Lesson for Aug. 22, 2010: Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14)

Philippians 4 Joy and Peace Grow Through Christ

Philippians 4 joy and peace grow as Christians practice compassion, reconciliation, prayer, right thinking, and contentment in Christ. Thomas May’s lesson on Philippians 4:1-14 shows how Paul’s counsel to the Philippian church offers practical wisdom for facing conflict, anxiety, and need with confidence in the Lord.

• Paul connects Christian joy with compassion, reconciliation, and a firm stand in the Lord.
• Prayer guards believers from anxiety and brings the peace of God into difficult circumstances.
• Contentment grows as Christians learn to rely on Christ’s strength in every situation.

This week’s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 22) is written by Thomas May who serves as discipleship minister with Eastside Christian Church, Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14)

By Thomas May

I recently moved into an office in a just-completed wing of the church building. If you visit, you will find two walls lined with scads of books collected over years of ministry and education. My desk is situated in the midst of the shelves so that when I prepare lessons and sermons, many of the books literally are at my fingertips.

But in the opposite corner are a couple of comfortable chairs and an end table. A scented candle burns gently on the table; a standing lamp provides soft light. Coasters on the table beckon coffee or cola. For every hour my eyes pore over the Bible or theology books, they spend the same amount of time gazing with love into the eyes of people tearful from the pains of this world or exuberance from the blessings of a loving Father.

Real Joy: Compassion for Christians (4:1)

The apostle Paul, a pastor and friend, swivels his chair from the theologian’s desk to the counselor’s couch in Philippians 4. Having presented a strong case for the joy that should be the Christian’s because of the ministry and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Paul pauses to look into the eyes of the Christian sitting troubled on his couch.

“It all sounds good, Paul, but you don’t understand my world. There are people, things, and circumstances in my life that make joy impossible. The burdens of life weigh heavily on my shoulders; sometimes I worry I just can’t go on.”

Paul’s eyes fill with compassion. His transition from theology to application demonstrates his conviction to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). And how he loved the Philippians! Notice the words of endearment: “my brothers,” “dear friends,” “you whom I love and long for,” “my joy and crown.”

Paul smiles as he whispers, “If you want a life of joy in Christ, you will have to learn to get beyond the people and circumstances of life that threaten your joy. You must make a firm stand on the resolve that God is bigger than problems.”

Reconciling Joy: Conflict Resolution (4:2-5)

But sometimes conflict occurs—even among Christians. Talk about a joy-robber. Most know the terrible churning that comes when there is turmoil and conflict in life, but how much more painful—and damaging—is conflict within the church. The Philippian church was being stretched to the tearing point by a very public disagreement.

Paul pleads with the two principals, Euodia and Syntyche, to come to some sort of agreement—if solely because both women belong to Christ. The Greek word translated “pleads with” literally means “to call alongside.” Each is called into Paul’s office, seated in a comfortable chair as soft music plays and an aromatic candle burns. Paul rolls his chair alongside the chair of his friend and pleads, “Let’s figure a way through this.”

Being at Paul’s side was not a new experience for these women. They contended at Paul’s side when he was in Philippi establishing the church. Apparently they assisted Clement once Paul had journeyed on. And as his admonitions would not be enough, the apostle enlists Syzygus, another Philippian Christian, to also plead and intervene. Syzygus’s name means “yokefellow,” literally describing an ox that worked best when yoked together with another animal. Syzygus would find real joy by using his gift to encourage, admonish, and reconcile these two Christian ladies.

Without raising the quill from the paper, Paul writes “rejoice in the Lord always.” Rejoice even when there is conflict. Rejoice that you can play a role in the reconciliation process. And lest you forget—let your gentleness be evident to all. The phrase “the Lord is near” is seen by some to indicate Jesus’ return is imminent. In the context, it seems more likely that in the business of reconciliation, the process bathed in prayer would beckon Christ to be in the very midst of the situation.

Ironically, Euodia’s name in Greek literally means “a good journey.” It is always a good, joyful journey when we travel the road of reconciliation.

Restful Joy: Calm Presence (4:6, 7)

Dealing with contentious people in difficult circumstances can be draining. The temptation is to feel that the outcome hinges on your ability to say the right thing or to wisely evaluate the predicament. Shouldering that kind of burden can lead to worry and anxiety. Paul offers comfort and advice to keep us from traveling that pathway. The burden is not upon you—instead take your requests to God in prayer. When we see prayer as our way of aligning our will with God’s—“not my will but yours be done”—the joyful result is not because of my power, but God’s. Such realization will bring us God’s peace, which goes beyond human understanding, and it will guard our hearts and minds from inner turmoil.

Rational Joy: Contemplating the Right Things (4:8)

Looking at bad circumstances and problem people, or even at our own abilities and strengths, is not helpful for keeping worry out and joy in. Instead, concentrate on the things that are true—the things worthy of praise. Fill the mind with noble, authentic, compelling, and gracious things. This way of thinking focuses on God’s involvement, rather than the troubled predicament of human existence.

Renewed Joy: Concerns Met (4:9, 10)

As if to squelch any concerns that positive, godly thinking really won’t make a difference, Paul reminds them of his situation. Whether he was being chased from town to town by those who opposed the preaching of the gospel (like when the Philippians first met Paul) or bound under Roman house arrest (as was his current condition), Paul modeled contentment in Christ.

If the Philippians had learned anything from Paul, they should strive to put it into practice in their daily living. And Paul’s turmoil even provided an opportunity for the Philippians not only to renew their concern for Paul, but to respond in a positive manner, providing prayer and assistance.

Relieved Joy: Contentment Reigns (4:11-14)

While it is important for people to have the opportunity to find joy in meeting needs, it is just as important for the recipient to neither expect nor demand attention. Paul says he has learned to be content whatever his circumstance—preaching openly or preaching behind bars; making tents and having money to spend or sitting patiently to await the day’s manna.

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (Philippians 4:13, The Message). I can do all things—even have genuine joy when everything around me says I shouldn’t—through Christ, who empowers me with strength.

And somehow, as you sit there on the couch, that made you smile.

________

*All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.

ABOUT THE LESSON WRITER: Thomas May, discipleship minister with Eastside Christian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana, has an MA and an MDiv in New Testament from Cincinnati (Ohio) Christian Seminary. He is adjunct professor in the communication department of Indiana University Southeast in New Albany. He teaches seminars and leads small groups at Eastside.

Author: Thomas May