INTRODUCTION:
       
       A.  God's desire is that every Church should be strong.

       B.  Paul wrote strongly concerning this subject in his epistle to the
             Ephesians - (ch. 4).

       C.  Every Christian in God's eyes is to be progressive and active.

             1.  Note:  Romans 6:1-11.

       D.  Let's look in the book of Philippians and see if we can find the
             characteristics of a great church.
 

   I.  FELLOWSHIP - 1:5.

       A.  More than just being together.

       B.  Togetherness in sharing the gospel.

       C.  Sharing together as a family.

       D.  Every joint supplying his part - Eph. 4:16.

       E.  Help for each other in affliction - Phil. 4:15.

  II.  STEADFASTNESS - 1:6.

       A.  In the face of affliction.

             1.  Revelation 3:2.

       B.  Remember your hope.

             1.  I Corinthians 15:58.

       C.  Built on a firm foundation.

             1.  Matthew 7:24-27.

       D.  Built on the Deity of Christ.

             1.  Matthew 16:13-20.

 III.  LOVE - 1:9.

       A.  I John 3:13 - 18.

       B.  Romans 12:9-13.

  IV.  STUDIES - 1:9.

       A.  Psalm 119:97 - ...love and meditation.

       B.  II Timothy 2:15 - "...study to show thyself approved..."

       C.  II Timothy 2:2 - "...commit to faithful men..."

       D. I Peter 2:2 - "...desire the word..."

       E.  Hebrews 5:11-14.

   V.  IS SINCERE - 1:10.

       A.  Phil. 4:8.

       B.  Romans 12:9 - "...without hypocrisy..."

  VI.  REJOICES - 3:1.

       A.  In trials - James 1:2-5.

       B.  In tribulations - Romans 5:1ff.

       C.  In the Lord - Phil. 3:1.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Do you have these qualities in your life?

       B.  Have you done your part to make the church strong?

       C.  Are any of these things hindered by your actions?