Context
One of the great repeated themes Paul has emphasized in his
letter to the Philippians is the need for a proper attitude or mindset which is
absolutely essential for living as a citizen of heaven.
In chapter 2 we are encouraged to have the same mindset or
attitude that Jesus had when he set His priorities to obey the will of His
Father even though it was going to be painful.
In chapter 3, there
are twelve references to our mindset—ten are positive and two are
negative. He talks about rejoicing, and
taking careful notice of the evil workers, of exulting in Christ and not resting
on past works of religious obligation. Paul’s
highest attitude goal is knowing Christ.
In a negative sense he doesn’t consider himself as perfect – yet. But, he forgets the past and has this point
of view and keeps this goal in mind. As
we walk in the light we have already received he is convinced that God will
convict us about the error of any contrary thinking. We may even be tempted by the wrong thinking
of people who are actually enemies of Christ who focus primarily on earthly
things.
Motivating a
Christlike Attitude Philippians 4:1
Now in chapter 4, Paul continues to underscore his emphasis
on how believers ought to think. In
verse 1, the Philippians fill him with joy.
He misses them and thinks of them and their relationship with the
Lord. He encourages them to “stand fast”
in the Lord. His thoughts are filled
with concern for other people—especially these believers to whom he brought the
gospel. He calls them His crown because
he expects to be rewarded by God for his care for them. The way we care for others is noticed by God.
Help for Two Bad Attitudes
Philippians 4:2-3
Now in verses 2 and 3, Paul mentions two women believers
named Euodia (Yoo-oh-dee-uh) and Syntyche (Sin-tick-ee) who were among his
early helpers in the ministry at Philippi.
They had worked hard (“struggled”) along with a man by the name of
Clement as well as other unnamed co-workers sharing the gospel in
Philippi. Notice that all of these co-workers
already have their names in the book of life!
In Revelation 20, the Book of Life and another unnamed set of books
recording everyone’s works are opened.
And whoever’s name was “not found written in the book of life, that
person was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:11-15). Apparently, the books recording works is used
to ensure that justice is served. Just
as there are different rewards in heaven—depending on our works, so are there
differing punishments in hell – depending on works.
These workers mentioned here don’t have to wait until the
end of their life to examine their works to have assurance of eternal life
(like some Bible teachers claim). But
even though they are sure of heaven, Paul wants more out of them. They have an attitude problem and it is
apparently affecting the entire assembly.
Paul wants them to “agree in the Lord” (or “be of the same
mind”). Notice both of them have a
problem. It isn’t that Euodia needs to
come around to Syntyche’s point of view or the other way around. Both of them need to come around to the
Lord’s point of view. They both need to
think more highly of others than themselves.
Some people say this verse means that we shouldn’t proclaim anything
that is controversial or “offensive.”
But that’s not Paul’s point at all.
While he wasn’t deliberately offensive or controversial just to assert
himself, he never shrank from proclaiming the gospel. Today some of Paul’s teachings are either mocked
or subjected to cultural revisionism. And apparently these women had also
boldly proclaimed the same message alongside Paul at one time.. But now there was an attitude issue that had
nothing to do with the gospel. They
disagreed about something and neither one would rest until the other one gave
in. Paul doesn’t tell us which one was
right, and which one was wrong. The
point was, that they were both wrong in their attitude. When we disagree with someone, be very
careful that we approach the other person with a humble attitude.
So, in verse 3, Paul asks Syzugus (Size-uh-guss) to gently
intervene.
[Note: Many translations take the literal meaning of the name
Syzugus (yokefellow, true partner, or true companion) to be a reference to the qualities of some unnamed
co-worker. While this is possible, it
seems more likely that this is the actual name of the person he asks to
intervene. (Why would he name the two
squabbling women and not name the good interventionist? Paul loves to acknowledge good behavior.)]
Paul’s point here is that he wants Syzugus to help these
women. They are believing co-workers
that have a blind spot and just need some help seeing how their attitude is
unChristlike. This shows us the continuing theme of our need as believers to be
continually alert about our attitudes.
Even veteran believers are susceptible and sometimes we need each other’s
help.
Focusing Our
Joyful Attitude on the Lord Philippians 4:4-5
Where does your joy and contentment come from? Paul says twice here that it should be in the Lord. When something good happens, see it as a gift
from the Lord. It would be a mistake to
see it as just the result of our hard work.
How is God working in you? What
is He doing through you? Talk about a
rush! At times, we may be noticed by
someone of some public importance. But,
it is far more exciting to think that the Lord saw us and all that we put into
it.
This is not to say that we don’t want any publicity. Just as Jesus said to “let your light so
shine before men that they see your good works and glorify God,” so here Paul
says to “let everyone see your gentleness (or “moderation” or “how considerate
you are”).” He adds, “the Lord is
near” or “within reach.” He is not only
watching, he wants you to reveal Him to others through your thoughtful
behavior. Once again, we need a
transformation in our mind. This is to
glorify the Lord not ourselves. This
requires thoughtful answers when people ask about our behavior. Speak the truth in love. Give the glory to God when people happen to
notice the good you do. So, do all in
the name of Jesus. (That will also cut
down on the selfish behavior!)
Adjusting an
Attitude of Worry Philippians 4:6-7
Now verses 6 and 7 are frequently memorized and quoted as a
call to pray about everything instead of worrying. Jesus pointed out that worrying doesn’t
change anything, but God can change everything.
So that’s where we ought to turn when concerns that we can’t handle
begin to pile up. Paul says, “In every
situation . . . (tell it) to God.” This
requires a great deal of attitude adjustment—replacing worry with prayer. Worry, at best, is trying to figure out what
I can do instead of seeking God. When we
sense worry creeping in about anything that’s a call to prayer. If we notice that worry has been building up
even though we know we should pray, maybe we just don’t trust God with the
answer.
But the result of trusting prayer is that God will give us
peace—even when the worst thing we can imagine wants to tear us apart. This is because prayer is an act of faith and
trust in God. If you don’t feel peace
when you have prayed, maybe you don’t believe God heard you, or that God has
your best interests at heart. Just
imagine the “worst” (like Paul did in chapter 1)—that we lose our life. Paul said, “Welp—then I’ll be in heaven with
Jesus!” But then on further
consideration of what God might be intending, he believed that God would spare
him, so he could further minister to his friends in Philippi and elsewhere
around the world. The prayer of trusting
faith results in peace because we have decided to have Jesus’ attitude to
follow God’s will instead of mine. Our
mind needs a transformation to be like Christ’s—and that kind of mind is
distinguished by humble trust.
Coming next: Cultivating a Peaceful Heart.
© Eric Thimell 2019
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