What Now (Philippians 4:1-9)
Gary McManus, 11/15/2020Part of the DCC Basics series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
November 15, 2020 Philippians 4:1-9
Today’s message is not about politics.
Mind you, some of the message is applicable but
the message is not for general consumption. Why?
Because the Apostle is writing to the BELIEVERS—
the followers of Jesus—the churches.
This congregation in Philippi has back story:
Paul with Timothy worked to start this church.
(Acts 16:6-16). This letter is addressed “to ALL the saints in Christ Jesus”. (See further Philippians 1:4, 1:5, 1:7, 1:8)
Paul writes of one Spirit in the church (Philippians 1:27).
Paul uses the word SAME three times: “same love”, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:2). “Same mindset” (Philippians 2:5).
One body of Christ, Jesus’ church, one Spirit, one mind, with the same love: let’s just go over some basics.
The human body: fingers (10), two hands (left and right). BOTH hands are acceptable!
Simple? Maybe, but many Christians don’t get it!
Ever been in a church fight?
Paul says: each of us needs to find or remember where it is that we are joined together.
We are joined together IN JESUS.
“I PLEAD” says Paul, “BE OF THE SAME MIND
IN THE LORD,” (Philippians 4:2, see Philippians 2:2)
The body is joined in the head (Jesus): Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians 2:21, Ephesians 4:15-16, 1 Corinthians 11:3.
The Apostle calls for an INTERVENTION by another
member of the congregation.
“He” is, often translated “companion” or “yokefellow”.
Philippians 4:3.
The Apostle is PLEADING!
Why? We can’t be sure of the particulars.
However, Jesus said:
“a house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25)
The church is ONE BODY—and we are all parts of
the same body.
The New Testament makes clear that we cannot be at peace with God and at enmity with our neighbor.
(See Matthew 5:23, Matthew 18:21, Mark 11:25)
Jesus isn’t emphasizing the TIMING of our forgiveness.
Jesus isn’t saying hurry up. . .
Jesus is saying our forgiving someone is MORE important than what we think our GOD duties are.
(Further, see Matthew 18, James 4:8)
OUR RELATIONSHIPS TO ONE
ANOTHER ARE THAT IMPORTANT!
Working together, getting on together IS NATURAL in Jesus. If you’ve had physical therapy, you know this. These two church members are not walking together as one in Jesus. . .and it is causing pain or it is going to cause trouble. Get it together as the oneness you already have in Jesus.
Why are we already one in Jesus?
Because Jesus made us new creatures.
(2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15) Amen.
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