WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.879 Thank you for listening to this recording from Grace Evangelical Church. 00:00:04.280 --> 00:00:11.439 We'd like to apologise for the quality of the audio and like to warn you that the sermon cuts off at 24 minutes. 00:00:11.779 --> 00:00:17.179 You still, however, may wish to listen to the first 24 minutes. Apologies. 00:00:18.440 --> 00:00:22.960 Alright, we're going to be in Philippians chapter 4 today. 00:00:25.400 --> 00:00:29.039 Paul, as we've seen over the weeks, is very upbeat. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.820 About his sense of partnership in the gospel with the Christians at Philippi. 00:00:34.820 --> 00:00:39.060 And that arises out of their common experience of God's grace. 00:00:40.980 --> 00:00:53.400 And that makes Paul all the more concerned to address what he sees to be the biggest threat to the well-being of the church in Philippi. 00:00:53.399 --> 00:01:00.119 And it's interesting that he doesn't see the threat coming from external enemies or persecution. 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:00.799 Those are real. 00:01:01.820 --> 00:01:07.640 The biggest threat to the well-being of the church in Philippi is, as Paul has sort of helped to see, 00:01:08.079 --> 00:01:12.039 failing to be shaped by the mind of Christ. 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:14.659 You remember back in chapter 2, we saw the mind of Christ. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:18.280 Chapter 2, verses 5 through to 11, where Paul says, 00:01:18.479 --> 00:01:24.679 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. 00:01:25.959 --> 00:01:32.859 The biggest threat to any church family is failing to have the mind of Christ. 00:01:32.859 --> 00:01:39.120 For Paul, there was only two options. 00:01:40.700 --> 00:01:50.200 Either, either they would continue to be shaped by their old, pre-Christian, sinful, distorted sense of self. 00:01:51.060 --> 00:01:55.019 And Paul said in the earlier chapters, he tells us how that would be, that would present, how that would be marked. 00:01:55.019 --> 00:02:08.439 That would be marked by rivalry, by selfish ambition, by a lack of concern for righteousness, by an absence of true humility, an absence of maturity, and an absence of any sense of joy and unity. 00:02:10.019 --> 00:02:11.900 That's one option facing the church. 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:22.519 On the other hand, they would be shaped, the other option is they'd be shaped from the inside out by the mind of Christ. 00:02:22.520 --> 00:02:35.520 And that would be marked by a personal delight in Christ overflowing into a conscious, determined struggle to be as Christ to one another. 00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:38.820 Two options. 00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:42.400 Health and lack of health. 00:02:44.460 --> 00:02:48.020 And Paul continues that theme, I believe, into chapter 4. 00:02:48.020 --> 00:02:57.640 Helping them to see, you see, remember in chapter, verse 1, Dave dealt with last week, talked about stand firm thus in the Lord. 00:02:57.939 --> 00:03:12.439 So in chapter 4, Paul's helping them see what standing firm with the mind of Christ will look like in response to tensions and frustrations of personal conflict. 00:03:12.439 --> 00:03:16.319 Which is what he leads with into this next section of verses. 00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:25.840 And in this context of chapter 4, verses 2 to 9, Paul uses three main imperative or three command words. 00:03:26.300 --> 00:03:28.539 He uses other ones, but the three main ones. 00:03:29.560 --> 00:03:33.280 So verse 4, he commands the attitude. 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:38.979 Imagine that, commanding an attitude of habitual rejoicing in the Lord. 00:03:38.979 --> 00:03:49.019 And then verses 8 and 9, he commands that they fill their minds with the good things, the attitude of worship. 00:03:51.899 --> 00:03:59.759 And sandwiches in between those two commands, in verse 6, there's the command, do not be anxious about anything. 00:03:59.759 --> 00:04:11.919 And the idea of anxiety or being anxious has the idea of being worried or fearful or uncertain or tortured in mind. 00:04:15.719 --> 00:04:27.060 And so I think Paul's picking up a play between the two sorts of minds that will be controlled by either the anxious mind or the mind of Christ. 00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:37.680 See, conflict, and I'll show you a bit more of this in a minute, conflict chokes out the ability to rejoice. 00:04:40.039 --> 00:04:44.139 When a church or people are in conflict, they're not going to be rejoicing. 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:44.599 Why not? 00:04:45.039 --> 00:04:49.719 Because conflict chokes out the Christ-shaped mind. 00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:55.340 And what are we left with when the Christ-shaped mind is choked out? 00:04:55.960 --> 00:05:00.020 Well, it leaves us with the anxiety-shaped mind. 00:05:02.200 --> 00:05:08.920 Which robs us of our ability to worship and express unity and peace and enjoy peace. 00:05:12.760 --> 00:05:15.560 Anxiety is a huge issue in our society. 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:15.600 Anxiety. 00:05:16.839 --> 00:05:21.480 A psychologist now regularly describes anxiety in our society as an epidemic. 