In the context of Easter, I have been struck by Philippians 3 and 4 again. For many Philippians is a "goto" book of encouragement. 3:20-21 has been an encouragement to me this morning as I fellowshiped with an elderly and exhausted believer struggling in their last days of terminal illness.
The context is an imprisoned, confined man (so appropriate for our season), but inwardly renewed by the power, peace and presence of Christ, Paul is open hearted, even cheerful in chains at the expansion of the gospel (1:12-13) though he is unable to go anywhere himself.
What strikes me afresh (in the light of the previous blog) is the focus and care Paul gives on relational church...(4:1-9) especially the window those outside the church look through. Given what we said about the importance of love commending the church (John 13:35) as the habitat of Christ, how interesting that Paul stresses the vital need to resolve conflicts well in the church. Nothing expresses Christ in the new community as articulately as love and compassion, and nothing disqualifies the new community to gain a relevant profile and voice (in a broken world) more than public squabble and dysfunction.
Phil 4:2 Why does Paul entreat Euodia and Syntyche to settle things?.. because those who work alongside (and the gospel message itself) are damaged by association. No-one wants to listen to persitstent squabbles and angst (well maybe apart from those perverse people who enjoy watching the Eastenders omnibus. :) (depressing uk TV show)
How does Paul entreat us to settle conflict?
1) Remember His Grace to you - It will restore your Joy. (4:4)
Paul's able to repeatedly say "rejoice" (4:4) not because of his circumstances, or because this argument situation is naturally joyful - it isn't... but because of the cross and resurrection work of Jesus - there is hope in even the darkest of conflicts.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
When we remember this Easter how undeserving we are of Christ and his incomprehensible love towards us, (what he went through for us as the enemies of God), how can we not have an open heart to others - even when it is deeply painful? His resurrection hope drives through the deepest of conflicts, namely ours with God. In Christ my worst has been dealt with, our sin is dead, you and I were so far away but now brought near - we are united with him in resurrection life. Grace brings hope, intimacy, freedom joy, and humility.(2:1-11). Hard-heartedness produces conflict and distance, Christlike humility resolves it and casts out fear.
2) Reason comes from perspective: Especially knowing that Christ is risen and coming again. (4:5).
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand
The risen Christ is with us always... he hears it all - even the hearts of men. He hears when we are falsely accused, when we accuse others and ignore our own blatantly obvious issues (Matt 7:3). Perspective and self-awareness in the church come from a desire to honour his presence and commend him to a watching world.
3) Taking your conflicts to him (not others) will reduce your blood pressure.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Casting ALL your anxieties on him, (1 Pet 5:7) even the injustices, means we don't have to keep fighting them ourselves. We can sleep well at night knowing that he never does. He's big enough to cope with all the issues and ramifications - You are not! (Psalm 121:1-5) Sleep well!
4) Let Him guard your heart mind as you take your thoughts captive to HIm. Our hearts drive everything else (Prov 4:23, Matt 15:19)
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
5) Let Him help you find the positive and commendable in others when it is scarce.
Finally,
brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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.
Thank God that resurrection hope is ours even though we deserve nothing of the sort. (Psalm 103:10-14)
6) Show Jesus in your heart and actions, and copy those who do it well.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me
—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I am conscious that some reading this are in physical war zones, others are trying to resolve family conflicts, marriages that have gone nuclear or church situations where people throw grenades from behind the barricades to wound many. Well done for modelling gentleness and reminding others of undeserved grace. Blessed are the peacemakers. Praise God for all those who protect God's people and make church a safe place to walk into.
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
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