Honor GOD - Philippians 1:27-30; 2:1-8; 4:2-9 - May 6, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Honor GOD – May 6, 2007

This begins a new series of study entitled “Being a Peacemaker.”

May 6 - “Honor God” – How can I please and honor GOD in conflict situations?
May 13 – “Accept Responsibility” – How do I accept responsibility for my part in a conflict?
May 20 – “Confront in Love” – How can I confront someone in a loving manner that will help resolve a conflict?
May 27 – “Be Reconciled” – How do I pursue genuine resolution in a conflict situation?

Our scripture is Philippians 1:27-30; 2:1-8 and 4:2-9.

The Apostle Paul is in prison in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. The purpose of the letter is to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent to Paul by Epaphroditus (ih-paf-roh-DIGH-tuhs) a member of the church at Philippi. Paul had established the church at Philippi on his second missionary journey. Philippi is the first Christian church to be established in Europe. The information regarding the spiritual health of the church was delivered to Paul by Epaphroditus.

Paul is encouraging the church to keep in mind that they are representing the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Even though Paul is in chains he has a strong prayer life and he acknowledges that GOD is using his time in prison to spread the gospel. No matter where we are, as a Christian, GOD uses us and we are always HIS representatives.

Let’s read Philippians 1:27-30 and 2:1-8:

27 Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind,[13] Lit soul working side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is evidence of their destruction, but of your deliverance—and this is from God. 29 For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear about me.

Paul is a role model for serving CHRIST. Paul reminds the Philippians not to forget their first love, CHRIST. Paul is holding them accountable for their actions as Christians and to remember that GOD is more powerful than those who might fight against them. When you are on the front lines serving CHRIST you will encounter opposition but greater is HE that is in you than he that is in the world.

The bottom line, the living body of CHRIST, the living church, needs to stand united in the face of opposition. Unity of the body of CHRIST is important for the church to function effectively and to keep its focus on the calling of GOD. Unity is important for both the members of the church and the world. Non-believers are always observing Christians and how they function in the body. Christians individually and collectively represent CHRIST to each other and to the world. Bad news spreads quickly.

Philippians 2:1-8:

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not [only]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

These are positive statements. “If” can be interpreted as “because.” CHRIST in you produces encouragement, love, fellowship in the SPIRIT, affection and mercy. Paul in essence is saying make me proud of you by bringing joy to my heart by letting the attributes of CHRIST show forth in you lives. Because you are Christians and filled with the SPIRIT you do not have to win a dispute as non-believers do. But consider the point-of-view of fellow Christians. Other Christians may not have grown spiritually as much as you or they may be coming from a very different background than you do. So listen to their views and try to bring understanding through orderly discussion and using examples that are authentic, such as the scriptures.

Philippi had a very diverse population. As such, it is likely the church of Philippi had a very diverse membership. Paul in essence is saying use your diversity to achieve unity and guard against being dictatorial.

One is not to compromise on the fundamentals of the gospel but there are times when diverse people, focused on a common issue, can achieve a greater understanding of the issue(s) when they consider each others views. It is very important that the fundamentals of the issue(s) not be violated or compromised. The scripture is always the final authority.

Paul used a statement “sharing the same feelings.” This means to be “like-souled”. Always keep in mind that all believers have a common bond, GOD. But the flesh can raise its head in Christians through “rivalry” or selfish ambitions, conceit, vainglorious or groundless pride such attitudes result in disputes and factions. This dishonors GOD’S name and the living body. This can raise its head when a Christian thinks they are more spiritual than their fellow brothers or sisters in CHRIST. When this happens it is a clue that the HOLY SPIRIT is not in control of that person’s life.

All Christians must keep in mind that we all come to CHRIST by way of the cross. The ground at the cross is level. When we grow and mature in CHRIST, our spiritual nature wants those seeking truth to find truth and grow and mature spiritually. The revelation of truth is the work of the HOLY SPIRIT. Some times this requires patience, on the Christians part, to allow the HOLY SPIRIT time to reveal truth to the seeker.