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:30.439 At its most severe, it's described as a whole range of mental illnesses. 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:37.939 And at the other end of the scale, we all experience anxiety to some degree. 00:05:38.579 --> 00:05:41.480 Anxiety or stress response from time to time. 00:05:41.480 --> 00:05:45.439 Perhaps we worry about going to a new school. 00:05:45.740 --> 00:05:47.819 Or perhaps we worry about starting a new job. 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:50.560 Or joining a new soccer team. 00:05:51.620 --> 00:05:53.740 Or perhaps we're worried about some health issue. 00:05:54.840 --> 00:05:55.700 And so on and so forth. 00:05:55.939 --> 00:05:59.160 So we all experience a degree of stress or anxiety. 00:05:59.319 --> 00:05:59.980 Sometime, rather. 00:06:00.840 --> 00:06:02.360 It's a huge issue in society. 00:06:03.240 --> 00:06:07.560 At either extreme, whether the really severe extreme of mental health issue, 00:06:07.560 --> 00:06:10.600 or just the sort of ad hoc thing we all experience. 00:06:10.780 --> 00:06:17.280 At either extreme, anxiety will present with physical, psychological, and behavioral responses. 00:06:18.660 --> 00:06:22.160 From the very ordinary of tightness in the chest and stomach. 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:27.220 To perhaps fear and a desire to sort of take off and flee. 00:06:27.660 --> 00:06:28.079 Withdraw. 00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:33.919 To the more severe levels of being totally debilitated. 00:06:34.579 --> 00:06:37.319 So a person's unable to function properly. 00:06:39.959 --> 00:06:40.879 Or normally. 00:06:42.120 --> 00:06:45.680 And there's so much in our society that actually creates anxiety, I believe. 00:06:46.139 --> 00:06:47.919 So for instance, we're told repeatedly. 00:06:48.599 --> 00:06:50.319 It's a mantra of our culture now. 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:53.899 That we can be and do whatever we want to be and do. 00:06:53.899 --> 00:06:57.560 And that's got to create massive anxiety for people. 00:06:57.659 --> 00:07:01.579 Because the actual reality of life says we can't actually achieve that. 00:07:01.859 --> 00:07:03.239 We're told we should be doing that. 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:06.899 But our actual experience of life opens up this massive gap. 00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:10.199 Which then leaves us wondering, well, what's wrong with me? 00:07:13.539 --> 00:07:18.159 That lack of meaning and purpose causes massive anxiety, I believe. 00:07:20.239 --> 00:07:23.039 We don't have meaning and purpose in our culture. 00:07:23.040 --> 00:07:25.140 How do I fit into this world? 00:07:25.640 --> 00:07:27.620 What is my reason for existing? 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:30.620 What is the good life? 00:07:32.800 --> 00:07:36.620 Is my experience of life even worthwhile on the scale of things? 00:07:40.480 --> 00:07:43.920 And relationships cause heaps of anxiety. 00:07:44.680 --> 00:07:45.300 Am I loved? 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:46.080 Am I secure? 00:07:46.200 --> 00:07:47.759 Am I accepted for what I am? 00:07:48.140 --> 00:07:51.000 Am I just being used now only to be discarded later? 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:53.199 Will the relationship last? 00:07:54.100 --> 00:07:55.660 Will I be unfriended? 00:07:56.660 --> 00:07:57.560 Perish the thought. 00:07:58.240 --> 00:07:59.379 Will I be rejected? 00:07:59.660 --> 00:08:00.500 Will I be replaced? 00:08:01.360 --> 00:08:02.720 Am I being treated fairly? 00:08:03.660 --> 00:08:04.399 And appreciated? 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:08.540 Any one of those will cause anxiety. 00:08:08.720 --> 00:08:10.300 All of them together can be overwhelming. 00:08:10.300 --> 00:08:15.139 And social media platforms. 00:08:15.780 --> 00:08:17.800 Well, they've created their own level of anxiety. 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:20.340 In the young and not so young. 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:22.300 Crippled with anxiety. 00:08:22.460 --> 00:08:24.379 With a condition known as FOMO. 00:08:25.540 --> 00:08:27.319 See, you didn't think I knew these things, did you? 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:30.400 My researcher does good work. 00:08:31.400 --> 00:08:31.800 FOMO. 00:08:31.920 --> 00:08:32.840 Fear of missing out. 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:37.519 Missing out on the experiences that others might be having. 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:39.340 Or are having, supposedly. 00:08:40.379 --> 00:08:42.220 Fear of missing out on being included. 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:44.439 On what others are experiencing or sharing. 00:08:45.539 --> 00:08:48.179 And young people, and not so young people, are being crippled by that. 00:08:53.159 --> 00:08:54.360 Anxiety is a huge issue. 00:08:54.919 --> 00:08:58.100 So let's jump into the text and see what Paul has to say about anxiety. 00:08:58.419 --> 00:08:59.740 And responding to it. 00:09:00.299 --> 00:09:01.360 So we've got these two women. 00:09:02.079 --> 00:09:03.199 Yodia and Sinti. 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:06.560 Our case study I'm going to suggest this morning. 