WORD From The Woods
Philippians 4:2-9
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
This passage emphasizes something that I think is really important and very lacking in our "Christian culture" today. It emphasizes the value and the necessity of unity and community amongst the body of Christ. There are going to be disagreements on secondary doctrinal issues, but when it comes to the essentials of Christianity we must stand side by side. We don't know what the issue was between Euodia and Syntyche, but whatever the disagreement was, Paul basically told them to get over it and focus on what was really important, that is the gospel of Christ. Paul challenges and encourages the body of believers at Philippi to stand together in Christ because together their witness to the lost and hurting world will be most effective. When we are busy gossiping and bickering within the church, Satan can just sit back and enjoy the show because we will never be effective in ministry that way. As Paul is closing his letter to the Philippians, he not only charges them to stand together but leaves them with words of encouragement and a list of Christ-like characteristics to emulate. Most important of all he reminded the church that they must constantly be in corporate prayer, bringing all things to God with thanksgiving, and the peace of God which passes all understanding would guard their hearts and minds. These things are so important in our personal lives, but they are just as important in the corporate setting of our gathering together for worship and fellowship each week! As Paul said "practice these things, and may the God of peace be with you"
God bless and have a great week! -Terry-
Philippians 4:2-9
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
This passage emphasizes something that I think is really important and very lacking in our "Christian culture" today. It emphasizes the value and the necessity of unity and community amongst the body of Christ. There are going to be disagreements on secondary doctrinal issues, but when it comes to the essentials of Christianity we must stand side by side. We don't know what the issue was between Euodia and Syntyche, but whatever the disagreement was, Paul basically told them to get over it and focus on what was really important, that is the gospel of Christ. Paul challenges and encourages the body of believers at Philippi to stand together in Christ because together their witness to the lost and hurting world will be most effective. When we are busy gossiping and bickering within the church, Satan can just sit back and enjoy the show because we will never be effective in ministry that way. As Paul is closing his letter to the Philippians, he not only charges them to stand together but leaves them with words of encouragement and a list of Christ-like characteristics to emulate. Most important of all he reminded the church that they must constantly be in corporate prayer, bringing all things to God with thanksgiving, and the peace of God which passes all understanding would guard their hearts and minds. These things are so important in our personal lives, but they are just as important in the corporate setting of our gathering together for worship and fellowship each week! As Paul said "practice these things, and may the God of peace be with you"
God bless and have a great week! -Terry-