Unity in Christ: Paul’s Appeal – Philippians 4:1-3.

How important is unity in Christ? Mark shares the Apostle Paul’s teaching as he addresses the subject with the Philippian church.

Following the Apostles Example

In this episode, we’ll explore Philippians 4:1–3, and I’ll read it from the New Living Translation.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. Philippians 4:1–3

In our last episode we considered Paul advising the Saints in Philippi to “pattern their lives after his and learn from those who follow our (the Apostles) example.”

If there was anyone who lived a life worth examining, besides the Lord Jesus Christ, it was Paul.

Paul in the New Testament

We have more information about Paul in the New Testament than any other apostle. The Book of Acts details his dramatic conversion and extensive missionary journeys, which make up about 70% of the book. In addition, we have 13 letters he wrote to churches, regions, and individuals. Clearly, we are not lacking insight into his character.

Paul comes across as a well-rounded figure, intellectually sharp, attuned to the Holy Spirit, deeply versed in the Old Testament, and profoundly aware of its fulfillment in Christ Jesus and the gospel. God also revealed to him mysteries that had been hidden throughout the Old Testament era, especially concerning the church age.

Paul was relational and gifted with strong interpersonal skills, networking came easily to him. His respectful nature and genuine heart made him truly stand out.

He was a peacemaker who deeply valued unity and like-mindedness within the community of believers, recognizing its importance not only for their well-being but also for the sake of the gospel of Christ.

Paul’s Heart

Sometimes, when I read Paul’s writings, like verse one of chapter four, I think of Paul as a New Testament Romeo.

Do you know who Romeo is?

He is a fictional character, a young man in William Shakespeare’s famous play, “Romeo and Juliet.” The character is depicted as an impulsive romantic, devoted to Juliet.

In Paul’s writings, I see a deep and passionate love that reflects his profound affection for all the saints. You get the sense that his love for Christ, overflowing onto them, cannot be fully captured by words alone:

“I love you.”

 “I long to see you.”

 “Dear friends…”

 “You are my joy.”

 “You are the crown of my work.”

Paul had a genuine heart for people, and encouraging others to grow in their faith was his priority. He sought to give the same sacrificial love that his Lord had given to him.

People and Problems

Have you heard the saying, “where there’s people there’s problems?” Unfortunately, this was just as true in the days of the early church as it is today. Euodia and Syntyche were two women that Paul had worked beside in the ministry of the gospel at Philippi. He appeals to them to settle a disagreement they had. Paul does not reveal what their quarrel was.

Tension between two parties can quickly grow into division within a group, as others often begin to take sides.

Paul approaches the problem with a solution: to recognize their position of salvation in the Lord. Ideally, seeing the elevated perspective of our salvation should expose the petty squabbles we have in this life as inconsequential.

He pointed out two things with the intent of quenching their conflict:

• “Because you belong to the Lord (you are saved by the grace of God).”
• “Your names are written in the Book of Life.”

Settling Conflict

The Lord Jesus came from heaven to earth to settle the conflict/separation between God and humanity; to reconcile and make peace. The sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus was perfect, complete, and final. His shed blood satisfied God the Father, and by faith, anyone who believes in Him can know contentment and have confidence that they are at peace with God. To know true belonging, acceptance, association and attachment to the One who made peace and is peace.

The love, grace, and peace we have in Jesus Christ set the standard—they are our point of reference. When we struggle in our relationships, experience personality clashes, and face differences, we have no excuse or reason not to make amends with others, having been forgiven so much ourselves.

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them…all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors…” 2 Corinthians 15:15;18-20

The Believer’s Task

Having been reconciled to God, the believer in Christ is tasked with pointing others to His reconciling love. But how effective can our efforts be if we cannot live out that same love towards others?

Are you currently experiencing a disagreement with someone? Take the high road and seek to be reconciled with them. Is your position worth clinging to? Is it a hill to die on? Out of His love for both you and your rival, the Lord Jesus died on the Hill of Calvary to end the greatest conflict ever.

When I think of my name, currently written in the Book of Life, that is located within the very throne room of heaven, it elevates my thinking beyond the trivial strife’s and issues in my life, causing me to focus my mind on what truly matters. I find that convicting– I hope it’s the same for you.

Do you think unity is important? How would you describe it? We would to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.