00:09:06.700 --> 00:09:09.340 In resetting the mind of Christ. 00:09:10.660 --> 00:09:11.940 So it's very simple. 00:09:12.020 --> 00:09:13.379 If you don't hear anything else this morning. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:14.680 Just hear this sentence. 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:18.800 Paul's solution to conflict and anxiety. 00:09:19.060 --> 00:09:20.060 Is very simple. 00:09:23.140 --> 00:09:24.620 Reset the mind of Christ. 00:09:24.620 --> 00:09:30.560 Reset the mind of Christ. 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:32.940 And with that rejoicing. 00:09:33.700 --> 00:09:34.220 Unity. 00:09:35.200 --> 00:09:36.279 A deep inner peace. 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:37.440 Delight in the Lord. 00:09:37.820 --> 00:09:39.700 Will be the inevitable outcome. 00:09:43.720 --> 00:09:45.740 Paul leads into this section, as I said before. 00:09:45.820 --> 00:09:47.179 By focusing on two women. 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:48.080 Looked. 00:09:48.340 --> 00:09:49.320 Locked in conflict. 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:53.820 Now it's very interesting that Paul doesn't actually give us the detail of that conflict. 00:09:53.820 --> 00:09:53.940 Conflict. 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:55.620 Presumably that means it's not important. 00:09:56.040 --> 00:09:57.540 What is important to Paul. 00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:02.879 Is that the conflict has resulted in a loss of ability to fellowship together. 00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:03.700 For these two women. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:06.640 That's the real issue for Paul. 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:15.080 Now it's not hard to imagine what was happening in the hearts of these two women. 00:10:16.920 --> 00:10:18.260 Regardless of who was right and wrong. 00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:19.340 And remember we're not told that. 00:10:19.520 --> 00:10:20.820 Regardless of who was right and wrong. 00:10:20.820 --> 00:10:22.220 As Christian women. 00:10:22.560 --> 00:10:23.660 In their hearts. 00:10:24.160 --> 00:10:27.600 They would both have been in a state of anxiety no doubt. 00:10:28.680 --> 00:10:30.040 A state of restlessness. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:31.100 Fear. 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:32.220 Uncertainty. 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:34.320 All the stuff that comes with conflict. 00:10:38.060 --> 00:10:39.140 Relationships were at stake. 00:10:39.800 --> 00:10:42.440 All those things that would rob them of joy. 00:10:43.160 --> 00:10:45.140 At pretty well every point in their life. 00:10:45.139 --> 00:10:49.659 Most likely. 00:10:50.659 --> 00:10:52.439 Because we know what we do in conflict. 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:53.179 Most likely. 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:54.860 Each of these ladies. 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:56.620 Would have thought. 00:10:57.059 --> 00:10:58.319 Genuinely thought in their heart. 00:10:58.419 --> 00:10:59.699 That what they were longing for. 00:10:59.819 --> 00:11:02.500 Was only fairness and justice to prevail. 00:11:02.919 --> 00:11:05.360 If only I can get fairness and justice. 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:06.580 Then. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:09.179 This will be the solution to the conflict. 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:12.620 And everything will turn to normal. 00:11:14.359 --> 00:11:15.459 But here's a thought. 00:11:16.979 --> 00:11:18.699 Perhaps what they really craved. 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:19.639 We just didn't recognize. 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:21.239 Perhaps what they really craved. 00:11:21.959 --> 00:11:22.439 Was. 00:11:23.519 --> 00:11:25.419 A removal of their anxiety. 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:28.019 A restoration. 00:11:28.779 --> 00:11:30.539 Of the peace and joy. 00:11:31.239 --> 00:11:32.019 In their hearts. 00:11:32.099 --> 00:11:33.299 The quietness of mind. 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:35.019 That they once experienced. 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:38.620 And which they assumed. 00:11:38.899 --> 00:11:40.659 Would come as a result of getting justice. 00:11:42.100 --> 00:11:43.419 And being vindicated. 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:50.120 I know what I'm talking about. 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:50.759 In this area. 00:11:51.699 --> 00:11:52.319 Believe me. 00:11:53.779 --> 00:11:54.639 But I also know. 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:56.919 That the reality is. 00:11:57.039 --> 00:11:59.120 That justice and vindication. 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:02.600 Fail to restore relationships. 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:05.759 And fail to restore peace in our hearts. 00:12:07.560 --> 00:12:08.399 Of itself. 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:12.680 Yep. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:14.460 They smooth things over on the outside. 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:17.420 And after a fashion. 