Let this MInd be in You(Series Sermon 7)

Having the Mind of Christ in His Joyful Gentleness

Philippians 4:2–5 (ESV)

“I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”

Paul gives us a really helpful aphorism here with his concise statement of principle: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

An Aphorism is “a concise statement of principle.”

We can trace the origins of the word “aphorism” back to Ancient Greece with Aphorisms by Hippocrates which largely revolved around propositions relating to medicine, such as “When in a state of hunger, one ought not to undertake labour.”

Some famous Aphorisms that you may have heard of, are: “Actions speak louder than words.”; “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” ; “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Or one of my recent personal favourites: “Do or do not, there is no try.” (Yoda from Star Wars).

Our Sermon Focus - To express the mind of Christ is to demonstrate gentleness and to bring Christ near, putting an end to disagreements which can disrupt the Church. By rejoicing in the Lord, we overcome division and please God.

We have already noted in Philippians that part of our calling as followers of Jesus is a willingness to deny ourselves and take up the challenge of becoming like Christ in His Humility and this is costly to pride and self-importance - Philippians 2:3–4 “In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Jesus says in Matthew 10:38–39, “Let a man deny himself, take up his cross, and gain his life by following Me.” This implies that we are to seek to honour others and meet their needs.

So, when Paul addresses this threat to the unity of the Church because of this disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche he is impplying that whatever the reason and however justified each individual may feel, when the people of a church are falling out because they feel hurt and upset by another, and when as a result talking about it does not resolve it, but makes it worse and leads to resentment and a lack of forgiveness, then they are not honouring God or behaving in a Christlike manner.

Paul wants this division which has obviously been festering for some time to be resolved and, so it must be addressed!

Let us learn…

I. The Nature of the Conflict?

We have absolutely no idea what the problem was between Euodia and Syntyche. However, based on the fact that Paul does not provide direct correction or take a side, it seems clear that the problem was not a doctrinal or moral issue, becasue Paul elsewhere demonstrates his willingness to call these out and even rebule publicly as he did with Peter in Galatians ot with some of the immoral practices of beleivers in the Corinthian Church (see 1 Cor 1:12; 5:1; 2 Cor 2:1–8; Gal 1:6–10; 1 Tim 1:3–4; Philemon).

However, Paul undoubtedly knew what the issue was and as it was probably not doctrinal or moral in its nature, he was not seeking a solution where someone won the argument, he wanted it dealt with in a different way “agree with one another in the Lord”

Why? Because as Mary Ann Getty has stated, this needed to be dealt with because, ‘A continuing antagonism can only weaken the church and scandalize those who look for role models among their leadership’. (Philippians and Philemon - New Testament Message 14, 1980).

II. The Need to Reconcile!

Once Euodia and Syntyche agree with one another in the Lord, the issue will go away. Why?Because then they will be demonstrating “the mind of Christ” in his humility (Grk: “auto phronein”, literally ‘to have the same mind’)

Think back to what we have already seen in this letter to the Philippians. Think back on the major themes that Paul has covered so far in the letter. He has stressed the importance of brotherly affection; willing sacrifice; humble service; considering others “better than yourself” (Phil 2:3-4 see Phil 1:27–30; 2:1–4; Phil 2:5–11).

The key components to achieving this kind of experience as a community are summarized in the calls to be like-minded (Phil 2:2), and choosing to rejoice and be thankful even in the face of adversity (Phil 1:18; 3:1).

You do not read Philippians and think, here is a church that ahs got a lot wrong int erms of its theology or its moral life or its active evangelism. Paul has not really corrected anything. Instead, he has called the Philippians to an ever higher standard of righteous living, to be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (see Phil 1:10) and to “run ther race” in the same way as he did, to “press on toward the goal for othe prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 3:8-14).

So Paul, calls upon these two loyal, tried and tested servants of Christ, to have a common ‘mind’ in Christ - to show the forgiveness, reconciliation and love, for the honour of Christ and for the good of the church!

