Finding Peace in conflict
Philippians chapter 4:1-4:9
Introduction-
Turn to Philippians chapter 4 as we continue to look at Living for Christ.
Last week we looked at life by the analogy of a race.
Apostle Paul tells us not to be looking back as to distract us from moving forward.
What is in the past should remain in the past and not pollute your future.
We have to be determined that we will strive forward and serve God with our whole heart.
Luke warm Christianity is not enough. Jesus tells the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3 that because they are neither hot or cold that He would spit them out of His mouth.
Apostle Paul begins chapter 4 in a rather different way.
Philippians chapter 4:1-4:9
Apostle Paul lets them all know that he loves them, appreciates them, longs to see them.
He tells them in the face of the liberal practices of others, that the Philippians Church should follow his example of Christ.
They must have their minds set on heavenly things
Stand firm in the midst of struggles and trials for the sake of the gospel.
Rosedale’s verse lately is Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand, stand firm!”
There is conflict here! Between believers!
Between 2 women of faith- Euodia and Syntyche.
We know that they are believers
We know that they worked close to Paul
We know that their names are written in the book of life.
Imagine conflict between two believers- who would have ever thought.
First of all most people do not know what is going on, only the ones that were personally involved.
The disagreement between these ladies was so severe that it is recorded in a letter that was to be read publically.
Paul was confident that these ladies could work it out.
He doesn’t take sides, but encouraged them to reconcile.
This is how Paul tells us that you should stand firm when going through a tough times. This is how you should work out you differences among believers.
Rejoice in the Lord
Let your gentleness be evident to all
Do not be anxious
Allow the peace of God to guard your heart.
I. Rejoice in the Lord
Finish the race that was started
Forget what is in the past/ move forward
Understand that you have purpose as a child of God
Mature in Christ
3:15-
“All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.”
Rejoicing and praising God! That should be the normal! ( repeat )
I know things happen! I know things happen that are not your fault!
Mature Christians should live in peace as much as it is up to you!
Trust God in those times of struggle! Not live in a defeated attitude.
Able to move on!
Not allowing people to stop you from doing what is right.
Being stable! Every day is not a crisis!
Some live everyday in crisis mode! ( repeat )
Wither the dog ate your homework or the neighbor’s house burned down. ALL THE SAME!
There has to be drama!
Drama pulls others people in and some are pulled into other people’s drama on a daily basis.
These two believers had a disagreement. Not unusual. It is everyday life!
How they handle it and what others do effects the outcome.
As pastor of this church, I am not always popular.
I have had to make some hard decisions that did not set well with some.
I have always tried to do it in a way that models Christ and brings reconciliation when it is possible.
Under all kinds of circumstances and situations, including disagreements, we are to be happy in the Lord.
James 1:2-1:4
“Consider it pure joy, my bothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Some of the things we go through are part of life!
Some because of the fall of man,
Some because we have made bad decisions
Some because of someone else, but we are to be joyful in the Lord.
Rejoicing in the Lord is not only when things are good but also when things are tough.
That is why it is called faith.
That is why He says we have to trust Him.
II. Let your gentleness be evident to all
What Paul is telling us is …don’t run from conflict but also don’t feed it and don’t look for it.
He tells us that our actions should be Christ-like.
We should treat others like Christ has treated us.
This is especially important to church leaders and mature Christians.
Romans 13:11-12
“And do this, understanding the present time, the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, the day is almost here, so let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
If a 1000 years is as one day to the Lord, in a sense every generation the Lords coming is near and we need to be living and loving people into the kingdom of God.
There is a fine line between gentleness and allowing people to push you where you won’t go.
Jesus confronted when He needed too.
Jesus corrected when they strayed from God’s Word.
He did not accept self-righteousness only righteousness that came from God.
The goal was peace with one another in God’s house.
These two ladies did not agree- Paul thought they could work it out. You call it a discussion!
It was an agreement that had two sides that had to come to an agreement and there was a right and a wrong way to do it.
III. Do not be anxious (worry)
Anxiousness is self-centered.
It is uncontrolled worry.
It is worrying about something in most cases never happens.
According to Wikipedia (who is never wrong) anxiety is an unpleasant state of inner turmoil, often accompanied by nervous behavior as an overreaction to a situation.
I am sure that is for someone this morning
There is a cure for anxiety in the Bible and it is prayer.
Prayer is the opposing force of anxiety.
Prayer and thanksgiving is the antidote to worry. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7-
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Matthew 6:25-34 (Read from the Bible)
Defeat anxiety by praising God and letting God handle the things that you do not control.
Let your gentleness come from knowing that He works on the impossible things and makes them possible.
IV. Peace of God guard your heart
Peace of God is not merely a state of mind, but inner tranquility based on peace with God.
The peaceful state of knowing your sins are forgiven and you are in a right relationship with God.
Peace of God is the opposite of worry, and it is victory over the battle of conflict within us.
There is peace when believers commit their cares to the Lord.
The full dimension of God’s love and care is beyond human comprehension.
That God could give us peace in a world full of chaos is beyond our realm of understanding.
“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding , will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.”
In the Greek, it is a military concept depicting a sentry standing guard.
God’s protective custody of those who are in Christ Jesus.
He tells us it goes to the core of who we are.
Peace by definition is freedom from disturbance, quiet and tranquility.
Wikipedia adds peace as harmony by a lack of violence.
God’s definition of peace is that you can have harmony, you can have tranquility not only in the lack of violence or troubles, but in the midst of trials and troubles.
Godly peace is not based upon us , it is based on God’s presence dwelling within us.
World peace is based on resources, while God’s peace is based on our relationship with God.
John 14:27-
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Some ask why would God record an argument between two believers ?
Because it is important that the church realize and communicate to the world that we don’t handle disagreements the same way the world does.
Romans 12:18-
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Peace with God and peace with others.
Closing
Illustration- (SermonCentral)
Have you heard about Tracy Lyperd ?
Tracy was a beauty queen in VA a few years ago. Shortly after crowning her successor, she drove 250 miles to seek revenge on her ex-boyfriend for jilting her & marrying another. She took along a pistol, a hammer, lighter fluid & matches.
When she arrived at his house & rang the doorbell, it was answered by his new father-in-law. Tracy faked having car trouble, & asked if she could use the telephone. Once inside the house, she took out her hammer & hit the father-in-law on the head. She stunned him, but didn’t knock him out.
What she didn’t realize was that he was an ex-secret service agent. He grabbed her & as they struggled, she pulled the pistol from her purse & tried to shoot him. That’s when the mother-in-law joined the fray & the two of them wrestled her to the floor, holding her until the police arrived.
I have a suspicion that Tracy, with that kind of disposition, was probably never in the running for the Miss Congeniality award. When questioned, she said that she was driven to seek revenge because she needed "inner peace."
The only way that you have peace is to be in a right relationship.
Pease with others
Be at peace with those that are around you.
Peace with God
Be in a right relationship with Him
When you handle conflict in the right manner, you will glorify Christ .
Amen.