00:12:17.540 --> 00:12:18.680 We can say things are restored. 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:22.259 But I'll tell you what. 00:12:22.259 --> 00:12:22.759 It's a desire. 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:24.360 And bitterness. 00:12:25.139 --> 00:12:27.100 Will continue to eat us away on the inside. 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:27.899 And kill off. 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:30.200 Any ability to express joy. 00:12:30.200 --> 00:12:33.440 Or experience unity and peace. 00:12:37.800 --> 00:12:39.320 And no doubt. 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:40.460 Their conflict. 00:12:41.080 --> 00:12:42.840 Was just oozing out. 00:12:43.320 --> 00:12:44.180 With tentacles. 00:12:44.940 --> 00:12:45.920 Grabbing others. 00:12:46.080 --> 00:12:47.020 In the church family. 00:12:51.940 --> 00:12:53.460 Whether that grab. 00:12:53.680 --> 00:12:54.240 Was through. 00:12:54.440 --> 00:12:55.780 People just observing. 00:12:56.080 --> 00:12:56.320 Two. 00:12:56.820 --> 00:12:57.540 Outstanding. 00:12:57.700 --> 00:12:58.440 Christian women. 00:12:58.440 --> 00:12:59.960 Whose. 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:01.000 Previously. 00:13:01.260 --> 00:13:02.420 Strong relationship. 00:13:02.560 --> 00:13:03.500 Was now just crumbling. 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:04.440 Before their eyes. 00:13:05.340 --> 00:13:06.760 That's enough to cause anxiety. 00:13:06.760 --> 00:13:07.760 Across the church family. 00:13:07.760 --> 00:13:08.120 Isn't it? 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:09.720 Or. 00:13:09.900 --> 00:13:10.160 Whether. 00:13:10.520 --> 00:13:11.600 It's a bit more direct. 00:13:12.020 --> 00:13:13.000 And there was some pressure. 00:13:13.140 --> 00:13:13.680 From either one. 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:14.460 Or both of these women. 00:13:14.580 --> 00:13:16.440 To form sides. 00:13:16.540 --> 00:13:17.360 And form factions. 00:13:17.860 --> 00:13:18.060 You know. 00:13:18.160 --> 00:13:18.700 Join me. 00:13:18.760 --> 00:13:19.900 I'm the one that's in the right here. 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:22.660 You need to hear this. 00:13:22.760 --> 00:13:23.740 About what she did to me. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:23.780 What she did to me. 00:13:23.780 --> 00:13:23.860 What she did to me. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:24.740 What she did to me. 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:25.780 What she did to me. 00:13:25.780 --> 00:13:27.780 What she did to me. 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:29.799 Anxiety. 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:31.399 Will spread. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.699 Across the church family. 00:13:34.839 --> 00:13:36.699 And into that scenario. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:37.919 Paul presents. 00:13:38.319 --> 00:13:39.959 An alternative model. 00:13:40.839 --> 00:13:42.639 A gospel shaped model. 00:13:43.199 --> 00:13:44.439 A mind of Christ. 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:45.579 Shaped model. 00:13:46.579 --> 00:13:47.939 Which would restore. 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:48.559 Peace. 00:13:49.559 --> 00:13:49.959 Joy. 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:51.279 Community. 00:13:52.059 --> 00:13:53.199 To the whole church family. 00:13:53.200 --> 00:13:56.360 Given that it had been squeezed. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:57.820 Out of gospel shape. 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:01.259 By conflict. 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:03.940 That's what conflict does. 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:04.820 Squeezes. 00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:06.280 Out of gospel shape. 00:14:07.600 --> 00:14:08.040 So. 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:09.500 Some thoughts. 00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:11.100 As to what that model looks like. 00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:12.580 The first one is. 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.460 Paul's really saying to these people. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:16.160 Don't accept. 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:17.560 Broken fellowship. 00:14:17.740 --> 00:14:18.420 And relationship. 00:14:18.420 --> 00:14:18.700 As. 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:20.300 Just the way it is. 00:14:20.299 --> 00:14:23.639 Verse 2. 00:14:25.359 --> 00:14:26.399 Paul's language. 00:14:26.819 --> 00:14:28.279 Reveals the urgency. 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:30.599 Of action. 00:14:31.859 --> 00:14:32.759 I entreat. 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:33.479 I plead. 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:35.219 I beg with you two women. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:36.259 Names them each. 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:36.859 Individually. 00:14:37.859 --> 00:14:39.379 I beg you. 00:14:41.599 --> 00:14:42.459 Agree in the Lord. 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:43.420 Yes. 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:46.780 I also ask. 00:14:47.280 --> 00:14:47.400 True. 00:14:47.400 --> 00:14:49.000 I also ask you. 