Daily Thoughts from Philippians (22): Taking Sides – Philippians 4:10-20

At Inc.com Wanda Thibodeaux has an insightful article on How to Stop People From Taking Sides Amid Conflict in Your Office.  She notes the psychological benefit people find identifying with a side in conflict.  They “reduce as much uncertainty about their lives and identity as they can.”  They say and do what others in the group approve and accept.  They also need to feel special and unique so they sometimes ratchet up these behaviors to a “more visible extreme.”  Sound like a recipe for disaster?  Paul thought so.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:10-20, ESV)

Paul now gets to the issue the Philippians have been fighting over.  Whose side will he take?  The side of those who sent him the money, or the side of those who said it was too damaging to their own financial situation?  Neither!

Paul acknowledges the joy he had that they gave, but more for the concern it showed than for his need of money.  As he says, “I have learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in.”  The Lord had equipped him through much experience of want and plenty to trust Him in all circumstances.  The Philippians had a history with Paul of supporting his ministry and this had been a source of great appreciation, but Paul was more concerned for the “fruit that increased to their credit” than he was with money.  So Paul wasn’t siding with those who felt they needed to send Paul money in order to rescue Paul and the gospel.

On the other hand, he characterizes their gift as a “fragrant offering” to God.  And, for those who gave, this is an affirmation, but he is also saying he didn’t need it.  To those who resisted giving he affirms, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  Their worry was unfounded.

What Paul really wants them to understand is that their fight over this issue was the real danger.  They should have given up their selfish ambitions (whether a misguided need to rescue Paul or a need to rescue themselves) and stand together in unity for the progress of the gospel.  If we fail to do this we have already put the gospel’s progress in danger.

There are undoubtedly many such issues churches have argued over that are not about the gospel, but lesser matters.  The wise person, with knowledge added to his or her love, will choose what is excellent, that is, pursuit of the gospel over lesser concerns.  The wise person won’t take sides with any issue but the gospel.  The wise person will urge those in conflict to have humility of mind and consider others more important than themselves, even as Jesus did in regard to us.  The wise person will help point out the wrong-headed worry that accompanies most conflicted sides and urge trust in God and experience of His peace and contentment, so that worries don’t lead to disunity.  God can and will supply every need we have.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

1. What was your ‘moment of glory?’
2. Do you see people getting into conflict and side taking as a way of seeking a moment of glory?
3. What do you expect would have happened if Paul had taken one of the sides in the controversy at Philippi?
4. When does Paul take sides?
5. What role do you see your anxieties playing in conflict with others?
6. What promise from God do you need to claim (such as “God will supply every need of yours”) to deal with your anxieties?