Immediately before this lesson are...
Illustration
Immediately before this lesson are two interesting lines, in Philippians 4:2-3. "I urge
Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind," writes Paul. Two women in the
Philippian congregation, probably important leaders, perhaps deaconesses, were
apparently at odds. Christians don't always see "eye-to-eye." Paul was very concerned
about unity in the body of Christ. Notice, however, he didn't take sides, or condemn
either woman or belittle or minimize their disagreement -- whatever it might have been.
Instead, Paul calls them to a higher goal, to "be of the same mind," the "mind of Christ"
(see Philippians 2:5 ff.). He also urges "his loyal companion" to help Euodia and
Syntyche "work it out," and reminds all concerned that these women "struggled beside
[him] in the work of the gospel." Only when we have "the mind of Christ," which is
loving, self-giving, and self-sacrificing, and only when we put the gospel first will we
experience the peace described in verse 7, the peace that "passes all understanding,"
including peace in the church.