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:49.620 True companion. 00:14:49.780 --> 00:14:50.480 Help these women. 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:52.180 Help them. 00:14:56.420 --> 00:14:58.280 Paul understands. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:01.139 That this conflict. 00:15:01.700 --> 00:15:02.900 While it exists. 00:15:03.100 --> 00:15:04.000 In the church family. 00:15:04.900 --> 00:15:06.040 Is an immediate. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:07.000 And present. 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:07.780 Threat. 00:15:09.780 --> 00:15:10.780 To unity. 00:15:11.420 --> 00:15:11.900 Partnership. 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:13.000 In the gospel. 00:15:13.819 --> 00:15:14.340 And joy. 00:15:18.179 --> 00:15:18.879 Reverse it. 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:20.199 And all those things. 00:15:20.199 --> 00:15:20.840 Will be restored. 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:23.819 Simple equation. 00:15:24.199 --> 00:15:24.899 Hard to do. 00:15:25.319 --> 00:15:26.059 Simple equation. 00:15:27.779 --> 00:15:29.379 And Paul's picking up here. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:29.720 That their. 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:31.639 Their external disagreement. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.559 Is driven by. 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.759 Internal attitudes. 00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:35.459 And desires. 00:15:35.579 --> 00:15:36.039 And thinking. 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:37.000 Which is again. 00:15:37.319 --> 00:15:37.960 Contrary. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:39.639 To the mind of Christ. 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:39.679 Christ. 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:41.480 They need. 00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:42.399 To restore. 00:15:43.039 --> 00:15:43.399 Practically. 00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:44.340 The mind of Christ. 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.100 That means. 00:15:45.240 --> 00:15:46.039 That's what he's talking about. 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:46.379 When he says. 00:15:46.460 --> 00:15:46.879 Agree in the Lord. 00:15:46.919 --> 00:15:47.379 It doesn't mean. 00:15:47.379 --> 00:15:48.379 They can no longer. 00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:49.419 Have a difference of opinion. 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:51.039 But they have to find a way. 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:52.080 To operate. 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:53.279 On that difference of opinion. 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.720 That restores. 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:55.519 Practically. 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:56.399 The mind of Christ. 00:15:56.399 --> 00:15:56.980 And brings. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:57.740 The mind of Christ. 00:15:57.840 --> 00:15:58.779 Into that discussion. 00:15:58.779 --> 00:16:01.899 And among. 00:16:02.100 --> 00:16:02.879 Other things. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.779 That will involve. 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:05.899 Bringing. 00:16:06.439 --> 00:16:07.919 The grace of Christ. 00:16:08.059 --> 00:16:09.059 That they've experienced. 00:16:09.220 --> 00:16:09.819 Individually. 00:16:10.579 --> 00:16:11.539 To their dispute. 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:18.480 And notice verse three. 00:16:19.319 --> 00:16:20.579 Paul's not in the least bit. 00:16:20.819 --> 00:16:21.879 Embarrassed by these women. 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:23.299 It's not as if they're an embarrassment. 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.500 Or a nuisance to him. 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:28.039 He speaks so highly of them. 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.659 It's actually. 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:32.100 His concern is quite the opposite. 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:32.759 Of embarrassment. 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:34.700 His concern for them. 00:16:35.299 --> 00:16:36.580 Is the same concern. 00:16:36.679 --> 00:16:37.700 He expressed for himself. 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:38.700 Back in chapter two. 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:39.600 Verse 16. 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:41.600 He doesn't want them to run. 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:42.759 Or labor in vain. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:44.639 He describes them. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:46.059 As companions. 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:48.179 Who have labored side by side. 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:49.120 With me in the gospel. 00:16:49.919 --> 00:16:51.120 Together with Clement. 00:16:51.340 --> 00:16:52.779 And the rest of my fellow workers. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:53.840 Whose names. 