Hardly table scraps.
As a woman giving thought to the application of scripture I try to think through my various callings and relationships:the church, my marriage, my children, my family and friends, and the unsaved. So, as I am chewing (meditating) on the message given to us on Sunday I am asking myself how do I abound more and more in love with knowledge and all discernment in my real world?
I proceed very cautiously here because I am not a theologian. But before I’m through I’ll be running this by my favorite theologian to make sure I’m not in error. The thing I’m noticing about Philippians is this: there is a whole lot in these four short chapters about relationships. But unlike Ephesians and Colossians there isn’t specific mention to family relationships. The emphasis in this book is on relationships in the church for partnering in the Gospel. So, as I read that my love is to abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, I have to think about my relationship with you my church, my sisters, my partners in the Gospel.
In Philippians 1:12-18, we read that Paul who was in prison because of labors for the Gospel knew some individuals who felt emboldened to preach because of his imprisonment. Paul says that some of them were doing this out of envy and rivalry. But Paul rejoiced anyway as long as Christ was proclaimed. It’s not that envy and rivalry were okay, it’s just that in this case God was overruling their envy to further the gospel. In Philippians, what Paul seems most concerned about is the envy and rivalry within the church that hinders the progress of the gospel.
The letter contains many references to what love isn’t. Paul not only speaks of envy and rivalry but also about grumbling and complaining. Paul refers to people who seek their own interest. Paul tells the Philippians to look out for legalist (he calls them dogs, and evildoers). He speaks of “enemies of the cross Christ” (people who are most concerned about their own physical and material desires). Paul then hits close to home and addresses specific individuals (women): “I entreat Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”
Alongside those references of what love is not are striking statements of what love does. Love for Christ partners with others for the Gospel. It is a selfless act of living for the progress and joy of Christ in others. It is as Paul says in 1:27: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ… standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side.” In chapter 2 Paul tells us to have the same mind, the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Again he says not to do anything out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than oneself. He tells us to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Then we are given the example of Christ to follow.
Then we are given two other examples to follow: Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Then we are given the example of Paul to follow.
“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). Paul did not have anything good to say about those who were putting more emphasis on outward performance than on the righteousness of Christ. Paul knew the great temptation for all of us to fall into that trap. We can so easily get sidetracked into legalism; which usually leads into self-righteousness and sinful judgment. Therefore, Paul encourages us in love to stand firm in the Lord and His righteousness (Phil. 3:9, 4:1).
Then we are given two negative examples. Euodia and Syntyche were evidently not abounding in love more and more. They needed help. And so I wonder if most of chapter 4 is Paul’s counsel to these women and to the church. Is Paul telling us even if there is disagreement we still need to rejoice and be reasonable (Phil. 4:5)? Is there anxiety born from disagreement? Paul tells us to pray with thanksgiving. Is the peace of God in verse 7 meant to replace feelings of turmoil in relationships that are stressed? Is the list of things to think about in verse 8 the counsel for those who are trapped in sinful thoughts towards others in the church?
What we have learned and received and heard and seen in Paul we are to practice (verse 9). I think Paul in his letter to the Philippians is teaching us what abounding love combined with knowledge and discernment looks like. In chapter 4, verse 9, we are given a wonderful promise: if we do practice these things, the God of peace will be with us, in our hearts, in our lives, in our church.
Tomorrow I’ll bring some practical application from these thoughts. Until then, I pray: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” especially as you interact with your partners in the Gospel today.
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