They are to set aside personal interest, the deisre to be right; to beheard; to be honoured; to be vindicated and instead beinspired by the “mind of Christ” who “humbled Himself and made himself nothing”(Phil 2:5-8), setting an example that he expects of His people (Phil 2:3-

Now, an important caveat here is that this is not to be seen as a prohibition of healthy debate and discussion in which one can agree to disagree!

Discussion and debate around disputable matters, to aid and further understanding and prmote learning is healthy! A willingness to listen and learn in a spirit of open-mindedness can be a sign of maturity.

However, when as here it becomes personal and leads to people being upset and offended and othes wading in and taking sides, leading to the church being upset and potentially divided, then it is no longer healthy and good. The fact that Paul does not tell us what the issue is is telling, because whilst it is not always wrong to disagree, it is always wrong to disagree in a way which generates animosity and distancing from one another in the Lord.

Such disagreement falls short of like-mindedness and putting others’ interests before your own for how can we esteem someone as “better than” ourselves and hold a grudge against them? How can you say that you have “humbled” yourself if you are also determined to “win an argument” so you can prove that you are right? You can’t do both!

So, this requires us to be proactive about truly resolving conflict rather than allowing it to fester below the surface, even if we maintain civility on the surface.

In otherwise healthy churches, interpersonal conflicts of some kind, happen!

It may begin as a disagreement or a judgment call, not between what is right or wrong, but between what is better or best! Between doing something one way or another.

Such matters are highly subjective, with “right” based on one’s personal values, preferences or experiences and not getting one’s way on these things can be terribly upsetting but this is precisely where “the mind of Christ” needs to operate - How will I feel if others disagree with me? How will I react if I do not get my way? Will I storm out? Let everone know I am upset? Feel marginalised and hurt? Or will I “humble” myself and sacrifice my own interests, etc.

We must never allow disagreements over what is “better or best” to take the status of disagreements over right and wrong or truth and error. They are not of the same category, for whereas we must always stand for truth and call out doctrinal error and rebuke sinful behaviour, we are to “agree in the Lord” when these are not at stake or it will lead to disunity and a fracturing of the body of Christ.

And it is never loving and putting the interest of others above our own to want to be proved right or have one’s way; or ferment division by taking sides! It destroy relationships, it can completely distract believers from the God-given task at hand: living out the gospel in a way that attracts people to Christ and it is a terrible advertisement to those who are thinking of following Jesus.

James 4:1–10 is very clear about the danger of “fights and quarrels among you.”

Being envious—wanting what someone else has. Having unaddressed, disappointment that can turn into anger or resentment, which keeps a conflict from being resolved! Wanting to be vindicated so that you can prove that you are right! etc.

Paul wound says to us, let’s not think about our own interests or needs; Let’s think about those of others.Let’s be like-minded! Let’s set aside pride and emotions! Let’s choose to rejoice instead of being resentful. For after all, if I am truly thankful for a person, how can I resent them?

And UNITY is the goal here!

Jesus prayed that we would be unified (John 17:21)so that the world would know He was sent by the Father. He gave His disciples “a new comandment…that you love one another as I have loved yoy. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another”(John 13:35). And this love is not primarily an emotion; it is an act of sacrificial service - a willingness to wash feet; to lay down one’s feet for his friends. It’s not about feeling the right feelings its about doing the right actions, as Paul makes clear in his definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 - patience; kindness; not envying, boasting or being arrogant or rude. Not insisting on our own way or being irritable or resentful Not rejoicing in the wrongdoing of others but rejoicing in the truth. Love is bearing all things; believing all things; hoping all things; eenduring all things. This kind of love never fails. It always unifies and finds a way through difficulties. This is the kind of love Jesus is referring to when he tells us in Luke 10:27, “You shall love … your neighbour as yourself.”

Paul likewise appealed to the Corinthians "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Cor 1:10). Unity brings God glory. It honours His name. So we need to be mindful that Satan is incessantly trying to divide churches to undermine God’s glory! Paul therefore exhorts us to “endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). He didn’t tell them to generate unity; they already had it. They were to maintain the unity God had already given them. That’s also our task today!

III. BE A PEACEMAKER!

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”(Matthew 5:9).