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:54.440 Are in the book. 00:16:54.440 --> 00:16:54.960 Of life. 00:16:59.760 --> 00:17:00.620 Here's the rub. 00:17:01.340 --> 00:17:03.020 Paul would not overlook. 00:17:04.640 --> 00:17:05.960 Or simply. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:07.440 Accept. 00:17:07.600 --> 00:17:08.460 This conflict. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.220 As an unfortunate. 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:11.940 Background. 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:13.500 Private. 00:17:14.299 --> 00:17:14.860 Dispute. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:18.200 Which was easily offset. 00:17:18.360 --> 00:17:19.400 By the really good. 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.279 Gospel ministry. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:21.019 These two women. 00:17:21.140 --> 00:17:22.120 Were involved in over here. 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:25.319 He wouldn't play that game. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.199 He wouldn't do the trade off. 00:17:33.239 --> 00:17:35.179 Their names are in the book of life. 00:17:35.399 --> 00:17:36.119 Says Paul. 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:38.239 What's the book of life? 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:38.500 Well. 00:17:38.639 --> 00:17:39.239 Among other things. 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:40.339 I'm just going to paraphrase it. 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:41.159 And say something like this. 00:17:41.159 --> 00:17:43.159 It's God's official register. 00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:43.720 Register. 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:43.800 Of those. 00:17:43.800 --> 00:17:45.800 Of those. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.620 Being renewed. 00:17:46.620 --> 00:17:47.860 By God's spirit. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:50.320 For God's glory. 00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:56.480 Why would Paul say that? 00:17:56.680 --> 00:17:57.259 Well it's this. 00:17:58.740 --> 00:18:00.160 The credibility. 00:18:00.160 --> 00:18:01.480 Of their testimony. 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:03.599 As Christians. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.400 As Christian women. 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:07.180 The credibility. 00:18:07.180 --> 00:18:08.259 Of their ministry. 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.960 Would be undermined. 00:18:11.380 --> 00:18:13.200 If on the one hand. 00:18:13.700 --> 00:18:14.720 They were proclaiming. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:16.240 The gospel of reconciliation. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:17.799 And unity in Christ. 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:21.680 While living easily. 00:18:22.559 --> 00:18:24.200 With broken relationships. 00:18:24.200 --> 00:18:25.079 Within the church. 00:18:25.079 --> 00:18:38.939 Second point. 00:18:40.619 --> 00:18:41.099 Recognize. 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:41.799 And welcome. 00:18:42.139 --> 00:18:42.480 The role. 00:18:42.599 --> 00:18:43.259 Other believers. 00:18:43.399 --> 00:18:43.799 In the church. 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:44.279 Have. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:45.379 In the church. 00:18:45.439 --> 00:18:45.639 Family. 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:46.179 Have to play. 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:46.759 Verse three. 00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:48.720 Paul nicely. 00:18:51.240 --> 00:18:51.759 Deploys. 00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:53.559 The resources. 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:54.679 Of the pastor. 00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:55.059 Timothy. 00:18:55.079 --> 00:18:57.759 That's the urgency. 00:18:58.759 --> 00:18:59.980 Help these ladies. 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.159 Find a way. 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:01.960 Through this. 00:19:02.679 --> 00:19:03.159 Dispute. 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:04.579 Back to. 00:19:04.939 --> 00:19:05.819 The mind of Christ. 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:11.480 You. 00:19:11.659 --> 00:19:12.159 Is singular. 00:19:12.379 --> 00:19:12.899 In verse three. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.399 So clearly. 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:13.980 It's a reference. 00:19:14.059 --> 00:19:14.480 To Timothy. 00:19:15.899 --> 00:19:17.159 But verse one. 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:17.619 If you go back. 00:19:17.659 --> 00:19:18.119 To verse one. 00:19:18.159 --> 00:19:18.419 And then. 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:19.539 The verses after. 00:19:19.639 --> 00:19:20.000 Verse four. 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:20.319 And onwards. 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.919 The pronouns. 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:22.419 Are plural. 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:24.319 So. 00:19:24.419 --> 00:19:25.019 I'm one. 