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Let me begin by saying, “Happy Mother’s Day” Moms! We want you all to know how much you are appreciated even though there are times where i’m quiet certain you may not feel it or necessarily believe it. But it is true. We value you and thank you for all you mean to us.
Celebrations such as Mother’s day can often be bitter sweet. We know that motherhood does not always work our as one may desire, But this is still a time to acknowledge the ladies in our lives who have impacted us. We also know that many of us have lost our Moms. And in a special way we want to extend our sympathy to Marilee Sanborn whose mother went to heaven this past week. We know there are many fond memories, but these type of losses can leave voids in different ways, but we know God in his very own special way can fill them. So before we get into today’s message… lets pray.
I was visiting this week with one of the missionary couples the church supports. Towards the end of our conversation he expressed two things. First how grateful he and his wife were for the prayerful and financial support the church has given to them over the years. Most specifically how your prayers and financial support has made it possible for him to complete his Master’s Degree!.
Secondly, he said, “your phone call has made my day.”
We never know how things as simple as a phone call can impact another person’s life. Or how the impact and influence the financial blessings that God provides comes through the generous people such as those from the Church. But when you hear it in words and in the tone of their voice, it will make your day as well.
Paul, the apostle was no different. As we conclude our study in the Book of Philippians, learning to live knowing God is in Control, we find Paul expressing his appreciation to the church at Philippi for their generosity and friendship.
Here is what he has to say… In 4:10 he says “I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length, you have revived your concern for me.” He is giving thanks for their ‘Friendship’ and “Support.’
He expresses his own contentment in how God meets his needs and affirms for them as a Church (verse 19) how God will “supply all their needs.” All to the Glory of God.
But there is an issue that is being addressed in this book and its found in verse 2 “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...”
There has been a good working relationship between Paul and these two people. However, something has happened that caused disharmony. So as we look at how to live a live of generous friendship, Paul points out 5 principles… that helps bring about harmony and creates generous friendship among one another.
One… Agree with each other in the Lord.
One… Agree with each other in the Lord.
Matthew Henry in his commentary put it this ways… “Desire them from me to be of the same mind in the Lord, to keep the peace and live in love, to be of the same mind one with another, not thwarting and contradicting, and to be of the same mind with the rest of the church, not acting in opposition to them.”
Simply put, the are to bring their attitudes into harmony with the Lord. He is not saying one is wrong and one is right, but he is saying get rid of your disharmony!
So what does it mean to “agree with each other in the Lord?”
Think about things from the Lord’s perspective. How does God view your attitude? What about your actions? What is your motivation?
ILLUSTRATION: When Bonnie and I first moved to Emery SD there was a huge Elm tree at the end of the driveway. It was directly in the middle of the second garage stahl so that when you backed out you had to make sure you turned your wheels to avoid hitting it.
That spring the church agreed to put in a new side walk in front of the church and parsonage. Someone suggested that this would be a good time to take that tree out because it has been a sore topic for years as to why it was there in the first place. Some didn’t mind it, but others thought, it needs to be gone.
So when the suggestion came up to take it down, one person said, “We can’t do that. So and so planted that tree.” Another person said, No, it was someone else.” This discussion lasted all but two minutes, when one said, finally agreed that it was someone else other than who he thought, so take it down.”
There were differences. There was conflict. There was discussion. In the end there was harmony. Regardless of what one may feel or think, they worked towards harmony.”
Sometimes we have to eat humble pie. Other times we have to swallow crow. The fact is, there will always be times when we disagree on things and have differences of views and opinions. We all remember things differently.
But when it comes to the Gospel, the Bible is clear. There is but one Savior. The Bible is also clear, that as far as it concerns you, learn to live at peace with one another.
In Hebrews 12:14
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Agree with one Another in the Lord...
The second thing Paul points out is....
Help one another (vs. 3)
Help one another (vs. 3)
Sometimes we need help from others to see things as others do. No matter what your differences are you should be able to work together with one another, helping each other where possible.
I’ve heard over the years that when we look at ourselves the mirror or however you try to look at yourself, you can only see 2/3 of yourself. That means there is 1/3 of yourself you can’t see without the help of others.
Many years ago I was playing basketball for our church league. I came down with a rebound and a member of the other team grabbed on to it like it was his and I held on to it like it was mine. We both pulled and tugged and I was determined not to let go and neither was he. Due to the size difference, I finally went flying. The whistle blew and I was steaming mad.
The coach saw this and sat me down. I didn’t agree with the call, that I got the foul, when I was the one who went flying. What the coach saw at that time was a determined young man who needed to be sat down because I let my anger get in the way.
