"Stand Firm for Unity"
Philippians 3:17-4:3
Big Idea: Standing firm in Christ isn't just about me, it's about we.

I. Standing Firm in Christ (3:17-4:1)
A) We see Paul admonish the church to, "Stand firm in the Lord" (4:1). But to stand firm in what? Essentially, to stand firm in Christ as Lord and in our identity as citizens of heaven, and not to focus on earthly things. By "earthly things" Paul is not referring to the practical issues of everyday life, but to a mindset or worldview that is in opposition to God (cf. Col. 3:5-11), and which is ultimately corrosive to our unity as the church.
B) To stand firm in Christ, we need to:
1. Follow the example set forth by Scripture and by other, mature believers (vv. 17-19)
2. Remember our citizenship is in heaven (vv. 20-21; cf. Gal. 2:20)
3. Remember we are dearly loved (4:1; cf. Gal. 2:20)
C) As followers of Jesus, we are often besieged on all sides. Whether it be by temptations, the world, or our adversary. To counter this, we need to be rooted in Christ. But this steadfastness isn't just about me, it's about we...

II. Standing Firm in Unity (4:1-3)
A) Here, we see Paul make a plea for unity between two women, Eoudia and Syntyche. Their disagreement must have been significant for Paul to take this step. (It also likely indicates that their disagreement was personal and not theological.) The point is, Paul wants them to put aside their differences for the benefit of the church (cf. Phil. 2:1-4).
B.) Unity in the church is not about uniformity, but about a singular focus on Messiah Jesus. We see:
1. The focus on Christ as Lord (v. 2; cf. Phil. 2:19; 2:29; 3:1)
2. The focus on the Gospel (v. 3)
C) Sometimes, the greatest challenges to the church come not from without, but from within. This is one reason why unity is so important. However, when we stand firm in the Lord, we do so not just for ourselves, but to encourage unity by strengthening others as well.