Christian Harmony

DT: The Church can only be effective when a Spirit of harmony exist

Aim: We will live in harmony with others

Harmony must be Encouraged

Philippians 4:2 ESV

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

- agree in the Lord

- opinions may differ but one thing remains constant. JESUS!

Application: Encourage those who are at odds to reconcile. Jesus is bigger than any disagreement. We should all be able to agree on Jesus.

Harmony Creates Productivity

Philippians 4:3–4 ESV

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.

Philippians 4:3 ESV

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.

- the Church’s assignment was to help these ladies to remember what God had used them both to do for God’s glory.

They worked in harmony and were productive

-the church was to promote peace. Reminding them of the work of Christ that has been done and their reward. Helping them to realize that their frivolous squabbles and disagreements are minor in comparison to the work of the Kingdom.

Application: promote peace don’t choose sides. Don’t perpetuate disunity. Do what brings God glory.

Harmony Produces Praise

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

you can’t be in your feelings

Application: Finding moments to praise God should be easy. look around you and see the work God has done on and in you. Look at what God has done for you.

Harmony must be Practiced

Philippians 4:5 ESV

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

Reasonableness - (ἐπιεικής) not insisting on every right of letter of law or custom, yielding, gentle, kind, courteous, tolerant

- Yield to others

-live as though Christ is near

Application: Be the example of kindness, gentleness, and courtesy.