Psalm 119:128

Psalm 119:128 - Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

Pulpit quip - Do you really feel that way?  Do you really consider that everything God has to say about anything is correct?  The reason people don't follow God's counsel on [fill in the blank: finances, child rearing, marriage, evangelism, church order, etc] is because they do not esteem His precepts concerning that thing to be right!

How often committed Christians tend to say (or at least think), "I know the Bible says this, BUT..."  BUT NOTHING!  HATE EVERY FALSE WAY!  Don't toy with it, reason with it, justify it, rationalize it or even consider it for one second.  HATE IT!

VM

Philippians 2:15

Philippians 2:15 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Abraham & Lot, same dilemma: Genesis 13:7-8

VM

Philippians 1:27

Philippians 1:27 - Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

a) What "becometh the gospel of Christ" is a united church; the fit vessel to carry the message is a united member.  See note at Psalm 133.

SERMON OUTLINE: CONDUCT WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
a) "ONLY" - One thing is needful, matters most, primary
b) "CONVERSATION" - conduct as a member of a group; "citizen."  Compare 3:20 for noun form. Gr. POLITEUOMAI, compare Eng. "POLITICS".  The conduct of the entire church body in view here.
c) "STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT" - a church committed to taking a stand together, united in the Spirit.
d) "WITH ONE MIND" - Gr. PSYCHE, compare 2:5ff. for the right mind.
e) "STRIVING" - Gr. ATHLOUNTES, compare Eng. "ATHLETIC".
f) "STRIVING TOGETHER" - Team sport!  Compare notes at Psalm 133.