Euodia and Syntyche, two ladies, seem to have been quarralling.
Paul urges them to 'live in harmony', and mentions that both have 'shared his struggle in the cause of the gospel.
In other words, they weren't new or young believers.
- who is the true comrade in v3? nobody knows.
Application:
We must take care of our unity and peace with one another; We must be careful not to assume that it is someone (or something)
else that causes our dissentions.
Euodia and Syntyche were not addressed as new or young; their spat was big enough to merit a public address however.
A. Rejoice! Really, keep doing this! (3:4)
He seems to be wrapping up the letter...he has communicated the goal (unity) and means (selflessness), and now he
seems to be reminding them to be joyful.
He started this idea back in 3:1.
Application:
- What does it mean to rejoice?
- How do we keep this?
Personally - the whole thing hinges on perspective.
If joy is a sense of hope / positive outlook based on long term prospects that is.
B. Be forbearing. The Lord is Near. (v5)
very similar to romans 12:19.20 (leave room for the wrath of god)
Application:
justice isn't ours to take.
rather, patience is ours to give.
C. Don't be anxious, pray to God (and trust) (v6,7)
Worried about something? Pray about it...
and stop being anxious.
Very much a part of the trust component of faith.
Ties to Christ's parallels about prayer in Luke 18 (unrighteous judge) and Luke 11:5-13 (egg/scorpion, etc)
Application:
Be diligent in prayer.
Trust in God's character.
Result? The peace of God.
notice paul's method for receiving peace?
prayer and thanksgiving.
D. Keep your focus on our goals (v8,9)
Whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute, excellent, and worth of praise, dwell on these things.
- does this mean we can't think/say negative things? is he talking about criticism?
- how do we keep our mind on these things?
Imitate Paul (an example) in these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Want intimacy with God? Act maturely.