PHILIPPIANS 4:2-7 | INTENTIONAL UNITY
Notes
Transcript
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:2-7 | INTENTIONAL UNITY
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:2-7 | INTENTIONAL UNITY
INTRO
INTRO
ILLUSTRATION: I never dreamed that one day I would become a judge.
ILLUSTRATION: I never dreamed that one day I would become a judge.
It wasn’t on my list of things to do and it certainly wasn’t a part of my plans.
But God in His sovereignty determined that would become a big part of my life.
You see, every day, I have little attorneys and convicts presenting their cases of guilt or innocence to me.
The defense will explain why they hit the other sibling
The prosecution will levy their case of why they were justified in withhold the toy
And then I as the judge must deliberate on who should receive the judgment.
I have found that if we are going to have unity in our house it is going to take intentionality.
EXPLANATION: Paul was writing this letter to the believers at Philippi.
EXPLANATION: Paul was writing this letter to the believers at Philippi.
Philippi was a town in Macedonia where Paul had established a church.
And now he is writing back to this group of believers that he cared deeply for.
Philippians is a book full of wonderful verses, and I can’t wait to one day walk through the book as we have been walking through the book of Galatians.
Now as Paul has reached the final chapter in this little book, Paul is going to address a specific problem within the church.
It was a problem between two of the ladies in the church.
Now there are an overwhelming number of jokes that could be made here about ladies in the church.
But I’m confident that if I were to start down that road, I would be cheered by half the crowd and despised by the other half.
Paul tells those in Philippi there was a conflict between two of the ladies and it had become a big enough point of division that Paul, through God’s inspiration, recorded it in God’s eternal Word for us to read some 2000 years later!
I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
The level of seriousness and concern in Paul’s voice should be evident!
“I’m begging you Euodias… I’m begging you Syntyche!”
We have no idea who these ladies were.
In fact, after this verse, we never hear about them again in the rest of the Bible
How would you like someone to write something about you, but the only thing that anyone ever knew about you was you caused problems with someone else in the church?
We don’t know anything about them… but we can deduce some ideas of what the problem must have been about.
We don’t know any specifics, but we can be sure, it wasn’t a disagreement about doctrine or false teaching.
Paul spends a great deal of time dealing with false doctrine throughout his epistles and he never shies away from an opportunity to call someone out for it!
In fact just a couple verses before in Philippians 3:17-20 Paul gives instruction to those who have people walking contrary to God around them:
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
In Galatians, we saw how Paul instructed those Galatian believers to not have anything to do with those preaching a different message than the Gospel in Galatians 1:8-9
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Paul wasn’t afraid to deal with false doctrine.
But he doesn’t do that here, so clearly it wasn’t a doctrinal disagreement.
We can be confident it wasn’t a matter of open sin in one of the ladies lives.
Once again, Paul addressed sin openly and directly.
In 1 Corinthians, when Paul heard about an immoral relationship taking place in the church, Paul addressed it directly and sternly.
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Paul was serious about sin and dealing with sinful actions.
It would appear based upon the lack of Paul calling our a definitive wrong doing, that these two ladies Euodias and Syntyche were in a good old disagreement.
Maybe it was an argument over the carpet color
Maybe it was an issue over the instruments they were playing
Maybe it was over the new songs they were singing.
Maybe it was over the screens in the auditorium
Maybe it was over the livestream quality
These are just things out of the complaint box, so I can just keep going on and on…
Whatever it was, it’s clear, neither wanted to back down
Both thought they were right
Both wanted to get everyone else on their side
And it was coming dangerously close to dividing the church.
APPLICATION: There is nothing the devil would like more, than to get a foot into Whitehall Baptist Church.
APPLICATION: There is nothing the devil would like more, than to get a foot into Whitehall Baptist Church.
To create division between the individuals in this church.
For there to be preferential differences that lead to passionate divisions!
And listen, there is nothing more the devil would like in your life, than for you to be concerned so much with what you want that you forget what actually matters… WHAT HE WANTS!
Friend, if WBC is going to be a place of unity it won’t happen on accident.
It can only happen with intentionality!
So, for a few moments, let’s see what instructions Paul gave to the church and these two fighting women to help them get past their division.
And let’s learn together, so we can ensure a heart of unity in our church as well!
V.3, REMEMBER WHO YOU’RE FIGHTING
V.3, REMEMBER WHO YOU’RE FIGHTING
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
EXPLANATION: Paul turns his attention to another person in the church in verse 3, someone who Paul calls a “true yokefellow”
EXPLANATION: Paul turns his attention to another person in the church in verse 3, someone who Paul calls a “true yokefellow”
It’s an interesting word that carries with it the idea of a teammate.