Paul uses the same approach here in Philippians 4, providing a challenge to the parties involved to make a change. He doesn’t point a finger of blame, he instead makes an appeal from the heart to Euodia, Syntyche and other “loyal yokefellow” in the gospel, to bring an end to this dispute!

The language of Verse 1 is wooing (not manipulative) and morally compelling. He calls them his “beloved,... joy and crown” and encourages them to “stand firm in the Lord.” This also reminds me of Phil 1:27 when he encourages them to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord so that he would hear that they were standing firm in one spirit.

So, Paul does two things in Phil 4:3. First, he requests that his true companion step in and help resolve the issue. Secondly, and somewhat surprisingly: he praises Eudoia and Syntyche for their loyal service in the Lord, holding them on a par with Timothy and Epaphroditus whom he likewise praised at the end of Philippians 2. He commends their co-laboring with him in the gospel, adding that their names are written in the book of life!

And this is so important to remember - we may fall out with a fellow Christian and have very different theological perspectives but we should never decristianise them in our minds because we disagree. Their names are still written in the book of life!

In this regard let me share with you a question thatw as asked of John Wesley (An Arminian) of the Calvinist preacher, George Whitefield, shortly after Whitefield’s death. As the story goes (though I have seen it the otehr way round) Wesley “was timidly approached by one of the godly band of Christian sisters who had been brought under his influences and who loved both Whitefield and himself: “' Dear Mr. Wesley, may I ask you a question?' “' Yes, of course, madam, by all means.' “' But, dear Mr. Wesley, I am very much afraid what the answer will be.' “' Well, madam, let me hear your question, and then you will know my reply.' “At last, after not a little hesitation, the inquirer tremblingly asked, ' Dear Mr. Wesley, do you expect to see dear Mr. Whitefield in heaven?' “A lengthy pause followed, after which John Wesley replied with great seriousness, 'No, madam.' "His inquirer at once exclaimed, 'Ah, I was afraid you would say so.' “To which John Wesley added, with intense earnestness, ' Do not misunderstand me, madam; George Whitefield was so bright a star in the firmament of God's glory, and will stand so near the throne, that one like me, who am less than the least, will never catch a glimpse of him.'"

What is certainly the case is that In 1770, the year of his death, Whitefield wrote to Charles Wesley as “my very dear old friend” and described John as “your honoured brother.” To each he bequeathed a mourning ring, “in token of my indissoluble union with them in heart and Christian affection, notwithstanding our difference in judgment about some particular points of doctrine.” On Whitefield’s death, Charles penned a noble elegy. And at Whitefield’s request, his funeral sermon was preached by none other than his former opponent, John Wesley. Beautiful!

By calling upon his “loyal yokefellow” to act in this way - to be peacemakers, he is calling them to “have the mind of Christ!”

He calls them to find an honorable resolution to the dispute. Holding their grudges and maintaining the battle lines would result in disunity and could bring shame on themselves and those who sided with them.

This RESPONSIBILITY to create peace requires those “true companions” of Paul to hold these dear sisters accountable but to do this in a compassionate and understanding way - to help them!

There is a place to true accountability here based on the application of the “one anothers” of Scripture.

We are to exhort one another (Heb. 10:24–25),

pray for one another (James 5:16),

love one another (Gal. 5:13; Eph. 4:2; 1 Pet. 1:22),

teach one another (Col. 3:16),

edify one another (Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11),

admonish one another (Rom. 15:14; Col. 3:16).

These “one anothers” make up the life of the church and keep the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.

We can test our hearts at this point!

Do we pour oil on troubled waters or is our instinct to bring peace - not in a cowardly way but in a righteous way; not b y turning a blind eye or failing to call out doctrinal or moral error, but by being discerning enough to know when to speak and when to be silent; when to intervene and when to allow sleeping gods to lie!

IV. REJOICE IN THE LORD, ALWAYS AND REPEAT!

Paul does not provide a connecting word for relating Phil 4:4 to what precedes but all five of the statements that follow Phil 4:2–3 omit a connecting word and so his point in Phil 4:4 is to reiterate Phil 3:1 that the command to rejoice would “be safe” as it safeguards them from things that would turn them away from the Lord.

