When The Church Gives You

Lemons...
Philippians 2:1-18

This study is a four part series through Philippians 2 describing

how the church should act when internal conflict strikes. The goal
is to use this booklet to take notes during the sermons and to
meditate on how we can better handle church lemons. Each
section points to both different tendencies of people to sin against
one another and the church and also to the proper actions needed
to unify the church. The four studies are:

NOTES:
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Philippians 2:1-2

Come Together
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In this study, we will cover four core principles that must

be found and developed in each individual life so that group unity
can be achieved. We will discover what can and cannot unify
God's people. Our personal relationship with Christ is the key.
Philippians 2:3-8

Become a Servant

This study will take us further investigating the often

difficult battle against selfishness, exploring what Christ
emptied himself of and how we too must empty ourselves of us
and fill up with Him.

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Philippians 2:8-13

Be the Person God Exalts

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The third study will take us still deeper into becoming and
acting as God's people. God exalts the humble servant. We must
work hard to be the person God exalts, stepping up where others
will not, and receiving His help to grow.
Philippians 2:14-18

Stand Above the Crowd

The final lesson in handling church conflict deals with our

aptitude for handling the problems. First we dealt with ourselves,
and now we learn how to search for a solution to the problem,
glorifying God in the process.

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Sermon #4: STAND ABOVE THE CROWD

Philippians 2:14-18
Coming to unanimous decisions can be downright
impossible. Depending on the family, deciding what to have for
dinner can be a battle much less how the church runs. Change can
be a catalyst for fear and anger. The quickest and easiest action we
can take as a people is to complain and grumble with one another.
Complaining is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do,
but it gets you nowhere. ~ Glenn Turner
Anyone can complain, grumble and moan about something they
don't like; e.g. rising taxes.
Key Idea: We as Christians must stand above the crowd.
How do we become more positive, proactive people?
1) The Difference: Looking for solutions rather than wasting
time complaining about problems.
2) The Purpose: Looking to give life to others rather than
acting on our own interests.
3) The Key: Holding fast to the Word of Life rather than
opinions and traditions.
4) The Catch: You might have to give up a lot to share in the
joy of others. What will you sacrifice to see the joy of
Christ shared with others?

The purpose of this booklet is to help our local church understand

and work together to create unity.
Christ's body wasn't meant to be separated by personal agendas,
internal conflict, and unChrist-like conduct.
We are a good people who have and can go beyond the call of
duty to start living like Christ in our community.
These sermons and outlines are here to help us rise above the
chains that entangle us, so that we can shine as, lights in the
world. (Philippians 2:15)

Sermon #1: COMING TOGETHER

Philippians 2:1-2

NOTES:
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Paul addresses how we should act during church conflict. When

someone angers you or hurts your feelings, how do you act?
Do you come together with them, discuss the problem, and forgive
or do you find others who will agree with you and tell them?

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Key Idea: We must come together as Christians.

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Four Core Experiences Necessary to Unite a Church:
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1) Christ must have changed your life. How has he changed
your life? Does that encourage you to treat others
differently?

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2) Knowing God loves me takes away some of the sting

when others don't love me or treat me wrong. Do you look
to God's love to heal your wounds?

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3) The Holy Spirit continues to guide and direct you. Often

we want to blame others for conflict but in reality we must
change. Have you been convicted of your own sin? Is the
Holy Spirit actively correcting and leading you?

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4) Your heart is open to be formed and to show compassion.

We tend to harden our hearts towards someone who angers
us. Does your heart have the ability to have compassion
and love for your enemies?

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Sermon #2: BECOME A SERVANT

Philippians 2:3-8

NOTES:
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We can all name a variety of objects that we wish would

never go empty; the gas tanks in our cars, our bank accounts, the
refrigerator, the cookie jar. :) However, can you name anything
you wish would stay empty?

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The text says in verse 7 that Christ emptied Himself. What do

you think Christ emptied himself of? What did Christ give up to
come to earth as a man?

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Christ gave up something much more difficult than power. Christ

gave up his own will and became a bond-servant or in other words
a _____________. (verse 7)

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Key Idea: We must become servants.

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The Two Principles of A Christ-Follower:

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1) It's not about What I Want. (Verses 3-4)

1. When I come to church, do I come wanting and
expecting the church to serve me?
2. This doesn't mean we ignore our personal needs. We
just need to watch out for others. Who are you caring
about more than yourself?
2) It's about What God Wants. (Verses 5-8)
1. He wants His people prepared to serve one another.
2. He wants His people to love one another.
3. He wants His people prepared to sacrifice for one
another.

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Sermon #3: BE THE PERSON GOD EXALTS

Philippians 2:8-13

NOTES:
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Children naturally want to receive their parents approval.

You might remember your children coming to you with colored
pictures or handmade crafts excitedly saying, Look. Look! You
may also remember the sadness you felt when you received a look
of disappointment.

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Let me ask you, Who are you trying to impress? Think about
your actions such as...
When you tell a joke.
When you get ready for the day.
When you go to work.
When you come to church.

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Key Idea: Be the person God exalts.

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1) Keep Striving. We must daily work on growing and living
out our faith in the world. How are you living and working
out your salvation?

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How can you start growing today?

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2) Fear God. The God of the universe is worth fearing. We
know the other option for eternal life. Heaven or ______?

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3) Get Help. God is always waiting to help but we have to let

Him have access to our lives. Are you willing to let God
change you?

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4) Remember, It's for Him. God's purpose is to build you up

into an ambassador for Him. He wants to lift you up and
say to everyone, This is MY child.

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