Have we been reading Philippians 4 correctly? Have we been reading Philippians 4 as collection of disassociated thoughts by Paul as he is wrapping up his remarks to this church? I’m not suggesting that these verses that have been popularized by preaching and devotionals don’t have meaning and application by themselves, for example verses 4, 6-7, 8, and of course 13. What I am suggesting is that there is also a richness of meaning that has been missed by not seeing the greater context. The chapter begins and quickly pivots to a conflict between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. I believe this conflict gives us an enlightening context through which we are to understand much of this chapter. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is challenging us to never forget the great promise and prize of Shalom, peace. And that when we are in conflict with one another, that conflict sets into motion the human inclination for hyper fixating on certain thoughts, the human weakness of compulsive thinking. And fixating on why and how we are offended displaces our peace. When this happens, Paul says turn to prayer. And after turning to prayer if we are still drifting away from our peace, we are to fix our thoughts on a process. That’s right, I believe this isn’t just a list of synonyms, this isn’t Paul being poetic…he is giving us a list that is divinely ordered for the purpose of settling disputes, reconciling relationships, and restoring Shalom. I trust that this message will challenge you just as these words surely challenged those who read it for the first time in the ancient city of Philippi. May we all keep reaching for our peace!
by City Life