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:26.319 I'm going to suggest. 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:26.599 To you. 00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:26.819 That. 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:27.579 That while. 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.059 Timothy. 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:28.639 Was going to take. 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:29.539 The lead in this. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.099 As a matter. 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:30.619 Of first. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.319 Urgency. 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:32.079 For the church. 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:32.579 Family. 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:35.139 That Paul. 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:35.900 Was suggesting. 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:36.980 That the whole. 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:37.819 Church family. 00:19:38.379 --> 00:19:38.660 Has a. 00:19:38.819 --> 00:19:39.379 Has a role. 00:19:39.460 --> 00:19:40.039 To play. 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.440 In the dispute. 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:44.180 Of these two women. 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:45.619 And seeking. 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.180 A resolution. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:46.799 Of that dispute. 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:50.619 How would that be. 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:51.639 Well. 00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:52.319 Because. 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.500 The whole church. 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.039 Family. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:54.659 Then. 00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:55.119 Has a. 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.159 An opportunity. 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.019 And indeed. 00:19:57.059 --> 00:19:57.819 A responsibility. 00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:59.079 To model. 00:19:59.200 --> 00:20:00.079 The mind of Christ. 00:20:00.639 --> 00:20:01.500 To these two women. 00:20:01.879 --> 00:20:02.680 Who are struggling. 00:20:02.819 --> 00:20:03.859 To have the mind of Christ. 00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:05.180 At that particular time. 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:09.180 How might that happen. 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:09.919 Well. 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:11.240 It would. 00:20:11.399 --> 00:20:12.180 The mind of Christ. 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:12.839 Would be seen. 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:14.039 As others. 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:14.619 In the congregation. 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:15.639 Refused. 00:20:15.640 --> 00:20:16.740 To take sides. 00:20:18.540 --> 00:20:18.980 Knowing. 00:20:19.080 --> 00:20:19.820 That taking sides. 00:20:19.820 --> 00:20:20.380 Would create. 00:20:20.580 --> 00:20:21.340 More rivalry. 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:23.680 And division. 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.460 The mind of Christ. 00:20:26.540 --> 00:20:26.660 Would. 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:27.680 Would urge them. 00:20:27.820 --> 00:20:28.080 To move. 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:28.980 Towards each other. 00:20:29.060 --> 00:20:29.520 Constrained. 00:20:29.620 --> 00:20:30.640 By the love of Christ. 00:20:32.040 --> 00:20:32.640 Rather than. 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:33.500 Avoid each other. 00:20:34.560 --> 00:20:35.720 Or simply gossip. 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:36.360 About the problem. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:36.920 With each other. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.520 The mind of Christ. 00:20:40.620 --> 00:20:40.780 Would. 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:41.680 Be praying. 00:20:41.800 --> 00:20:42.540 For generosity. 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.360 Of spirit. 00:20:44.020 --> 00:20:44.740 In these two ladies. 00:20:45.220 --> 00:20:45.620 Preparedness. 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:46.460 To admit wrong. 00:20:46.560 --> 00:20:47.060 Preparedness. 00:20:47.060 --> 00:20:47.920 To seek forgiveness. 00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:49.160 Preparedness. 00:20:49.160 --> 00:20:50.120 To offer forgiveness. 00:20:51.960 --> 00:20:53.360 And for new desire. 00:20:53.800 --> 00:20:54.740 To be as Christ. 00:20:54.860 --> 00:20:55.460 To one another. 00:21:00.420 --> 00:21:01.580 The mind of Christ. 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:02.740 Would urge people. 00:21:02.820 --> 00:21:03.860 To speak God's word. 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:04.160 To them. 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:04.660 As appropriate. 