And just in case we did not get the message he says, "Again, I say rejoice." In this passage someone is addressed who is called in the Revised Standard Version true yokefellow. Pentateuch
They spend hours examining the nuts and bolts of the ship. Psalm 31:7 says we should rejoice in His love. This consciousness of the imminent advent was a mighty lever, by which to lift the whole state of thought and feeling in the early Church to those higher levels, the best and most glorious levels, which the Church of God has ever attained. Such sights ought often to be seen among those who are near of kin, for they are brethren, and therefore should be united in heart and aim; they dwell together, and it is for their mutual comfort that there should be no strife; and yet how many families are rent by fierce feuds, and exhibit a spectacle which is neither good nor pleasant! The sermon lived up to its title. Being a Christian has a way of complicating conflict. ILLUSTRATION OF THE UNITY AND DIVERSITY OF THE BODY - I picked this up: The carpenter's tools were holding a conference. Metaphorically suzugos describes one individual subjected to another. Emotional fluctuations do not trouble this source of joy for it is a gift of God to believers who manifest it as they cultivate the fruit of His Spirit (Gal 5:22+). I watched from my balcony as a 20-story apartment building was demolished. ILLUSTRATION OF UNITY (OR LACK OF) from Max Lucado’s description of Christians “In the Grip of Grace”. The difference is unity. Paul’s belief that his case would soon be decided (2:23, 24) points to Philippians being written toward the close of the apostle’s two-year Roman imprisonment (ca. A gentle spirit reduces anxiety, reflects Christ, gets things done, and pleases the Lord. Psalm 89:16 says that we can rejoice in His name all day long. (2) Am I involved in the work of the gospel? Think of your past life at its very highest, to spur you on to the new heights of the Christian way." The teacher must demonstrate in action the truth which he expresses in words. Can you imagine these two ladies sitting in the congregation, listening attentively to the letter being read to the church corporately, when all of a sudden—“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord.” Talk about an awkward moment! Jesus emphasizes this truth declaring "By this (By what?) We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord Prophets
Kurios as usual, designates Christ, while en points to Him as the element or sphere of this joy. No. As a result, much of its power is wasted and cannot be focused to do any useful work. See how our text follows as a remedy upon the case of disagreement in the church, Php 4:1,2. As Rodney King cried out nearly twenty years ago, “Why can’t we all just get along?”. He loves us enough that he wants to bring us back into a relationship of peace with him. Now, listen to these verses. Remind yourself often of all that Jesus has given to you and be thankful. Chuck Swindoll pointedly states, “If a disagreement should be resolved and could be resolved, but is not, then our stubbornness and selfishness are at the core of the failure.”. It is not facile pliability—a reed in the breeze—but that generous and indulgent feeling that knows what is its right, but recedes from it, is conscious of what is merited, but does not contend for strict proportion. (John 13:35), In his first epistle John adds several similar exhortations…, Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. These are the things in which he personally instructed them. Commentary on Philippians 4:2-9 (Read Philippians 4:2-9) Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. It is to permeate every interaction and ultimately leads to unity. It is not that I am looking for the gift; but I am looking for the fruit which increases to your credit. Take out your Bibles and argue them out. Most fights are relatively minor but some can become serious. Paul had several purposes in composing this epistle. —Anon. The Lord is near. I exhort all my readers to consider the state of your relationships. The New Testament
It should not be a place for stroking bruised egos. ILLUSTRATION The joy of the Lord is our strength. ." Instead of taking sides, he simply exhorts these two Christian women to settle their differences. Allied forces in Malta became a constant threat to the Axis supply line and prevented thousands of Axis planes from reaching Europe. It was everything which makes for a man's highest good. He doesn’t say, “Agree,” by the way. Ken Sande, who wrote the book “Peacemakers,” proposes three different ways that we handle conflict. 28:5. The Old Testament
Stoicism failed because it was inhuman; Christianity succeeded because it was rooted in the divine. Probably there are many men and women whose lives are lived in the consciousness of the presence of the Angel of their pilgrimage. the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Always translated "gentle" in NAS, but in the KJV also translated as moderation. By asking for clarification, it cleared up what could have been a strained relationship. We all know times like that. The secret is this--that happiness depends not on things or on places, but always on persons. We avoid conflict at all costs. He never gave up his hope of the advent, but he became gloriously influenced by the larger thought that all life must be ensphered in Christ. The father took the bundle from the child and untied it. Phil 4:2-3. Syntyche is a woman's name, and Euodias would be a man's name. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical,
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Also, it’s possible to hold correct doctrine in an insensitive, proud manner that results in relational conflict.