Sometimes we all need people to tell us things we don’t don’t see ourselves or like to hear, but it is necessary. Paul is saying to the church, “Help these ladies. They don’t see what they are doing to one another or to the church. This brings us to the third point Paul brings to us...
“Let your gentleness be evident to all.”
“Let your gentleness be evident to all.”
Philippians 4:5
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
This simply means to yield one’s personal rights and to show consideration and gentleness to others.
Several years ago I was serving on the Board for an Assisted living complex. There had been some conflict within the administration so we brought in a consultant. He said a lot of great things, but one that stands out is this… “I will have different opinions than others as to what I think should or shouldn’t be done. I will defend and sometimes even argue my point. But I will never make it personal. when that meeting is over, I will put my hand on the shoulder of the person I disagreed with and say, “Let’s do lunch.”
The focus is not to be on the person… but on the issues. Helping other see the issue is important. When there is a disagreement, learn to be gentle and take into consideration the other person.
The fourth things Paul brings out is found in Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Warren Wiersbe calls this “Right Thinking.” In Isaiah 26:3
3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
To bring harmony and live in generous friendship involves the heart and mind. Wrong thinking leads to wrong feelings, and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry. We must realize that thoughts are real and powerful, even thought they cannot be seen, weighed or measured. We must bring into captivity every thought to obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
So in verse 8 Paul says...
Whatever is true… I heard Chuck Swindoll say one time that 10 % of the things people worry about are legitimate matters of concern. The other 90% are either imaginary, never happen or involved matters over which we have no control.
Remember, Satan is a liar (John 8:44) He wants to corrupt our minds with his lies. In 2 Cor 11:3 Paul writes…
44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Truth matters. Speculation and assumption only lead to disharmony. So know what is true and think about what is true.
Think about another person’s heart.... Think about your own heart! do not let it lead you astray from God.
I love what one Commentator said, “The Holy Spirit controls our minds through truth.... John 17:17; 1 John 5:6
17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
Focus on truth… God’s truths. Understand the deception of Satan and his desire to control us through his lies that he and his demons are constantly trying to influence our minds against Jesus; against one another. Know that God’s truths are the most important and every person has value and matters to God. Respect them.
Whatever is hones and just. This means “Worthy of respect and right.” Wiersbe says,
There are many things that are not respectable, and Christians should not think about these things. This does not mean we hide our heads in the sand and avoid what is unpleasant and displeasing, but it does mean we do not focus our attention on dishonorable things and permit them to control our thoughts.
Whatever is pure, lovely, and of good report...
Pure probably refers to moral purity. Lovely means look at that which is beautiful… When talking about beautiful, God has created many beautiful things and people. Talk about things that are pure; are lovely… worthy of talking about.
There is a phrase that says, “Beauty is only skin deep.” When I think of that phrase it is referring real beauty is what inside a person. What are they made of? Paul would ask, “Are they someone worth immolating?” think on that…
I know of a young women who often talks about her mother and wanting to be a godly woman just like her. This young woman sees Jesus in her Mom and that is the beauty they see.
I know I can say the same about a certain young woman whom I’m married too. I see Jesus in her smile, her kindness, her honesty, her loveliness, her gentleness…
by the way ladies, Happy Mother’s Day. No matter who you are or what you have or don’t have… or are going through… today is about honoring you as women who have taken on various roles, but the greatest is that of being like Jesus and we respect you for that.
Finally Paul says, Whatever is worthy of praise, think about these things.” The King James Version uses the word “Virtue” and “Praise”
Virtue is showing High moral standards. If someone is of high moral standards, it will motivate us to do better; and if it is worthy, it will be praised.
Wiersbe also says, “NO Christian can afford to waste “Mind power” on thoughts that tear another person down or if they were shared with others would tear another person down.
So in light of the conflict between the two women mentioned in the opening of this chapter. Help them come to harmony with one another, which will bring harmony to the church.
This will all result in peace.
Let me close with two Psalms
One from Psalm 19:7-9 and the other Psalm 119:165
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.
165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
to be a person of generous friendship, have the same mind as that of the Lord Jesus. To be a person of generous friendship, loving, help one another and be receptive of that help. Which for some may be difficult, but remember it is for the harmony of the body of Christ.
Let your gentleness be made known to others.
I love Proverbs 15:1
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
And fourthly, learn “Right Thinking.”
in 1 John 4 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
So in being a generous friend, learn to think right. Rather than trying to bring someone to your way of thinking, think about things from their point of view and God will bring harmony and peace. This applies to the church; it applies to the work environment; it applies to the family… husbands and wives, Mom’s and Dad’s with their children.