Slices
Prepare
What have you thought about most in the past 24 hours? Make a list and evaluate it against verse 8 in today’s reading.
Bible passage
Closing appeal for steadfastness and unity
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Final exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Explore
People fell out in Philippi, as today. Paul calls two female leaders, Euodia and Syntyche, to be reconciled (v 2). He also calls on ‘my true companion’ to help them reconcile (v 3) – maybe a particular person, or a way of referring to the whole congregation. This united mind is a key theme (see 2:2,5; 3:15), expressed by united rejoicing and gentleness – the exhortations are addressed to ‘you’ plural (vs 4,5).
Unity of mind stems from a shared focus of attention. It’s easy to put problems and evil front and centre, but Paul calls us collectively to put good things there (v 8). There are things in the world with these qualities – Paul is not talking only about the church’s life: it’s ‘whatever’ (v 8, five times). A great piece of music or art, a brilliant article, an entertaining show, an example of love, a generous gift, all speak of God’s love. How might you focus more on such things?
Paul wants the believing community to enjoy God’s peace, like a troop of soldiers standing guard on their thinking and acting (v 7). This peace comes by rejoicing, praying and giving thanks (v 6). A church noticeboard said: ‘Why pray when you can worry?’ – a truth to take notice of!
Respond
Where do you need to be gentle with others? Make this a feature of your prayers over the coming week
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 1,2; Psalms 112,113
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Tanya Pencheva as she looks after administration for the Development Hub and the Bible Reading Guides. Please pray for wisdom in providing fast and accurate support to the writers.
