Preserving Unity in the Body

November 18, 2020   /   Hudson View Baptist Church

Preserving Unity in the Body

Philippians 4:2-3

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the LORD. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

*Relationships within a local church can suffer if they are not maintained in a manner.

Philippians 1:27, 2:2, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

The Situation

-There was a between 2 believers—Euodias and Syntyche.

-Conflict content is unknown, but it was serious enough to mention publicly.

-This conflict was negatively affecting the health of the Body.

-These ladies were legit servants of Christ. (laboured with me in the gospel)

*Conflict and contention can occur between two Christians and can lead to disunity and dissension in church body.

-How does this happen? A failure to resolve interpersonal conflicts biblically

-Left unchecked, conflict opens the door to gossip, rumors, resentment, bitterness, and many other church “” problems.

Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

4 Parts to Unity Preservation:

1. The Principle of Mutual Responsibility

-The word beseech indicates that ladies were responsible for the unreconciled situation. (It takes two to tangle)

-3 Categories of conflict contributors:

A. Hurt people hurt people.

-Retaliation is a product of the flesh and must be fought through the power of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:19-20, 22-23)

-Retaliation is always against God and the other person and only makes the problem worse.

B. Inaction

-Conflict can worsen by doing .

-Biblical confrontation is often avoided—it’s difficult and time-consuming.

-Conflicts between believers must be confronted and discussed in love so that can take place. (Mt. 5:23-24, 18:15)

C. Confrontation

-Beware of attacking the problem in the wrong way.

-Resolving conflict requires starting with a mutual recognition of fault and confession.

-Examine first. (Mt. 7:1-5)

 

2. Two People with the Same Mind

*Problem resolution and unity preservation happens through right . (Rom. 12:2, Eph. 4:23)

-Paul instructs the conflicting believers to be of the same mind in the Lord.

-The same mind God wants us to have in the church is the mind of . (Phil. 2:2-5)

-We must work hard in the power of Christ to cultivate the attitude of Christ.

-Spend some time meditating on Phil. 2:6-8.

-When men failed to recognize who He was or treat Him as He deserved, He still surrendered Himself to an agonizing death on their behalf.

*All parties in the Body of Christ should focus their concern on the others, rather than on themselves and their or desires.

3 Ways We Can Be Christlike in Our Thinking:

A. Hopefulness (1 Cor. 13:7)

-It is biblical to give others the benefit of the doubt.

-Realize that your to judge is very limited because of your human finiteness and fallenness.

-Your sinful flesh makes you prone to think the best of yourself and the worst of everyone else.

B. (Luke 6:31)

-Endeavor to relate to others with the grace that Christ has exhibited to you. (Col. 3:12-15)

C. Prayerfulnessin the Lord

-Praise prevents .

-Confession averts offense.

-Intercession fixes .

 

3. Blessed Are the Peacemakers

*Some interpersonal problems may be solved only with the of others.

-…help those women…with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers

A. Help from Others

-Don’t let embarrassment, fear, gossip, etc. prevent you from biblically reaching out for help. (Prov. 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20, Mt. 18:15-16, Rom. 15:14, Gal. 6:1-2)

B. Provide Help for Others

a peacemaker—don’t leave it just to the leadership.

-God has given you the tools. (2 Pet. 1:3, 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Christians are competent to counsel. (Rom. 15:14, 2 Cor. 1:4)

 

4. There is Hope

-Paul never implied that the situation might be irreparable or that one of the women might have to leave the church.

-He urged both women to work on solving the problem—he implied that there was hope!

-Any two people who truly want to solve their problems can do so by the grace and power of . (1 Cor. 10:13)

 

*No situation is hopeless or beyond repair—wounds can be , friendships can be restored, relationships can be cemented—when two people handle their problems God’s way.

 

*Taken from Life in the Father’s House by Wayne Mack & David Swavely

 

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