Someone with whom would climb under the weight of the yoke with the others and strive together.
He also mentions another person, Clement.
It would seem that was a person of leadership within the church who Paul is specifically calling on to step in and aid in the dispute.
He refers to all of these people as his “fellowlabourers.”
And then he reminds them of one final reality… they were fighting with other brother and sisters in Christ.
He was telling them, “these people you are disagreeing with are the people you are going to spend eternity with.”
What was his point?
These people aren’t your enemy! You’re on the same team!
ILLUSTRATION: Paul knew about fighting with your own team.
ILLUSTRATION: Paul knew about fighting with your own team.
He had been traveling with Barnabas, who the Bible says his nickname was “the encourager”
They were serving in ministry together, preaching the Gospel.
Along the way they had picked up a teenage named John Mark to join them in ministry.
Now, we don’t know what happened exactly… maybe John Mark got homesick.
Maybe the persecution was too much for him.
We don’t know… but he returned back home.
A little further down the road, Barnabas being the encourager that he was, felt like they should give John Mark another shot.
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
But Paul wasn’t on the same page.
Maybe the disagreement wasn’t a big deal at the beginning, but as Barnabas continued to insist that John Mark should rejoin, Paul dug his heels in deeper.
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
This disagreement grew until Paul and Barnabas couldn’t move past it.
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
Paul couldn’t move past it… he was dug in.
That was the end of Paul and Barnabas.
It was the end of that Gospel partnership… that Gospel team.
Now we know at the end of Paul’s life, he realized his mistake because while in prison waiting for his life to be ended, he wrote to Timothy
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
EXPLANATION: Paul knew just how destructive division could be within the body of Christ.
EXPLANATION: Paul knew just how destructive division could be within the body of Christ.
I just can’t help but wonder if he didn’t have the situation with Barnabas on his mind when he wrote to the believers here at Philippi.
“I’m begging you! Remember who it is you should be fighting against!”
APPLICATION: You know church… it can be easy to forget who the enemy is sometimes.
APPLICATION: You know church… it can be easy to forget who the enemy is sometimes.
We all have things that we want the way that we want them.
We all have preferences or ways of doing things that we prefer.
We all have music preferences
What instruments we like or don’t like
We all have opinions about what activities we should do
How things should be run…
What should go on the calendar…
And if we aren’t careful, we can allow our opinions or preferences to become a point of contention with others within the church.
Friend, when that happens, don’t forget who it is you are fighting!
When you are in a disagreement with someone within the church, you aren’t fighting the right enemy!
We have an enemy, called the world, the flesh, and the devil.
And yet, most churches are so busy fighting amongst themselves that they have lost sight of who the real enemy is!
Friend, if you know Christ you are a child of God.
And if the other person you are disagreeing with has been saved, they are a child of God.
And I can promise you, it grieves the heart of our heavenly Father when His children fight amongst themselves.
ILLUSTRATION: If you are a parent, I’m sure you’ve been there before.
ILLUSTRATION: If you are a parent, I’m sure you’ve been there before.
The kids are arguing and fighting, and you’re just grieved, because why can’t they just get along!
APPLICATION: You can mark it down, when Christians forget who the enemy is and fight amongst themselves, it grieves the heart of God.
APPLICATION: You can mark it down, when Christians forget who the enemy is and fight amongst themselves, it grieves the heart of God.
WBC, let’s be a church that stands and fights for doctrinal truth and for the Gospel to go forward!
Sure you can have your opinions and preferences, but don’t allow them to get in the way of what truly matters to your heavenly Father!
Paul had to encourage them… “Remember who you are fighting”
V.4-6, REMEMBER WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING
V.4-6, REMEMBER WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
EXPLANATION: After Paul tells them to remember who they are fighting, he turns their attention to what they should be doing.
EXPLANATION: After Paul tells them to remember who they are fighting, he turns their attention to what they should be doing.
He tells them, you should be Rejoicing!
ILLUSTRATION: When you or I write a letter or a text and we want to emphasize something, we have different ways of doing that.
ILLUSTRATION: When you or I write a letter or a text and we want to emphasize something, we have different ways of doing that.
Maybe you capitalize the letters in the word.
Maybe you italicize it
Maybe you change the font size.
Growing up, my dad had a way of making sure I got something he was emphasizing.
He would tell me and then say something like, “Did you hear what I said?”
And then he would repeat what he said.
And then I would forget to do what he had said and have the same excuses my kids do:
“I forgot”, “I thought you said…”
EXPLANATION: When Paul was writing, if he wanted to emphasize something, they we he did it was by repeating what he said.
EXPLANATION: When Paul was writing, if he wanted to emphasize something, they we he did it was by repeating what he said.
