THE SECRET OF HARMONY
THE SECRET OF HARMONY
Philippians 4
Preached by: Carolyn Sissom
Sunday, July 26, 2009
There was a disagreement between two ladies in the Philippian church. Their names are Euodias and Syntyche. Macedonian women enjoyed an unusually high place in social life. It is likely they were both Deaconesses. That each is separately entreated indicates that both require counsel. That they have been outstanding in their labors makes their disagreement the more sad and hurtful to others. Each is reminded of her true sphere in the Lord and that all strife ends in submission to His will. This is the secret of harmony whether it is in a marriage, amongst friends, siblings, church, political groups or social groups.
He admonishes them with three things which will help to maintain harmony:
(1) Rejoicing in the Lord
(2) Showing gentleness to all.
(3) Remembering the Lord’s presence.
This is simple enough. As I was teaching in Ecclesiastes last week, those who are unhappy and dissatisfied with life have “vexation of spirit.” This disagreement gives rise to one of the greatest Christological passages in the N.T. Paul cites the example of Jesus’ descent to humiliation as a means of exhorting them to a similar attitude. He further assigns an unnamed friend the delicate task of bringing them to this “one thing” with the hope of producing a bond of peace that would enable them to reach higher ground.
(4:1, 2 & 3) “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat you also, true yokefellow, help those women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other of my fellow laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
We never want to be like Euodias and Syntyche and be written up through eternity as ones who causes trouble within the fellowship because of dis-harmony. Instead of commending them in this eternal writing, they are corrected. That should be sobering to all Christians. We believe that they put their differences under the blood and joined to be of the same mind as the Lord. The problem with such differences is each one surely thinks they have the mind of the Lord. (Smile)
Note: Paul says the Philippians are his joy and crown. There are 30 crowns of scripture. I have a teaching on those crowns and one day will have the opportunity to present it to this fellowship.
This crown in Phil. 4:1 would come under the crown of the Soul winner or the crown of the Elders.
Curious scholars have conjectures as to who the “loyal yokefellow” might be. One suggests Luke, others Syzygos and another would be Epaphroditus.
(4: 4, 5,)
Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation
be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Let your forbearance, your willingness o accept less than your due, become a testimony to all inasmuch as the Lord is at hand.
The Lord being at hand could refer to his coming again or his omnipresence (his present nearness). This should ever be a reminder to all of us. It is the Lord’s nearness that we should consider not having our own way.
(4: 6, 7, 8 & 9) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things which you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.”
The secret of peace: Don’t worry about a single thing. No mater what the circumstance, commit to God. Pray specific prayer for needs as you see them. Give thanks for every event. That is the formula for a worry-free life. Giving thanks is the urgent part. If we fail to thank God for what He is doing, why should He do more? We do not ask the pharmacist to delete parts of a prescription. We take all or none. Neither can we select elements of God’s formula.
World lings are staggered to see Christians relax behind a tranquil spirit, even when their outward circumstances are harsh and bitter. They don’t understand it. Indeed not, if it is supernatural. The Spirit witnesses that God’s insurance plan covers all of life’s cruelties, calms jittery feelings and muffles the nagging thoughts which would otherwise stab the mind.
As Christians, if this National health care plan gets passed, we will again have to make God’s insurance plan our plan. I have already been somewhat tested in this.
God never asks us to be content with any situation, only to be satisfied with His provision in it.
Finally, concerning every occupation of the mind comes the reminder that inward peace is not preserved by feeding the thoughts upon unwholesomeness. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely admirable, excellent and praiseworthy this and this alone is suited to our minds. Disciplined minds will find the path of daily life set forth in the teaching and practice of Paul himself. On this path they will prove the reality of the presence of the God from whom all peace comes. This is the wonder of divine companionship with the God of peace abiding with us.
(4:10, 11, 12, & 13): “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last you’re care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
The secret of contentment: Having poured out his heart concerning their spiritual need, particularly with regard to their lack on oneness, he is free at last to express his unfeigned gratitude for the gifts brought by Epaphroditus. He has reserved this to the end so that the closing part of his letter may deal with the bond between them which has been confirmed so truly by their generosity.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord, not for selfish interests, but tracing His goodness in that have you renewed your concern for me. Their thought for him had been unchanging but it required suitable opportunity, as the tree the coming of spring. He makes no complaint of financial want. Indeed, there is not instance in the Scripture records of apostolic days of any servant of Christ making known his own material needs to any for his Lord.
The “I” here is emphatic from one who is speaking from the school of long experience. He has learned to be content in whatever circumstances independent of external circumstances. He knows what it is to be in need, to be brought low in the humiliation of want, and what it is to have plenty, having more than present requirements.
This is no stoic indifference to prosperity or adversity, but a rejoicing of learning how to be content in all things.
I have learned the secret: the word here is “myeo”. This is the only place in the New Testament a technical term for initiation into the Greek mysteries, hence more generally to let into a secret. What is hidden, a mystery to the natural man lies open to faith in the power of Christ. He is ready for any and every situation, not being their victim but their victor, and the secret is just this: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is a great secret, a great hidden mystery to the natural man and natural mind, but it is the inheritance of the saints.
The dwelling in christ whose enabling power put forth in transforming His own at His coming again has been seen in 3:21 “who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
He finds in Christ the enabling for triumph in all present circumstances. Even if it be in abasement, in being brought low, he is strengthened by One who has known abasement, having humbled Himself. His sufficiency in Christ in no wise detracts from their kindness, and he speaks of their gifts as a sharing of his trouble. This is the true viewpoint which should characterize all such giving, not a meeting of need, but a partnership of service, and here actually in his sufferings.
(4:15, 16, 17 & 18): Notwithstanding you have well done, that you did communicate with my affliction. Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only. For even in Thessalonica, you sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound, I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.”
This speaks of sacrifice. The Philippians had sacrificed for Paul’s needs, so would his God supply theirs in return. It is reciprocal, with action on our part begetting action on the part of God. We will never out give God.
In Acts 17: 1-9, the church at Philippi had twice sent money while he was in Thessalonica. The value he sees in the gift is far more than its benefit to him. It is the harvest of blessing which is accumulating to your account. On his side his account is settled for he says I have received full payment. But the greatest value of their gifts has been that which they have meant to God, a fragrant offering an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing ---a true response to the love of Christ in giving Himself for them, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God because they have honored God in meeting His servant’s need, God will honor them by meeting all their need.
TO MY GOD: Paul used this phrase seven (7) times in this letter. The God whose faithfulness and power he has proved so truly, will meet all your needs and this on a magnificent scale, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Thus not the, not to him, but to their God and Father the glory must be eternally. (20).
(4:20, 21 & 22): “Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint I Christ Jesus, the brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
FAREWELL: Now their faces rise before him, dear because of their fellowship, but dearer still because they are all in Christ Jesus, and he sends to everyone his greetings and those of the brethren with him. Those of Caesar’s household is a term including members of the imperial civil service whether in Rome or in the provinces. One last word follows seeking for them the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the grace manifest so wonderfully in 1: 5-8, the grace of the One who though he was rich for their sakes became poor.
Tonight I will start Galatians.
This letter was written from Rome, 1000 miles from Philippi, Macedonia.
Taught by: Carolyn Sissom
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Scripture from KJV. Bibliography: F.F. Bruce Bible Commentary, H. C. Hewlett and Lovett’s Lights on Philippians by: C.S. Lovett.