Daily Thoughts from Philippians (19): Help Those Who Don’t Agree – Philippians 4:1-3

I began perusing the books on Amazon that deal with conflict resolution and quit at 100 with many more pages to go.  There was conflict resolution for kids, couples, holy people, management, nations, Zen conflict resolution and most important, conflict resolution for dummies.  To say that conflict is a universal problem is an understatement, and resolution is often a fleeting hope.  Paul is now getting down to the nitty gritty, as they say, and delving into the specifics of the problem at Philippi, with his own solution for resolution.

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:1-3, ESV)

Paul cannot help but restate his affection for this church congregation and to challenge them to stand firm in the Lord and not give way to false teaching nor the division among them, both of which spring from a failure of humility of mind.

And now he comes out specifically and identifies the two individuals who are at the heart of the discord, two women, Euodia and Syntyche, and he entreats them to agree in the Lord.  It doesn’t matter what they disagree on, as long as it is not the gospel.  They must agree in the Lord.  That does not mean they have to have the same opinion about what they argued about, but that they must have the same opinion about what is most important, the gospel and loving one another and standing united to face their enemies.  That is what agreeing in the Lord involves.  Paul did not agree with the Roman believers who were seeking to add pressure to him by preaching the gospel from selfish ambition, but he was excited that the gospel was being preached.

In the opening of his letter Paul mentioned the overseers and deacons.  That is likely who the “true companion” (or perhaps this is a proper name, Syzygos) is, as well as Clement and the others, and it is possible that Euodia and Syntyche are deaconesses.  All of them have labored side by side with Paul in the gospel and must return to that status, with each other’s help.  We sometimes need help to come to our senses about conflict and if we are leaders we often need other leaders to be that help.

Paul makes an interesting remark about their names being written in the book of life.  This is referenced in the Old Testament and other parts of the New Testament (Ex. 32:33; Ps. 69:28; cf. Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27).  It is a record of those who have trusted in Jesus alone for salvation and it describes the very personal aspect of our salvation.  It is not families listed or groups; it is my personal name.  We are and should be in union with all whose names have been so written.

Discussion Question for Small Groups

1. What’s one of the best compliments you have received?
2. How does Paul compliment the two women who are at the hub of the conflict at Philippi?
3. Do you think it is important to be able to compliment combatants as you are seeking resolution, and if so, why?
4. Can you describe a conflict you have had in which outside help for resolution made the difference?
5. Does it seem feasible that two Christians can agree in the Lord while continuing to disagree about some other issue?
6. Is there someone you need to fight for unity with even though you disagree with them about important matters?