The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 4:1-7, “Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Philippian Church was the first church founded in Europe. Is it any wonder then why the Gentile believers valued it so highly? This Letter to the Philippians was virtually a love letter scripted from the heart of the Apostle Paul. The Philippian Church had always been a generous people, and had ministered to the needs of the apostle more than once.

But, generousity does not always mean unified. Paul was a prisoner in Rome. In his absence, sin had invaded the Philippian Church and stood in serious need of Paul’s intervention and instruction. Paul learned of the church’s division from his companion Epaphroditus. As a prisoner, Paul could not personally return to the church; thus, he penned this Letter and sent it to Philippi by way of Epaphroditus.

In the letter, Paul thanks them for their generous help, and urges the church to come together in unity. So often, when strong leaders are absent, those who would cause trouble, do so! Women are often among the most gracious to help in a new, young church. This was true in Philippi, but two of the leading women had come down on opposite sides of some unknown issue. It would appear that the church had divided, with one group following one woman, and the other following the other. Paul, however, refuses to side with either. He continues in his letter to use the word “all.” Interestingly, Paul did not lecture the women until the last chapter of his epistle.

He writes of the LORD’s greatness and kindness and love. Every sentence exudes love, and exhorts the two sides to unity. Paul prays for the church through the avenue of his letter. He continually lifts up Christ, emphasizing His humility. At the same time, Paul gives warnings against false teahers, against self-righteousness and against false professions of faith. The preservation of the Word of God is invaluable! May we remember the place the LORD has for that Word in our hearts and lives.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom