Definition of Harmony: two or more different parts coming together to create a unified sound.

Introduction: We as followers of Jesus Christ should desire to be the church that God desires and that best resembles Heaven—consisting of all races, nationalities and cultures. Jesus said speaking of the Father, “Your kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Therefore we are called to reflect the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.

“…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus  and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours”   (1 Corinthians 1:2--NIV)

What separates us?

--our gender           --geography

--denominations      --politics

--our ethnicity         --our cultural background

 --our age               --our race

“…do not be conformed (conditioned) to this world,

but be transformed (how?) by the renewing of your mind,

(why?) that you may prove (reality in you) what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”   (Romans 12:2)

Conformed         Transformed

Put Off                 Put On

Old Self                New Self

Old Things            New Things

Old Creation          New Creation

Lies                      Truth

A Transformed Life Transcends Culture  (Philippians 3:4-6)

Paul’s old identity—led to exclusivity

Paul’s old perspective—led to division, discrimination, destruction

We as Christians should not be ultimately identified by our:

--gender   --race    --nationality

--experiences    --economic status (privilege)          

--politics

(Galatians 3:28)  (Colossians 3:3)

What keeps us as followers of Christ from living in harmony and unity with others?

--ignorance                --fear                                      

--hatred                     --stereotypes                        

--extreme positions     --choosing feelings over truth

--conditioning

A Transformed Life Requires Conversion

Paul’s evaluation—for Christ  (Philippians 3:7)

Paul’s conclusion—gain Christ  (Philippians 3:8)

A Transformed Life Requires Courage

Paul’s declaration—to know Him  (Philippians 3:9-10a)

Paul’s isolation—to suffer for Him  (Philippians 3:10b)

A Transformed Life Demands Change

Paul’s mindset—having arrived to pressing on  (Philippians 3:11-12)

Paul’s focus—releasing to reaching  (Philippians 3:13-14)

A Transformed Life Transforms Community

Paul’s plea—unity (maturing together) (Philippians 3:15-16)

Paul’s impact—influence (in this together) (Philippians 3:17)

Application: Does your life display the reality of Heaven here on earth? Do you do your part in helping us achieve harmony in the diversity of God’s Kingdom CommUnity?  (3:20)

How do we achieve harmony in diversity or build bridges into what divides us?

1. Ask questions (be mature enough to have a honest conversation)

“Do not be wise in your own opinion.”  (Romans 12:16c)

2. Listen to the other side without listening to learn to support your own position (seek to understand them)

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel”  (Proverbs 1:5)

3. Don’t be overly sensitive or easily offended

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15b)

4. Seek to identify with others unlike you (seek to disarm differences)

“And to the Jews I became as a Jew,  that I might win Jews”   (1 Corinthians 9:20a)

5. Look for clarity in God’s Word (God’s expectations—anything that honors Him and advances His Kingdom takes precedent over everything else)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  (James 1:5)