It’s like Paul was saying, “Rejoice in the Lord alway… Hey did you hear me, again I say rejoice!”
Paul was turning their attention away from their little preferential dispute and putting it on what they should have been doing… PRAISING THE LORD!
He goes on in v.5, and tells them to let their “moderation” be known to all men.
It has the sense of demonstrating a selfless unity.
Laying aside my will and preferences for the sake of unity!
ILLUSTRATION: This is a vital message to learn in marriage!
ILLUSTRATION: This is a vital message to learn in marriage!
Marriage is a great revealer of just how selfish and uncompromising you are!
“I want”
“That’s not the way I’ve always done it”
Ephesians 5 gives powerful and clarifying instructions for how to have unity in your marriage!
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
I can solve so many marriage problems this morning… here is the key:
Submit to your spouse.
Now Paul gives a key at the end of that verse, “you should both be seeking to live to please God”
But if you are seeking to please God personally and living in submission to one another, 95% of your problems will be solved.
The Bible makes it so clear and we refer to this verse so often because it’s so true Proverbs 13:10
Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom.
Choose to set aside your pride and submit yourself for the sake of unity in your marriage!
APPLICATION: Now how does that translate to the church?
APPLICATION: Now how does that translate to the church?
Choose to submit your preferences and agenda, so that you can enjoy unity within the church!
We aren’t talking about compromising on doctrinal truths or on clear biblical teaching.
Obviously those are places to take a stand.
But in the area of preferential matters, Paul encouraged them to choose moderation… selfless unity.
EXPLANATION: And then he tells them in v.6
EXPLANATION: And then he tells them in v.6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
“Be careful for nothing” = stop worrying about everything.
It literally means, “Stop being anxious”
You know what disunity and infightings leads to?
Worry… anxiousness
ILLUSTRATION: Have you ever felt worry or anxiousness about having to be around someone else?
ILLUSTRATION: Have you ever felt worry or anxiousness about having to be around someone else?
Like, I don’t know, maybe you are getting ready for a family get together with food… maybe a turkey.
But you know, someone is going to be there… and because of their presence, you feel anxious.
I’ve been there… I know that feeling.
APPLICATION: Friend, can I tell you a place that shouldn’t be?
APPLICATION: Friend, can I tell you a place that shouldn’t be?
It shouldn’t be in the church house!
The church house should be a place where prayers of and requests are being brought to God… but don’t forget the attitude with which they should be brought: THANKSGIVING!
An attitude of gratitude.
It’s a change of mind from division and divisiveness to selfless unity and gratitude.
Do you want to know what that right mind ultimately looks like?
V.7, REMEMBER WHAT THE RIGHT MIND LOOKS LIKE
V.7, REMEMBER WHAT THE RIGHT MIND LOOKS LIKE
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
EXPLANATION: Paul told that Philippians church, “when things are right between you, and their is selfless unity and gratitude in the church, it will lead to peace beyond comprehension
EXPLANATION: Paul told that Philippians church, “when things are right between you, and their is selfless unity and gratitude in the church, it will lead to peace beyond comprehension
How? Because your hearts and minds will be set where they should… on Christ.
APPLICATION: Thanksgiving is this Thursday.
APPLICATION: Thanksgiving is this Thursday.
And I hope, sometime this week, you will spend some time in gratitude to Christ!
During our potluck today we are going to take a few minutes and give an opportunity for you to share something you are grateful for if you want.
But I hope your gratefulness extends beyond one day or one week a year.
Our gratefulness should saturate the walls of this church.
Every seat, every song, every moment, we should be directing our hearts and lives to a heart of gratitude toward God.
Because everything you and I enjoy is so much more than we deserve.
Friend, when you come to the realization of all that Christ has done for you, and you respond in gratitude toward Him, suddenly the little disputes and disagreements aren’t quite so big.
When humility is met with humility, unity wins out, and Christ is glorified.
And all the sudden, there is this unspoken feeling that really is beyond comprehension and understanding.
And from the oldest saint to the newest guest, it can be sensed.
It’s something that our whole world is vainly seeking after… but its something that is only found through Christ.
It’s peace!
But that will only happen if we are intentional about seeking unity within God’s church
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Friend, will you purpose with me this morning, to seek to be a church where peace and unity reign
Not because we don’t stand for things… but because we stand for the right things together!
Not because we aren’t moving forward… but because we are moving forward together!
With hearts of Thanksgiving toward God!
An intentional pursuit of unity within our church.
I hope you will purpose with me this morning, to do as Paul said in Acts 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Remember who you’re fighting, Remember what you should be doing, Remember what a right mind looks like
