Growing Together in Unity and Humble Service
Summary
As we gather in this season of Pentecost, we are reminded that God calls us to grow together as a church family, just as a garden flourishes when each plant is nurtured and cared for. The Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 2:1-4 invite us to reflect on the foundation of our unity: the encouragement we have in Christ, the comfort of God’s love, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the deep affection and compassion that flow from experiencing the triune God. These are not abstract ideas but lived realities that shape our relationships and our life together.
Unity is not something we manufacture by striving to be more agreeable or by focusing on each other’s faults and strengths. Instead, true unity comes when we are all “tuned” to Christ, much like instruments tuned to the same standard. When our hearts and minds are set on Jesus, we find ourselves naturally drawn together in purpose and love. This unity is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews our minds and empowers us to live in harmony, even in the face of external pressures and the internal struggles of our own sinful nature.
But unity is not the end goal; it is the soil in which humble service grows. Paul challenges us to reject selfish ambition and vain conceit, and instead, to embrace humility—a virtue that was countercultural in both the Roman world and our own. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less, and using the gifts God has given us to serve others. Christ himself is our model: though he was God, he humbled himself to serve and save us. In following his example, we discover that humility is not weakness, but strength expressed through sacrificial love.
Throughout history, the church has been at its best when it has lived out this humble, servant-hearted love—caring for the sick, the poor, the imprisoned, and the hurting. Here at Trinity, we see this in ministries like Stephen Ministry, where members are equipped to walk alongside those in crisis with compassion and prayer. Growth is not optional for the Christian; when we stop growing, we begin to wither. But the Holy Spirit promises to empower us, through Word and Sacrament, to keep growing in unity and love. Let us commit ourselves to keep growing together, for the sake of Christ and his kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- Genuine unity in the church is rooted in our shared experience of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This unity is not achieved by focusing on each other, but by each of us being “tuned” to Christ, allowing his mind and love to shape our relationships. When we are united in Christ, we find a harmony that transcends our differences and draws us together in purpose. [12:13]
- The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers our growth, both individually and as a community. Without the Spirit’s work, we would not know Christ or be able to live out the love and compassion God calls us to. Our participation in the Spirit is not passive; it is an active fellowship that binds us together and equips us for service. [09:02]
- Humility is the key virtue that sustains unity and service in the body of Christ. In a world that prizes self-promotion and personal rights, Christ calls us to a different way: to count others as more significant than ourselves and to look to their interests. True humility is not self-deprecation, but a Christlike orientation that seeks the good of others above our own. [16:48]
- Pride manifests in subtle and destructive ways—through selfish ambition and vain conceit. These attitudes fracture community and hinder growth. By contrast, humility unites and opens us to receive from others, recognizing that all wisdom and gifts do not reside in ourselves alone, but are distributed throughout the body for mutual benefit. [17:08]
- The history of the church is marked by humble service that transforms lives and communities. When we use our gifts to comfort, heal, and serve others—whether through organized ministries or simple acts of kindness—we participate in Christ’s ongoing work in the world. Growth is not a static achievement but a continual process, sustained by the Spirit, that keeps us alive and fruitful in God’s mission. [20:25]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Introduction to the 5-Year Vision
[01:23] - The Garden Metaphor: God’s Call to Grow
[02:26] - Paul, Apollos, and God’s Growth
[03:02] - Pentecost and the Holy Spirit’s Power
[03:16] - Philippians 2: Foundations for Unity
[05:08] - Standing Firm in Faith and Facing Challenges
[06:14] - The Triune God: Our Source of Encouragement
[08:19] - Fellowship in the Spirit
[11:22] - The Tuning Fork: Unity in Christ
[12:59] - Renewing Our Minds in Christ
[13:46] - Serving Each Other in Love
[14:36] - The Virtue of Humility
[16:48] - Pride vs. Humility
[18:49] - Christ’s Example of Humble Service
[20:25] - The Church’s Legacy of Service
[21:53] - Stephen Ministry: Caring in Crisis
[23:17] - Are We Growing or Dying?
