Practical Counsel

Stick with It!

Transition (“so then”) reflects on the previous and anticipates the following.

Previously:

Paul’s thankfulness for the church and for the proclamation of the gospel.

Life is found in following Christ, and Christ is the sum total of life.

A call to humble service.

A call to continued surrender and obedience to Jesus.

An admission of imperfection that leads to continual pursuit of Jesus.

Anticipation:

Reconciliation

Rejoicing

Remembering what’s excellent

The call = “stick with it…don’t give up”

“Persevere in light of our heavenly citizenship and the Lord Jesus’…return.”

Cannot do it alone (“in the Lord”). Everything that follows flows from surrender to, and union with, Christ.

Flows from our union with Him

Deals with doing everything necessary to maintain this union

Not that we can lose it...

But we still strive for holiness

And we confess for restoration

Solve Disagreements

Not a doctrinal dispute.

We know how Paul feels about false doctrine (Phil.3:2 “Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.”)

Re-hash tiers of doctrinal issues — don’t belabor the point.

Unity must be preserved.

Our united love is a testimony of our commitment to Christ

Our disunity over non-doctrinal matters harms the witness of Christ and growth as Christians.

Paul doesn’t take sides, but he does deal directly with the issue.

How to resolve conflict:

“Agree” or “have the same mind.”

Think rightly about each other.

Think clearly about the matter at hand (necessarily means removing personal desire).

Agree “in the Lord.” Center desires around the gospel.

Lean on godly counsel — “true partner…help these women...”

Why? Because the gospel demands it!

They’ve contended for the gospel with Paul.

They’ve labored beside others who’s names are in the “book of life.”

The gospel is reconciliation!

Are you a threat to church unity? It can come from anyone.

We’re all sinners.

Even the most mature among us — these were co-laborers!

Are you willing to help when conflict arises? Are you more concerned about the reputation of Christ than the desires of others?

Plan to have “Euodia-and-Syntyche” talks, submitting to Christ, for the common good. Why? Because our relationships in the church should be THAT important! Because allowing the gospel to heal personal relationships is THAT important!

Surrender Still to Christ

Surrender circumstances: rejoice in the Lord, not in your situation.

Don’t dwell on what you didn’t get (not about station in life)!

Be grateful for what you didn’t get (be mindful of God’s mercy)!

Surrender anxieties: pray.

With a thankful heart. When we saddle ourselves to our blessings, the burdens become much lighter.

Not to inform God but to release the burden.

A good test: after I’ve prayed, do I still carry the concern?

God makes a promise: His peace will guard us.

Typically peace has to be protected.

With God, peace protects our anxious thoughts and desires.

If I still worry, isn’t this functional atheism?

Martin Luther once described his favorite preacher, a bird:

I have one preacher that I love better than any other. It is my little tame robin, who preaches to me daily. I put his crumbs upon my windowsill, especially at night. He hops onto the sill when he wants his supply, and takes as much as he desires to satisfy his need. From there he always hops to a little tree close by, and lifts up his voice to God, and sings his carol of praise and gratitude, tucks his little head under his wings, and goes fast to sleep, to leave tomorrow to look after itself. He is the best preacher I have on earth. (Tan, Encyclopedia, 1,649–50)

Let the birds preach a better sermon to you. God feeds the birds, which are less valuable than you. God clothes the wildflowers, which are temporary; He will provide for you who are eternal (Matt 6:28).

Bowling: oh how people contort their bodies to try and get their ball “in the pocket.” Truth is, once it’s left your hand, you must let the ball go where it will. Let the “ball of prayer” go and trust God to see to the rest.

Honestly, prayer, along with the final encouragement, takes our eyes off of our circumstances, real or imagined, and places them back on God.

Surrender thoughts: dwell on the virtuous.

True = what corresponds to reality.

Honorable = things that are majestic and lofty, lifting the mind above the world’s scandals. Situation between Ukraine/Russia — there’s a difference between being informed and being obsessed!

Just = what is fair, not concerned with favoritism for any party, but fulfills obligations and debts. Be careful here with our limited concept of “fair.”

Pure = from sexual purity to moral and ritual readiness for worship, thinking on the pure leads from sin and to worship.

Lovely = pleasing, particularly to others. It should bring about peace rather than causing division, fighting, and feuding.

Commendable = worthy of praise or approval, something deserving a good reputation.

Paul sums it up: whatever is of moral excellence and worthy of praise. Ultimately, they’re all fulfilled in Jesus. So, Heb.12:1-2 “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Because of how kitsch-y it became, WWJD is sort of a running joke. But, there is some truth behind it. What would Jesus do? How would He respond? What did He teach? When all else fails, return to Jesus.

Again returns to following the example of others — emulate leaders thinking about and living for Christ.

“Set your mind on praiseworthy things, give your burdens to God, and know the perfect peace of God.”

Faith that God will care for you (Mt.6:33).

Freed from the burden of a guilty conscience!

Friends, stand firm, in light of and for the sake of the gospel.

Restore brokenness because the gospel demands it and it’s one of the best ways to model the gospel (Matt.5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”)

Continually surrender to Christ by letting go of circumstances, praying about everything, and refocusing constantly of Jesus.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT VERONICA MCDONALD!