! f. After meeting obligations to family, friends, business, recreation, ad infinitum. 6. Think: What have you and I endured for Christ? III. Conclusion. A. We are to work out our salvation: verse 12. B. We are to be a light to the world: verse 15. C. Are we enduring?-jy