Text: Philippians 4: 1-3 (CSB) – “So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.”
So far in our study, we have viewed the Philosophy that Paul is teaching – “To live Christ.” And the Pattern that Paul says we should live by – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” And next, the Prize that Paul says we should seek – “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Now, in Chapter 4 Paul shows you the Power in the Christian Life we lead.
Remember that this little book of Philippians is a real “Rubber hits the Road” description of Christianity. Paul tells us of the JOY and HOPE in the midst of adverse circumstances.
We are going to take two sideroads before getting to the main point. Today’s sideroad #1 is that CHRISTIAN UNITY IS IMPORTANT!
Read again Verse 2 - “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”
Interesting names of these two ladies. The first, Euodia means “prosperous journey,” and the second Syntyche means a “pleasant acquaintance.” Interesting names as you consider the correction that Paul is urging. They were apparently prominent women at the church in Philippi. This would mean that they were looked at by many inside and outside of the church as representatives of both the Church and Christianity.
What did people see? They were quarreling – and thus would hurt their testimony and the church’s – and Christ. We are the image of Christianity to those around us. They were apparently stubborn. Often we can let pride, stubbornness get in the way of our witness.
They couldn’t reconcile because they couldn’t get past their own minds! They weren’t pulling together – and they were both at fault. Christ calls us to Reconciliation. But, what do we say – “You don’t understand – it was their fault.” They are the one who needs to make up with me. They are the one who needs to ask my forgiveness. They are the one ----
Jesus taught that we are to forgive (and reconcile) with our fellow believers 70 times 7 – in that day it was considered an immense number.
Jesus and Paul want us to understand – We are NOT responsible for what our brothers do – we are responsible for ourselves.
If we want to show the world the power of Christianity, we need to clear up any problems between ourselves and our Christian brother or sister. The UNITY of the Church and all believers is my responsibility. It is your responsibility. Christ holds each one of us responsible for whether we are in unity with our fellow believers or not.
So, today, ponder over whether you are at odds with anyone – and make it right.
Tomorrow will be the second sideroad before we get back into the meat of the passage.
No comments:
Post a Comment