MESSAGE TITLE: Dealing with Relational Conflict SCRIPTURE

MESSAGE TITLE: Dealing with Relational Conflict

KEY TRUTH Living in relationship with broken, imperfect people will inevitably lead to conflict. Mature followers of Jesus learn how to deal with conflict in a Christ-honoring way.

GETTING STARTED Two women Euodia and Syntche, engaged in a conflict which became known to members of the Philippian church and to Paul. Euodia means a ‘prosperous journey.’ Syntche means a ‘pleasant acquaintance.’ Since Paul pleaded with these two to agree with each other in the Lord, it’s possible that their conflict was beginning to cause disunity in the church. This helps explain Paul’s earlier plea for unity. This short passage outlines a recipe for dealing with conflict among believers.

OBSERVATION Based on this passage, how does Paul advise the Philippian believers to deal with conflict?

What did Paul mean when he asked that these women agree in the Lord? Does this suggest that he wanted them to hold the same opinion about something?

Paul appealed for someone in the church to come alongside these two women to help resolve their differences. Who is the ‘true companion’ Paul refers to in this passage?

Do you get the impression that the dispute between Euodia and Syntche was moral, theological or interpersonal in nature? Explain your answer.

How does Paul put their conflict in perspective with the words, ‘whose names are in the book of life’?

APPLICATION Paul used the word ‘entreat’ twice in this passage. To entreat means ‘to ask earnestly’. Paul was concerned enough with these women to insert himself into the middle of their disagreement to encourage them to resolve it. He knew that unresolved conflict would create disunity and that disunity would hurt the reputation of the church. Can you think of someone in the church with whom you have a sharp disagreement or open conflict? Insert your name and their name in place of Euodia and Syntyche in this passage. Silently and prayerfully re-read the passage. In an effort to resolve the conflict, what attitudes or actions do you believe the Lord would have you change? Ask Him to work repentance in your mind and heart. Ultimately, God’s glory is at stake, not just a friendship!

PRAYER If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 Dear God, please bring this verse to life in my soul. Create within me a desire to live at peace with my brothers and sisters in the church. Show me the pathway to peace with those with whom I’ve had conflict. I need your help resolving conflict quickly so that our disagreements do not lead to disunity.

SHARE POINT Read and review the application questions. Share with someone in your life how God’s Word is changing you into a growing disciple. Encourage that person to do the same. That person could be a family member, a friend, a co-worker or a neighbor.

COMMENTARTY NOTES on Philippians 3:17-4:1 4:1 Paul entreats the Philippian believers to stand unified in the Lord for the sake of the Gospel. This transitional verse can be read as either the conclusion to the previous section or the introduction to chapter 4. The Philippians’ spiritual success would be Paul’s crowning achievement and their perseverance and final salvation will bring him great joy.

4:2 Paul does not reveal the source of tension between Eudia and Syntche. He may have addressed them because of the influence they held over others – it may be that others were watching how they handled their disagreement. He exhorts them to apply the principle stand in 2:2. To agree and ‘being of the same mind’ are the same Greek phrase.

4:3 Reconciliation often requires third-party intervention, in this case a true companion. Paul is especially eager to see these women reconciled because they labored side by side with him in the Gospel. Paul also encouraged unity among those who are striving side by side for the Gospel. Paul did not isolate himself and minister alone; he deliberately worked with many others. Paul perhaps could have appealed to someone in authority such as a pastor in the church to help resolve the conflict. Paul cited two reasons he wanted their conflict resolved: (1) they contended for the Gospel and (2) they worked alongside Clement and Paul’s coworkers. He knew them and wanted the best for them. In view of first century culture, Euodia and Syntyche probably ministered mainly among women. The book of life has OT roots and refers to God’s record of those who belong to him.

SOURCES CONSULTED ESV Study Bible Serendipity Group Bible for Leaders Holman Christian Standard Study Bible