Rest and War: A Field Guide for the Spiritual LifeSample

The book of Acts says of our first brothers and sisters that they shared everything in common, they were devoted to the apostles' teaching, and the world could not stop them (see Acts 4:32–33). One of their detractors said once in frustration, “These men are turning the world upside down” (see Acts 17:6 ESV). Why? Because cultures change when the community of faith has focus and unity.

And that’s what Philippians is about. In the book of Philippians, Paul talks to a group of people that he calls the fellowship of the gospel. He says, “You guys know Jesus Christ along with me.” He says, “You’ve partaken of his grace. You know what it is to know you’re guilty but been forgiven by his grace, and so you love him” (see Philippians 1:3-7). They have the same focus as Paul.

But the Philippians had just one problem: they lacked unity. They had trouble getting along, which I know is hard to imagine. You’re like, “Ben, Christians that don’t get along, I don’t understand.” And just take it by faith—centuries ago, that was an issue. It’s actually not that hard to imagine, is it—that sometimes our churches can be as cliquey and weird as our junior highers?

But the Bible says that God gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be teachers, to equip the saints for the works of service so that together we all grow into the maturity of the head, who is Christ (see Ephesians 4:11–13)—that we can’t look like Christ without each other.

And so, in the book of Philippians, Paul extols the glories of the gospel, and then as he turns in Philippians, he says, “Only . . .” He says, “I just need one thing.” He says I need you to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27 NIV).

One of the greatest gifts God’s given us is us, and true spirituality always works itself out in the context of community—because we need each other. God rigged it that way. We need each other so we can stand. He says that in standing firm in one spirit—as the onslaught of pressure from the world comes—we need brothers who will link arms with us and sisters who will fight alongside of us.

1. In what ways can a supportive community of believers help you stand strong and mature in your faith?
2. How can you help overcome challenges to unity in your local Christian community?
3. How can your Christian community have a common focus and partner together to reach others for Christ? How is humility essential to serving others together?