Defusing Disunity

Sunday Service

Philippians 4:1-3

In this text, Paul provided FIVE DIRECTIONS for defusing disunity among church members. These five directions can be used to resolve conflict in any situation involving husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, bosses and employees, two friends, or two factions in a church.

1. DON’T EVER RUN AWAY FROM CONFLICT (v.1)
Paul uses a military analogy that describes what it means to stand firm in the power of Christ (Ephesians 6:10-14). The armor of God is meant to enable us to advance, not retreat (Matthew 5:23).

2. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PART IN THE CONFLICT (v.2a)
Paul was holding both ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, responsible for contributing to the conflict. We must examine ourselves first to determine how we are sinning against another (Matthew 7:3-5). Repentance and forgiveness should be our response after recognizing our sinful contribution (1 John 1:9, Ephesians. 4:32).

3. MAINTAIN CHRISTLIKE ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS (v.2b)
Selfishness and pride are usually at the root of conflict, so the key to unity is humility (Philippians 2:3). We are to be of the same mind as Christ. This means demonstrating the same attitudes and actions as Christ did.

4. WORK TOGETHER TO RESOLVE THE CONFLICT (v.3a)
All of us have the ability and responsibility to come alongside each other to help resolve conflict (Rom 15:14; Gal 6:1). God has made it our business to confront one another so that we may be restored to the body in unity.

5. CONTEND FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST (v.3b)
We should stop fighting with one another and direct our energies to the cause of Christ and spreading the gospel. There are lost souls dying and going to hell who need our energy and focus for the gospel. We should maintain one mind and one heart as a church body in this regard (Phil 1:27).

Thank God for providing you with practical steps to resolve conflict and be reconciled with others. Ask Him to grant you the wisdom and courage you need to tie up any loose ends in your life. Pray that nothing would ever disrupt the unity of our church and we would always remember our purpose is not to contend with one another but to contend together for the cause of Christ (Phil 1:27).