On June 18, 1973, Brother Stephen delivered a ministry in Richmond, Virginia, focusing on Philippians chapter 2. He emphasized that the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is primarily a love letter, expressing Paul's deep affection for the church. The core message is that the secret to living as Christians is not through our own strength but through the life of Christ within us. Stephen highlighted the importance of having the mind of Christ, which is characterized by humility and selflessness. He pointed out that the church in Philippi, despite its maturity, faced a significant issue stemming from personality clashes between two leading sisters, Euodia and Syntyche. This rivalry overshadowed the church's joy and unity. Stephen explained that the solution lies in adopting the mind of Christ, which encourages believers to esteem others above themselves. He illustrated this principle through examples of Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus, who all demonstrated selflessness and genuine concern for others. Ultimately, Stephen urged the congregation to let Christ live through them, fostering unity and harmony within the church.
Introduction to the ministry and reading from Philippians 2
Paul's letter as a love letter to the Philippians
The secret of Christian life: living through Christ
The importance of having the mind of Christ
Personality clashes in the Philippian church
Solution: adopting the mind of Christ and humility
Illustrations from Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus
Encouragement to let Christ live through believers for unity
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.