Paul again and again reminds them of the importance of joy!

Phil 1:4 “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now …”

Phil 2:17 “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith , I am glad and rejoice with you all.”

Phil 3:1 “Finally, my brothers rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”

And then Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lorsd always. I say it again, rejoice!”

So whether we are responding to sharing the gospel or opposition to its preaching; whether we are facing hardship and persecution or division in the Church, the answer is to rejoice together in the Lord!

Why? Because if I am choosing to rejoice in the Lord over my circumstances or situation, it will be nearly impossible to hold a grudge against those with whom I am involved.

And a natural consequence of truly rejoicing in the Lord about something is the inability to complain about the same thing. If I’m going to forgive someone, it will require me to let go of any bitterness or resentment I might harbour toward them. If you’re resentful, you’re not rejoicing.

V. LET YOUR GENTLENESS BE KNOWN TO ALL!

The call in Phil 4:5 to let your gentleness be known to all raises the bar in a different way:

A mature believer should also be a gentle one, or perhaps better translated “forebearance” or “selflessness” or even “reasonablness”(ESV). He or she sould not be volatile or overly driven by emotional reactions; huffy or easily offended. You should be chracterrised by this joyful gentleness!

Do you see what Paul’s doing here? There is no way you could continue to have a grudge and simultaneously exemplify gentleness. You would need to choose one or the other. Choose gentleness and let go of the grudge! Rejoice in the Lord and let go of your bitterness.

A.W. Tozer in his book The Pursuit of God points out the danger of what he calls “self-sins”. He writes, “To be specific, the self-sins are these: self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love, and a host of others like them. They dwell too deep within us and are too much a part of our natures to come to our attention till the light of God is focused upon them. The grosser manifestations of these sins, egotism, exhibitionism, self-promotion, are strangely tolerated in Christian leaders even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy. Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice. Self can live unrebuked at the very altar. It can watch the bleeding Victim die and not be in the least affected by what it sees. It can fight for the faith of the Reformers and preach eloquently the creed of salvation by grace, and gain strength by its efforts. To tell all the truth, it seems actually to feed upon orthodoxy and is more at home in a Bible Conference than in a tavern. Our very state of longing after God may afford it an excellent condition under which to thrive and grow.””

What do you want to be known for? Paul says, be known for your gentleness! For your forebearance! For your reasonableness! Don’t be self-centred and self-interested!

The statement about the Lord being near provides a rationale for choosing gentleness. It could mean one of two things in this context - His return is nearing OR it could mean simply, the Lord is constantly present in yourmidst!

Either way, believers have every reason to put an end to division because “the Lord is near!” Act like he is about to walk through the door! Imagine if that was the case, and He walked in here now, how would we feel? What would we say to Him? WOuld we boast of our achievements? Would we want people to tell Him of how great we are or would we rather be known for our gentleness?

Just as Paul encourages us to strain forward toward the goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (see Phil 3:13–14), so he likewise urges us to strive to out an end to personal conflicts; to overcome division by rejoicing with joyful gentleness.

Cultivate a heart of gratitude to God not one of complaining about your fellow men and women, who share the faith of Christ; whose “names are written in the book of life”!

To conclude today, let us have the mind fo Christ in His joyful gentleness. Let us rejoice! Rejoice!

rejoice in the Lord always because we have been saved from the wretchedness of sin and the hopelessness of eternal destruction to a “living hope” and our names are written in the book of life! We rejoice not because everything goes swimmingly for us every day, or because we are even content every day, sometimes life hurts and is to be endured, but we rejoice in our hope of salvation - John 14:1-3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Let us rejoice together because we have been placed in the body of Christ, the Church where we should find and express unconditional love, where grace and forgiveness should operate freely as we accept one another; pray for one another and care for one another, in the love of Christ! - “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted; forgiving one another, jsut as God in Christ forgave you.”(Eph 4:32).

Let us “rejoice in the Lord” Jesus Christ, because, as Paul told us in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me and the life I live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Which leads us to this position as Peter puts it, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”(2 Pet 1:8-9).

Let us rejoice because “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”(Neh 8:10) to help you through everyday whatever, comes our way!