Speaker: Jady Copeland
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Although Paul had a variety of reasons for writing to the Philippian brethren, it becomes clear as you put the book together that Paul is trying to address some “one another” problems in church. Explicitly, you’ve got Euodia and Sytyche with some sort of disagreement and in need of some help, which Paul brings up in Philippians 4:2.
In the book, we see multiple principles that Paul is trying to teach that will bring the church together. In Philippians 1:27-2:2, we see the principle of being Unified Workers, side by side working for the faith of the gospel. This principle in action shows us there is no room in a congregation for compromise, for laziness, or social cliques. Second, we see the principle of being Humble Servants in Philippians 2:3-11, which is the call to have the serving and sacrificial mind of Christ. This attitude of putting others above ourselves is brought to a close in Philippians 2:14-15, where we are instructed not to grumble, complain, argue, and be divisive with each other.
Finally, we see the principle of being Affectionate Brethren in the way Paul talks to the Philippian Christians whom he cares about so much. We see this loving, affectionate language strongly in Philippians 1:3-8 and 4:1, calling them his “joy and crown” and “brothers” whom he loves and longs for with Christ’s affection, etc.
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