CO-WORKERS IN DISARRAY
Opening Prayer
As I read your Word today, Lord God, open my mind and heart to its truths and change me through them. I want others to see that I am changed because of the gospel.
Read PHILIPPIANS 4:2-9
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What do you appreciate about other Christians in your church? How much do you feel you are in a team together?This morning, the sacking of the manager of a top internationally famous football team has been announced. The club is in serious disarray. It is painful for everyone, but especially for the squad of players.
The team in Philippi is in distress. Two faithful women in leadership have fallen out. Paul urges them to seek out what they have in common in Christ and to make their peace. What is more, he recognizes that they need help from their co-workers. When there are disagreements among Christians, intervention needs to be made as early as possible. People will begin to take sides; differences will become irreconcilable, and unity broken.
Paul confidently encourages his co-workers to learn from him (v 9). If peace between Christians exists, it is always apparent because their lives are on view to one another and to the whole world (v 5). Their lives are also open to God himself. Together, they are to find their joy in him. Tell God about everything, expect to be transformed, and together, experience his unifying peace and his very presence (vs 7,9). Paul emphasizes, yet again, the importance of filling the mind with ‘God-truth,’ a lifestyle habit.
Apply
In verse 8, Paul suggests eight markers of God’s presence and activity. Choose one of them. Identify when you have been aware of God’s presence through this characteristic.
Closing prayer
Holy Spirit, help me to see myself through the lens of your holiness. Show me where I need to be more like my Savior, Jesus.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
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