Complete My Joy Philippians 2 1 to 4 • Marty Beamer • Bethel Baptist Sunday Worship • Dec 19 2021

Paul calls the church to joyful gospel advancement through unity—and shows the only path there is humility. Because we’ve received encouragement in Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship with the Spirit, and God’s tender mercy, we must “be of the same mind, the same love, in full accord.” The mark of that unity? “Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves,” looking to the interests of others. This message presses past “I hope they hear this” and asks the Lord to change us—in our serving, forgiving, and everyday church life.

Key points

• Gospel basis for unity: encouragement in Christ, comfort from His love, participation with the Spirit, divine affection and sympathy (Phil 2 1).
• Paul’s appeal: one mind, one love, one soul—shared mission over personal preference (Phil 2 2).
• Mark of true unity: humility that rejects self-promotion, values others, and actively seeks their good (Phil 2 3–4).
• Unity under pressure: suffering must not drive division but deeper Christlike service (Phil 1 27–30).
• Forgiveness as humility in action (Matt 18 21–35); greatness is servanthood (Mark 10 42–45).

Primary text

Philippians 2 1–4

Cross-references

Phil 1 27–30; Phil 2 5–8; Mark 10 42–45; Matt 18 21–35; John 13 14–15; Rom 12 10; Gal 5 13; Eph 4 1–6

For reflection

• Where am I tempted to think, “I hope they hear this,” instead of, “Lord, change me”?
• Whose interests can I tangibly put first this week?
• What act of forgiveness or service would “complete joy” in our church right now?