Sermon Talkback—October 12, 2008
Philippians 4:1-9
I. Problem of Division
Philippians is a letter written by Paul when he was in prison to a congregation he clearly loves. Paul encourages and challenges the church in Philippi to continue in their service to the Lord, but to do so in a more unified manner. Throughout the letter, Paul has been alluding to some dissension and concludes with instructions for how to live as unified brothers and sisters, rejoicing in Christ.
There were two women, Euodia and Syntyche, leaders of the church who had a quarrel that we do not know its content. It must have not been inconsequential for Paul to bring it up. Even church leaders are capable of perhaps pettiness. Because of this matter, Paul brings it to the attention of the whole church. Paul is not just trying to embarrass two members by having their names read aloud in a worship service but rather he is reminding them that leaders are not exempt from the standards expected of the membership in general.
Beyond that he is reminding them that they are leaders and therefore are able by words or deeds to polarize the congregation, destroying the one soul, one mind, one body. To accept a leadership role is to accept responsibility beyond private preferences.
II. Divisions in the Church
a. What issues divide the “church” today?
b. From the CA Council of Churches newsletter on state propositions on the Nov. 4th ballot, what issues might cause church dissension?
III. Healing Church
Paul mentions these two women in a letter to be read to the church because he expects the church to help with the healing. Paul does not regard matters such as this as private, to be settled outside the church lest anyone be disturbed. In Paul’s view, this is precisely the nature and function of the congregation as a partnership. Being members of one another means laying before each other joys, sorrows, and burdens, but also issues to be settled. Since the whole congregation is to share in such work, there will, as in the case here, occasions when the membership ministers to its leaders. We can hope Euodia and Syntyche were mature enough to accept the church’s help.
IV. The Same Mind in the Lord
To solve the problem plaguing the Philippians, Paul writes that they might “be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Paul tells the believers they should “stand firm in the Lord” (4:1) and with the same mind in the Lord, they should all “rejoice in the Lord always” (4:4). Paul then lists what “the saints” should set their minds on: whatever is “true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (4:8).
Where we see disagreements, are we able to still “stand firm in the Lord” and “be in the same mind in the Lord?”
(Materials drawn from Interpretation (Philippians) by Fred. B. Craddock, pp. 69-70 and Homiletics, Vol. 20, No. 5, September-October 2008, pp. 49-51.)
Prepared by Rev. Don Ng