Gleanings From Philippians 4

by J. Drain | Category: Gleanings From Philippians 4 | Jul 1958

This chapter opens with an exhortation to the saints of God in the Church of God in Philippi to "stand fast in the Lord." It is important to notice the relationship indicated by the words "in the Lord." Of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ it is true that they are blessed "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before Him in love" (Ephesians 1.8, 4). The testimony of the Scriptures is clear and conclusive that the believer in Christ is secure in Him for ever. There is no obligation laid upon the believer to stand fast so that his position and portion in Christ can be secured. The work of Christ and the word of God guarantee the eternal salvation of the child of God and no believer in Christ can fall away from Him and be lost eternally. It is greatly to be deplored that many today who preach salvation through faith in Christ teach also that the person who has placed faith in Christ for salvation is not eternally secure, but must hold fast if he is to enjoy the happiness of heaven. A hymn-writer has well expressed the believer's security thus :

"What from Christ the soul can sever,

Bound by everlasting bands?

Once in Him, in Him for ever;

Thus th' eternal covenant stands.

None can pluck us

From the strength of Israel's hands."

"In Christ" is a matter of divine grace. "In the Lord" speaks of subjection and obedience to His authority, and reminds us that Christ is the Lord, the One who has sovereign authority. He is the One who has the right to command. To His authority we may or may not submit. To His commandments we may or may not give obedience. In Christ describes eternal relationship, but we may or may not stand fast in the Lord.

In Philippians 4 Paul refers to some very practical issues which have an important bearing upon standing fast in the Lord. An examination of the chapter will show that the apostle deals with certain attitudes and activities of mind, and it is in the light of such that we wish to consider this portion.

SAMENESS OF MIND

Something had intruded between two very valuable and useful sisters in the assembly in Philippi. Estrangements and discord were inevitable consequences. We are not told what had caused the trouble. Experience teaches that often an unwise word, a misjudged motive, an unkind, or even misunderstood, action may serve the purpose of the adversary to separate and to antagonize two disciples of the Lord.

We observe first of all the intense yearning of the apostle. Well did he know the pernicious possibilities of such estrangement, not only for the two sisters personally, but also for the whole assembly. Paul says, "I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche ..." This was no light matter to Paul. It weighed heavily upon his heart. Do we fail to see that the yearning of Paul is but an echo of the deeper yearning of the heart of Him who prayed, "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on Me through their word; that they may all be one" ? Do we adequately realize that disunity amongst His saints is a sore grief to God?

Next let us note the responsibility which was placed upon each of these sisters to put right the wrong which had developed. "I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord." We may try to think of the effect produced upon these two honourable women when they heard Paul's letter read. What solemn heartsearching would follow! Each of them had to act. How important it is to recognize personal responsibility in such circumstances!

Humility and meekness are indispensable. Bitter words may generate bitter feelings. Wrong actions may open painful wounds. And Satan takes advantage of human weakness. Only divine grace can give victory and the strength to secure sameness of mind.

It is important also to see that Paul besought one whom he addresses as "true yokefellow" to "help these women." All that can be done must be done to help and to save these sisters. It was possible for Paul's fellow-worker to be aware of the strained relations existing between the two sisters without feeling the spiritual urge to help them to be reconciled. Paul's words emphasize the responsibilities which come to others to help to heal where there is trouble of this kind. The apostle did not encourage his brother to take sides, but to help both the sisters in resolving their problems. Such intervention calls for considerable wisdom, grace and meekness. Prayer, spiritual counsel and entreaty will all find their place in this work. Should sameness of mind be produced great will be the present and the future recompense of the peacemaker. We need to be warned against the fleshly tendency to aggravate rather than alleviate. We may scatter instead of bringing together. Solomon said that there are certain things which the LORD hateth and which are an abomination to Him. One of these is, "He that soweth (Revised Version, margin, letteth loose) discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6.19). Solomon also wrote, " A froward man scattereth abroad strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends" (Proverbs 16.28).

We shall miss an important implication of Paul's exhortation if we fail to see that these sisters were" to be of the same mind in the Lord." The authority of the Lord and the obligations of that authority were involved in this matter. Euodia and Syntyche had a joint and several responsibility to one Lord. His mind must be their mind. Difference of mind must somewhere manifest divergence from the mind of the Lord. Further, the desired sameness of mind must not be reached by rejection of the declared will of the Lord. It is not just a matter of peace at any price. The Lord's authority is paramount. The Lord's authority must be the determining factor. It is vital. May we ever remember that one thing which each one of us can do is to forgive when personal wrongs have been inflicted. This often will go far in accomplishing sameness of mind.

Satan will never relax his efforts to shatter sameness of mind among the Lord's disciples. His attacks are incessant and subtle. Let us beware. May we not be deluded to hide behind the theory that differences are inevitable and unimportant. Our Lord's yearning has reached us in words which should move the heart. Very soon we may stand before Him to give account. No doubt Paul had "that day" before His mind when he wrote, "whose names are in the book of life," written there as to their service (verse 8). Our lives are being lived under the eyes and scrutiny of the Lord. In the dark days of Malachi it was written, "Then they that feared the LORD spake one with another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before Him, for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name" (Malachi 3.16). What is going into the book of life for us? Are the records being blotted by unchristian differences? Is service being destroyed because of disunity? Are eternal rewards being forfeited in consequence ? We would be wise to face these questions now. At the Judgement Seat all these matters will have to be straightened. There will be no discord in heaven. All will be of the same mind in the Lord then.

J. Drain | Jul 1958
Gleanings From Philippians 4