[23:55] - The Spirit’s Power to Keep Growing
[24:15] - Commitment to Grow Together
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Growing Together in Unity and Humble Service
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### Bible Reading
Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
> So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 2:1-2, what are the foundations Paul lists for unity among believers?
2. In verse 3, what two attitudes does Paul warn against, and what does he say should replace them?
3. The sermon compared unity in the church to musical instruments being tuned to the same standard. What is the “standard” for our unity as believers? ([11:22])
4. What does Paul say is the result of experiencing encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, and participation in the Spirit?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that unity is not achieved by focusing on each other, but by being “tuned” to Christ? How does this change the way we approach relationships in the church? ([12:13])
2. The sermon says humility was not considered a virtue in the Roman world, and often isn’t in ours. Why do you think humility is so countercultural, both then and now? ([16:13])
3. How does pride, in the forms of selfish ambition and vain conceit, threaten the unity and growth of a church community? ([17:08])
4. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit empowers us to grow and serve. What does it look like to actively participate in the Spirit, rather than being passive? ([09:02])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon used the image of a garden, where each plant needs care to flourish. In what ways do you feel “nurtured” in our church family? Are there areas where you feel neglected or where you could help nurture others? ([01:23])
2. Think about a time when you experienced real unity with other believers. What made that possible? Was it because you were all “tuned” to Christ, or something else? How can you help foster that kind of unity in your small group or ministry? ([11:22])
3. Paul says to “count others more significant than yourselves.” Is there a relationship in your life where you struggle to do this? What would it look like to put their interests ahead of your own this week? ([14:36])
4. The sermon described humility as “not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.” What is one practical way you can shift your focus from yourself to others in the coming days? ([19:37])
5. The history of the church is full of examples of humble service—caring for the sick, the poor, the imprisoned. What is one act of service, big or small, you could do this week to reflect Christ’s love to someone in need? ([20:25])
6. The sermon mentioned Stephen Ministry as a way people in our church walk alongside those in crisis. Are you aware of anyone in your life or church who is going through a hard time? How could you offer them encouragement or support? ([21:53])
7. The pastor asked, “Are we growing or dying?” What is one area of your spiritual life where you sense growth? Where do you feel stuck or withering? What step could you take to invite the Holy Spirit’s help in that area? ([23:17])
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Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help you grow in unity, humility, and service, and to empower you by the Holy Spirit to love others as Christ has loved you.
Devotional
Day 1: God Gives the Growth
Just as a garden flourishes not by the efforts of the gardener alone but by the mysterious work of God, so too our spiritual growth and the growth of the church are ultimately the result of God’s gracious action. We may plant seeds and water them through our service, teaching, and encouragement, but it is God who brings about true transformation and fruitfulness in our lives and in the lives of others. This truth humbles us and frees us from striving in our own strength, reminding us to trust in God’s ongoing work among us and to give Him the glory for every sign of growth we see. [02:26]
1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (ESV)
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Reflection: Where in your life or in our church have you been striving in your own strength? How can you intentionally trust God to bring the growth and give Him the glory today?
Day 2: United in Christ’s Love
The foundation of our unity as believers is not our own efforts or personalities, but the deep encouragement, comfort, and fellowship we have received from Christ, the love of God the Father, and the participation of the Holy Spirit. Because we have experienced the compassion and mercy of the triune God, we are called to reflect that same love and unity with one another, being of one mind and heart. This unity is not uniformity, but a harmony that comes from each of us being tuned to Christ, our true standard, so that together we can live in genuine fellowship and love. [06:14]
Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally seek unity with someone in our church family this week, especially if you have differences? What step can you take to be “of the same mind” in Christ?
Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit in Fellowship
It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that we are brought into true fellowship with God and with one another. The Spirit not only calls us to faith but also empowers us to live out our calling as the body of Christ, equipping us to serve, love, and grow together. This participation in the Spirit is a living, active reality that binds us together in purpose and mission, enabling us to overcome our own limitations and to experience the fullness of life in God’s family. [09:02]
1 Corinthians 12:3 (ESV)
Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
Reflection: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit drawing you into deeper fellowship with God and others? What is one way you can open yourself to the Spirit’s work in your relationships today?
