Family of God

Big Idea:

Believers are called to be at peace and rejoice in the Lord always through seeking the unity found in Jesus Christ, all for the eternal glory of God the Father.

Concise Big Idea:

Peace and Joy United in the family of God!

I. Introduction – Conflict/Division

           A. Attention grabber. (Create division)

Illustration is the concept of Row v. Wade

           B. Paul Experiences Conflict

Acts 15:36-40 - And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose ta sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac 15:36–40.

Brief look at Barnabas and Paul’s conflict prior    to Paul planting the church in Philippi.

           C. Euodia and Syntyche Experience Conflict

Philippians 4:2-3 - I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,2 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 Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Php 4:2–3.

Brief look at Paul addressing conflict.

II. Brief Background - Brief Summary of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians   

   A. Historical Information

1. City of Philippi at the time of the letter

           a. Roman City – Size of Sturgeon Bay

           b. Greek influence

           c. Minimal Jewish population

           d. Predominantly gentile church

2. Paul’s relationship with the church of Philippi

           a. Paul established the Philippian church during his second missionary journey Acts 16:11-40

           b. Partnership (1:5; 4:15-18)

           c. Unity - (prayer 1:3-11; love 1:7; 4:1; rejoice 2:17)

           v4.1 – Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and

           crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

3. Paul’s reason for writing to the Philippians

           a. Encouragement – 1: 25-26; 2:1-2

           b. Joy – 14 times

           b. Thanksgiving – 1:3

           c. Steadfastness/stand firm – 3:14, I press on toward the goal for the prize                                              of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

B. The saints

           1. Hagios – holy, holy ones

           2. Romans 1:7 - To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

           3. 1 Corinthians 1:2 - To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified                        in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

           4. Ephesian 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

           To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

           5. Colosians 1:2 - To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

           6. Philippians 1:1 – To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.

           7. 1. holy, pure (1Pe 1:15–16); 2. dedicated, consecrated (Mk 6:20); 3. God’s  people (1Co 6:2; 2Co 13:12; Php 4:22; Rev 18:20; Rev 22:21)[1]

           8. Deuteronomy 14:2 - For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Set apart)

 Philippians 4:2-9 - I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,2 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.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

III. Saints whose names are written in the book of life ought to live in harmony with one another being of one spirit, one mind, one love Christ Jesus. (4:2-3)

           A. True unity that conquers conflict/division is found solely in Christ Jesus (v.2)      

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

                       1. 1:27 - Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel

                       2: 2:2-3 - complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

                       3. Command – agree in the Lord!

           B. True unity corporately, being of one body, that conquers conflict/division is found solely in Christ Jesus. (v.3)

                                3 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.

                       1. Yokefellow - Paul is utilizing this term to express that we are yoked together, must encourage, must help fellow believers as we are united, one, fellow heirs with Christ.

                       2. Labored/fought side by side is metaphorical language from the arena (1:27).

                       3. Unity as the body is a requirement/command, not an option. Command – help these women.

                       4. Application - 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (Members of one body)

IV. Saints whose names are written in the book of life can find eternal joy in Christ Jesus. (4:4-5)

           A. True joy is found solely in the unchanging Lord. (v.4)

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

                       1. Joy as a feeling (Not the use in 4:4) - The disciples returned to Jerusalem rejoicing after Jesus’ ascension (Lk 24:52).

                       2. Joy as an action (v. 4.4) - That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels. Joy in adverse circumstances is possible only as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is present in every Christian (Gal 5:22).[3]

                                   a. Christ instructed his disciples to rejoice when they were persecuted, reviled, and slandered (Mt 5:11, 12)[4]

                                   b. James said Christians are to reckon it all joy when they fall into various testings because such testings produce endurance (Jas 1:2)[5]

                       3. Command - Rejoice in the Lord always.

           B. True joy effects our interactions with others and these interactions will be judged by the Lord. (v.5)

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

                       1. Characteristic of both Paul and Jesus – Consistent gentleness is a trait of a new creature in Christ Jesus and is provided by the filling of the Holy Spirit, the promised Helper. Christians must be gentle, unified, one, and find peace in the Lord of peace.

                       2 Corinthians 10:1 - I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!

                       2. Characteristic of church leadership –

                       1 Timothy 3:1-3 - The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

                       3. Command – Be reasonable/gentle to everyone.

V. Saints whose names are written in the book of life ought to be at peace and this peace is found in Christ Jesus. (4:6-7)

           A. True peace is found in selfless communion with the God of peace.  (v.6)

                6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with  thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

                      1. Anxiety removes our reliance on the Lord (shows a deficient faith) and robs believers of joy (Matt. 6:25-34) – Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

                       2. We are called to pray without ceasing; constant communion with our Father (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Jesus (Matt. 6:5-15) and Paul (Phil 1:3-4) are great examples.

                       3. Command – Do not be anxious - J. A. Bengel writes, “Anxiety and prayer are more opposed to each other than fire and water.”[6]

           B. True peace will protect our interactions with other producing the harmony found  in Christ Jesus. (v.7)

           7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and    your minds in Christ Jesus.

                       1. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we will not exhibit peace individually or  communally

                       John 14:27 - But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my  name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have                         said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.                                     2. God is sovereign and so we can trust him to protect us and provide peace. “Shall keep,” is metaphorical language for a military sentinel standing watch over (to guard or garrison) a man’s inner life.  Remember where Paul is writing from.

                       3. Command – Guard your hearts in God’s peace.

VI. Saints whose names are written in the book of life, who experience unity, joy and peace must apply these principles to life. (4:8-9)

           A. We should set our mind on things of God and not on things of man.  (v.8)

                8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is      anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

                       1. Have the mind of Christ (2:5-11)

                       2. The Philippian gentile believers should have known these pagan/Greek traits. Paul is calling the Philippians to action; to set their mind on things above. Believers are called to live out their faith. (Eph. 2:8-10)

                       3. Command – Think about these things.

           B. We should practice the things of God and not the things of man. (v.9)

           9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

                       1. Paul provides an example to follow (Phil 3:17; 1 Thes 4:1)

                       2. Jesus Christ is the perfect example (Phil 1:27; Eph 5:1-2)

                       3. Command – Practice these things. Be imitators of Christ!

[1] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).

x See 1 Cor. 16:13

[2] Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Joy,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1225.

[3] Walter, 1225.

[4] Walter, 1225.

[5] Walter, 1225.

[6] J. A. Bengel, New Testament Word Studies, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publication, 1978), 447.