Paul’s theme in this passage is peace. In verses 2-3, his focus is on peace with others; in verses 4-7, he speaks to peace within; and in verses 8-9, he talks about peace with God.
Part of the reason why Paul turns to the theme of peace has to do with two women in the church at Philippi whose conflict with each other was threatening to disturb the peace. But I think that Paul had another reason for emphasizing peace. In Colossians 3:15, Paul tells us:
“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” - Colossians 3:15 (Amplified)
Paul says the peace of Christ indicates whether or not I am safe in God’s will or out of His will. Just like an umpire tells the baseball player if he is safe (and still a viable player in the game) or out (and no longer a viable player); the peace of Christ indicates whether or not I am in the will of God and whether I am a viable player in the work of the kingdom. Let’s notice what Paul says about peace in this passage.
1. Peace with others - vs. 2-3
Paul begins this section of Philippians by addressing a conflict between two warring women - Euodia and Syntyche. Let’s see what we can learn about this conflict by what Paul does and does not say.
A. What Paul does not say.
1) Paul does not say this was a matter of heresy. If it were, we know Paul would have addressed this head on, as he does in his other letters.
2) Paul does not say this was a matter of overt sin. Again, if it were, he would have addressed it head on (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
B. What Paul does say.
1) He calls these two warring women out by name - v. 2a
2) He tells them to “build a bridge and get over it.” - v. 2b
3) He calls on the church to no longer put up with it - v. 3a
4) He says they were committed to cause of Christ - v. 3b
5) He says they had a good reputation - v. 3c
6) He says were both believers - v. 3d
What we can glean from what we are told and not told about the conflict between these two ladies is that the cause was apparently something that was a small matter, as opposed to some heresy or overt sin, but the differences they had about it had grown to such a point that it had involved people in the church in taking sides on the matter, and Paul saw a potential threat to the Philippian church family as a result.
Have you ever known of conflict between two respected believers that made you wonder, “How did this happen?” That’s what occurred here. I would suggest this happens in churches today just like it happened at Philippi - worry was allowed to turn into warfare. Let me explain.
Two believers have a concern about something in the church. But rather than trust it over to God, they take the responsibility upon them selves. This leads to worry. As they worry, they roll things over in their mind until they come up with a plan to address the matter. Since they are not trusting God, but have taken it upon themselves, the plan will involve some form of manipulation to get things accomplished. Since manipulation involves people, others are “recruited” to assist in the plan. It is at this point that polarization can take place - especially when you have more than one person who refuses to trust God with a matter. At this point, the matter has reached the point of warfare and has the potential to hurt the fellowship of the church. This is what apparently happened with two respected believers named Euodia and Syntyche; and it can happen with any of us today.
That’s why Paul emphasizes the importance of peace in this passage. He would have us understand that if there is a lack of peace with others, that’s an indication of a lack of peace within; and if there is a lack of peace within; that’s an indication of a lack of peace with God. With that in mind, let’s notice what Paul says about having . . .
2. Peace within - vs. 4-7
Peace within comes from knowing I am living in such a way as to have no regrets. It’s described as “blameless” (Philippians 1:10; 2:15). If I am to prevent worry from escalating into warfare with others, then I need to take steps to prevent worry from being a habit in my life.
How?
A. Rejoice in God’s providence - v. 4
Though there are things that concern us, we should remind ourselves of the providential care of God - that He is in control! That’s why Paul tells us to rejoice in the LORD! He IS Lord, and Romans 8:28 is true!
“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” - Romans 8:28 (Amplified)
In making the choice to rejoice, I am saying I am trusting God with my concerns rather than taking them upon myself.
B) Recognize God’s presence - v. 5
The word “gentleness” (epiekes) is best understood as “yielded rights.” We are to be gentle or yielded people. The use of “be known” is also significant. Our yieldedness is something we should aspire to be known for. Why? Because this is part of what it means to be Christ-like.
Jesus yielded His rights for our redemption (Philippians 2:5-8). Now, He has been exalted (Philippians 2:9-11). Likewise, we should yield our rights for the sake of seeing others the redeemed, knowing the Lord is near and watching; and that He is near in the sense of His return, when we will be rewarded. Paul yielded his rights for the Gospel.
“But we’re not going to start demanding now what we’ve always had a perfect right to. Our decision all along has been to put up with anything rather than to get in the way or detract from the Message of Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 9:12b (The Message)
We, too, should willingly yield our rights for the sake of the Gospel.
C) Rely on God’s power - v. 6
Paul is quite plain here - we are to worry about nothing; but pray about everything! There is nothing worth worrying about, but everything is worth praying about.
Some years ago a university did research on things people worry about. Their research revealed that: 40% never happens; 30% concerns the past; 12% are needless worries about health; 10% are about petty issues; and 8% are legitimate concerns. That means that 92% of our “worry time” is wasted energy. But Paul is saying that we are not to worry even about the 8%.
Why is that? Because when we worry we’re really saying that God can’t take care of us, that our problems are bigger than His promises and bigger than His power to resolve them.
As I habitually rejoice in God’s providence, recognize His presence, and rely on his power, I’ll resist worry and will have peace within.
But it is impossible to make these choices if my personal walk with God isn’t what it ought to be. Just as a lack of peace with others is an indication of a lack of peace within, a lack of peace within indicates a lack of peace with God.
3. Peace with God - vs. 8-9
If I am going to be in a position to be led by God in my conduct, then I must positively relate to God by dealing with my sin and surrendering to His Spirit. If we are going to have peace with God so that we might live in a way that allows us to have peace within and relate to others in a way that will promote peace without, we need to . . .
A. Avoid the trash - v. 8
The verb translated “think about” means to “assess” or “evaluate.” Paul lists eight “filters” which we should pass things through in order to determine whether it is worthy of our time and energy. Is it True? Noble? Right? Pure? Lovely? Admirable? Excellent? Praiseworthy?
B. Apply the truth - v. 9
If we are to have peace with God, we must not only avoid the wrong things, we should seek to do the right things. In fact, if we are seeking to do the right things, guess what we avoid? Those things that are not true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.
We can easily avoid the trash if we eagerly seek to apply the truth. As the old saying goes, “Either sin will keep you from the Bible or the Bible will keep you from sin.” David expressed it this way:
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” - Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)
Conclusion: Our relationship with God impacts our relationship with ourselves; which impacts our relationship with others. Sound familiar? It should. This was the teaching of Jesus -
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” - Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
What does the presence or absence of peace say about your being in or out of God’s will? About your being a viable player in God’s work?