Day 4: Humility Unites, Pride Divides
True unity and growth in the church are only possible when we embrace Christlike humility, counting others as more significant than ourselves and looking to their interests above our own. In a world that prizes self-promotion and personal rights, humility may seem foreign or even weak, but it is the very mindset of Christ, who humbled Himself to serve and save us. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less, using your gifts to serve others and build up the body of Christ. [14:36]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life you can serve today by putting their needs before your own? What practical act of humble love can you offer them?
Day 5: Growing Together in Service
The call to grow together as a church is not just about personal spiritual development, but about serving one another in love, especially those who are hurting or in need. When we receive God’s comfort and grace, we are equipped to comfort and care for others, following the example of Christ and the generations of believers who have started ministries of compassion and service. Whether through formal ministries or simple acts of kindness, each of us is invited to use our God-given gifts to help others grow and to bring the light of Christ into the darkest corners of our world. [20:25]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Reflection: Who in your life or community is going through a difficult time right now? How can you come alongside them this week to offer comfort, support, or practical help as an expression of Christ’s love?
Quotes
If Jesus did all of that and the Holy Spirit hadn't done his work, we wouldn't know Jesus. We wouldn't have eternal life. But the Holy Spirit comes down at Pentecost, empowers the church to go out with the gospel. And through the gospel, it is the Holy Spirit who calls us to faith. No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12. [00:08:49]
How by his death, he has removed our sin and guilt and shame forever. How by his resurrection, he has opened for us the doors to eternal life, giving us a a living hope. Even in this world where things still fall apart and there is death and decay, we have eternal life. [00:06:46]
This indicates Christian love is not some lifeless abstraction or some mere intellectual exercise but something which involves the deepest emotions of who we are. Acknowledging that this is true for each and every one of us, Paul then and the Holy Spirit speaks to us with this command. [00:10:10]
Complete, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. I heard the kids before the service talking about who is responsible for for tuning the instruments. [00:10:37]
So also 100 worshippers meeting together, each one looking to Christ are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be were they to become unity conscious and turn their t turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer human fellowship. [00:11:53]
Christ, the head of the body, calls us to have the same mind as him. How do we do that? By getting to know him in his word, by studying the scriptures. And there the Holy Spirit promises to renew our minds so that they don't follow the path of our sinful nature. [00:12:59]
From the day of Pentecost on down to today, this is what we are to strive for. And this is all possible because of the Holy Spirit. We can truly live in genuine unity. And with that unity and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can keep growing with one another. [00:13:29]
The Apostle Paul knew the devil wanted to destroy that unity. In fact, you can read it in all of his letters. He warns against schisms and factions and false teaching. He wants us to stay in one accord and one heart, one mind with each other. [00:13:54]
Each believer also still has to daily contend against our own sinful nature. And so he wrote, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." [00:14:18]
If the virtue of humility has a foreign ring in our ears, then it's a sure sign of how deeply sin has sunk its roots into us. Christ calls us to humility because humility unites. It is pride that divides. [00:16:53]
Humility does not think this way at all. The humble person knows that all wisdom does not reside in my own head. And we don't consider ourselves the only one who has gifts or or talents to tackle something, but we look to others to benefit them and to be benefited by them. [00:17:52]
And in today's world where success, power, and self-promotion are highly valued, few understand the beauty of what Christlike humility is. And so the Holy Spirit calls us here to think, we we when we talk and when we act, is this following Christ's example of humble love? [00:18:20]
Christ, the ultimate model of humility, showed us that true greatness comes from serving others and putting the interest of others before our own. He was the son of God and he humbled himself to take on human form, become fully human with us so that he could serve us. [00:18:47]
It's not that the humble person thinks less about himself, but the humble person thinks about himself less. You see, we are called to put Christ first and his love becomes our growth by knowing Christ and his love. We want then to share that love with others. [00:19:40]
When we have received comfort from God, his grace, his love, then we want to use that to comfort others. I mean, if you study history at all down through the centuries where Christians have stepped into this humble life of service, look at the great things that have happened. [00:20:25]
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