Spiritual arrogance gives us a clue that the nature and attitude of CHRIST is not being manifested in our lives. We need a flesh check by the HOLY SPIRIT to search our hearts.

Christ’s Humility and Exaltation
5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.[1] Or to be grasped, or to be held on to 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.

CHRIST is the foundation and every Christian’s example. If anyone had the right to exert HIS authority, it was JESUS. JESUS was 100% human and HE was 100% Divine. HE could have exerted HIS power but instead HE allowed GOD the FATHER to totally direct HIS life. HE humbled Himself and became the servant.

I have often tried to place myself in the place of JESUS when HE faced various issues in life. I confess if I had the power HE had, some people, HE encountered, would have been fried. Yet CHRIST knew HE had a mission to accomplish and HE had to rely upon the FATHER to direct every part of HIS life even unto death. Selfish ambitions usually distort the vision of humans. JESUS being human knew allowing self to direct HIS life could result in compromise and HE could not compromise one iota.

Paul urged the Philippians to consider the fact that CHRIST, GOD’S SON, was not selfish and believers should follow HIS example. CHRIST being humble brought honor to THE FATHER and so can all believers bring honor to CHRIST by being humble.

We skip to a situation between two (2) women in the church at Philippi.

Let’s read Philippians 4:2-3:
2 I urge Euodia (yoo-OH-dih-uh) and I urge Syntyche (SIN-tih-kee) to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner,[1] Or true Syzygus, possibly a person’s name to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers whose names are in the book of life.

There was some dissension between Euodia and Syntyche.
Speculation is that the matter of dissension was not major but a matter that needed to be settled.

Paul knew these women and he knew that they were true believers. He wanted them to reconcile their differences. Paul asked someone in the church who Paul knew as a “true partner” to act as a mediator to help these women to settle their differences.

Let’s read Philippians 4: 4-7:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul is a great example of rejoicing in the LORD always. Paul is in prison and he is rejoicing in the LORD. Paul was in a prison cell sometime earlier and he and Silas were singing. Paul is saying when life hands you lemons, then make lemonade. Know that the LORD is with you in all matters and make your requests known to HIM because the power to resolve your situation rests in HIS hands. If you are not delivered then HE is the ONE who will give you the peace to get through the situation because in faith you went to HIM.

In my opinion genuine rejoicing in the LORD is the result of spiritual growth and maturity. We as humans can fake how we think a Christian is suppose to act under difficult circumstances. This does not mean when bad things happen we are not to grieve or be upset. It means we have the strength of the LORD in us and HIS power to draw from, when we seek it. Our joy is in the LORD and HE is the hope and power of every believer.

When bad things happen and we are upset with the LORD, I think we need to be honest and tell HIM. We should ask HIM to help us through a matter or situation or to help us have an understanding of the matter or situation.

When we harbor bitterness, it will compromise our testimony. Confess all bitterness before the LORD and ask HIM to help us get to the point of rejoicing in HIM.

May our rejoicing be genuine because of our relationship with our LORD. Let our requests be known to our LORD. Be honest with HIM during difficult times in our lives. Whether it is praise or a complaint when we are honest before the LORD and let HIM know of our honest requests, it will result in the peace of GOD being manifested in our lives. During difficult times, we need to have the power, strength, care, love and assurance of our LORD in our lives.

Let’s read Philippians 4:8-9:
8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul realizes that we as humans can be discouraged. Paul is saying focus on the positive and not on the negative. But what Paul is saying focus on that which is absolute truth, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable and not on any thing based upon false notions or false assumptions. Dwell on the things that are correct and fundamentally valid. Paul is saying, what I have taught you; I have practiced during the difficult times in my life. I know from experience the peace of GOD. Therefore I know this same peace will also be with you in all matters. You must stay focused on GOD and HIS power, provision and truth.

When we focus on the true positives, as a result from our relationship with the LORD, it is then GOD’S peace will be manifested in our lives. Peace refers to wholeness under GOD’S rule, which includes proper relationships and actions. Our relationship with GOD is critical in maintaining our relationship with fellow humans.