Word@Work Phil41 - Philippians 4:2-3
Published: Thu, 11/19/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
AGREEING TOGETHER
Phil. 4:2-3 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (NIV)
Churches, like any other people-packed organisation, are liable to encounter disunity, party spirit, anger, slander and lies. Of course, such behaviour is wrong and damaging to the cause of the gospel, as Paul outlined in Eph 4:17-32. But in today's verses his attention is focussed on two women who have created a 'septic wound' in the fellowship. Euodia means 'prosperous journey'; and Syntyche means 'pleasant acquaintance': but they were certainly not travelling the same road together and hardly considered each other as friends.
We do not know the cause of their rift, but we know that it was sufficiently disruptive for news to have travelled to Paul in Rome (probably via Epaphroditus see Philippians 2:25). Paul was eager that their fellowship should be restored, and properly so because these women are born-again believers, who will inherit heaven. But the Apostle does not advocate some shabby 'lets forget about it all' deal. Instead he pleads equally to both of them, yet in a way which honours both women. After all, both had been part of Paul's gospel ministry in Philippi as trusted team members. What was needed, was not some coercive mediation, but an open acceptance of the truth of the matter and a wholehearted agreement to choose to work together.
Like so many secular groups, the church has often failed to put truth at the forefront of mediation. Agreement in good conscience can only come on the basis of what is true; otherwise trust will be forfeited for a long time. How many ministries have been compromised by agreements that were neither heartfelt nor wanted. And how many attempts at unity have fallen apart when everybody agrees the words, but each group believes they mean different things. The same problem occurs in many marriages; and also spells the downfall of trust in business negotiations. When this problem comes to your door, don't try to stitch up a solution; but honour all, seek to understand the truth which divides and, as trust starts to emerge, fresh agreements can be made in good faith. True resolution will be marked by a fresh desire to work together; and in the church, this means gospel work.
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for Your grace towards me, even though I do not deserve it; and for the truth which brought me to repentance and faith, trusting You with everything. Help me to work by the same principles where there is disagreement, honouring each person, so that You may be honoured too. May my communication-style be directed towards clear-sighted agreement so people may enjoy working together; and in the church the gospel will be let loose to do its work once again. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Churches, like any other people-packed organisation, are liable to encounter disunity, party spirit, anger, slander and lies. Of course, such behaviour is wrong and damaging to the cause of the gospel, as Paul outlined in Eph 4:17-32. But in today's verses his attention is focussed on two women who have created a 'septic wound' in the fellowship. Euodia means 'prosperous journey'; and Syntyche means 'pleasant acquaintance': but they were certainly not travelling the same road together and hardly considered each other as friends.
We do not know the cause of their rift, but we know that it was sufficiently disruptive for news to have travelled to Paul in Rome (probably via Epaphroditus see Philippians 2:25). Paul was eager that their fellowship should be restored, and properly so because these women are born-again believers, who will inherit heaven. But the Apostle does not advocate some shabby 'lets forget about it all' deal. Instead he pleads equally to both of them, yet in a way which honours both women. After all, both had been part of Paul's gospel ministry in Philippi as trusted team members. What was needed, was not some coercive mediation, but an open acceptance of the truth of the matter and a wholehearted agreement to choose to work together.
Like so many secular groups, the church has often failed to put truth at the forefront of mediation. Agreement in good conscience can only come on the basis of what is true; otherwise trust will be forfeited for a long time. How many ministries have been compromised by agreements that were neither heartfelt nor wanted. And how many attempts at unity have fallen apart when everybody agrees the words, but each group believes they mean different things. The same problem occurs in many marriages; and also spells the downfall of trust in business negotiations. When this problem comes to your door, don't try to stitch up a solution; but honour all, seek to understand the truth which divides and, as trust starts to emerge, fresh agreements can be made in good faith. True resolution will be marked by a fresh desire to work together; and in the church, this means gospel work.
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for Your grace towards me, even though I do not deserve it; and for the truth which brought me to repentance and faith, trusting You with everything. Help me to work by the same principles where there is disagreement, honouring each person, so that You may be honoured too. May my communication-style be directed towards clear-sighted agreement so people may enjoy working together; and in the church the gospel will be let loose to do its work once again. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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