00:21:05.800 --> 00:21:06.620 Which in fact. 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:07.440 Is just speaking. 00:21:07.540 --> 00:21:08.200 The mind of Christ. 00:21:08.280 --> 00:21:08.480 To them. 00:21:08.860 --> 00:21:09.860 Speaking verbally. 00:21:09.940 --> 00:21:10.620 The mind of Christ. 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.180 That they've sort of. 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.320 Get squeezed away from. 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.480 At this particular time. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:16.880 Helping them. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:17.000 Identify. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:17.880 To identify. 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:18.839 And move away. 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.519 From the old. 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.160 Default. 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:21.400 Distorted. 00:21:21.660 --> 00:21:22.140 Sinful. 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:22.880 Mind. 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:30.900 The third thing. 00:21:30.900 --> 00:21:31.880 Paul urges them to do. 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:32.080 Then. 00:21:32.140 --> 00:21:32.820 Is just to go back. 00:21:32.820 --> 00:21:33.360 To basics. 00:21:35.280 --> 00:21:36.040 Verse four. 00:21:37.800 --> 00:21:38.200 Consciously. 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:38.960 Rejoy. 00:21:39.520 --> 00:21:40.700 I've actually used that word. 00:21:40.760 --> 00:21:41.840 To try and highlight it. 00:21:41.920 --> 00:21:42.120 Like that. 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:43.820 Consciously. 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:44.740 Rejoy. 00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:45.460 Yourself. 00:21:46.360 --> 00:21:47.220 By reflecting. 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:48.200 On who you are. 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.220 And what you have. 00:21:49.260 --> 00:21:49.720 In Christ. 00:21:50.900 --> 00:21:51.500 Now this is a command. 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.539 It's not an optional extra. 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:54.839 For Christians. 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:55.640 It's a command. 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:56.940 Which we need. 00:21:58.220 --> 00:21:59.079 To action. 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.559 So how do we do that? 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:01.980 Well. 00:22:02.720 --> 00:22:03.859 I'm playing on the word. 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:04.539 Mind again. 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:06.680 So we need to remind ourselves. 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.119 That is. 00:22:07.599 --> 00:22:07.880 Re. 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:08.599 Mind. 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.180 Re. 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:11.440 Mind yourself. 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:15.579 In a situation of conflict. 00:22:15.579 --> 00:22:16.980 That you're more sinful. 00:22:17.140 --> 00:22:18.500 Than you could ever understand. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:21.019 More loved. 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:22.720 Than you will ever comprehend. 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:25.160 Saved by grace. 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.859 Just like the person. 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:28.900 Who you think has failed you. 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:29.799 And wounded you. 00:22:31.079 --> 00:22:32.579 Or who's annoying you. 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:35.660 Remind yourself. 00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:37.759 That the Lord is working. 00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:38.619 In each of you. 00:22:38.680 --> 00:22:39.640 To bring you to maturity. 00:22:40.900 --> 00:22:41.940 That he wants. 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:42.980 In each of you. 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:43.960 To produce the fruit. 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:44.640 Of righteousness. 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:47.040 That this. 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.300 Conflict. 00:22:48.580 --> 00:22:49.360 Is an opportunity. 00:22:49.820 --> 00:22:50.380 To produce. 00:22:50.780 --> 00:22:51.780 The fruit of righteousness. 00:22:57.100 --> 00:22:58.220 Remind yourself. 00:22:58.920 --> 00:22:59.520 That joy. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.680 Is not about. 00:23:02.100 --> 00:23:03.259 How we feel. 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:04.780 And having. 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:05.860 Hassle free. 00:23:06.180 --> 00:23:06.740 Circumstances. 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:07.160 And living. 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:08.700 But about knowing. 00:23:08.700 --> 00:23:09.780 That we are totally. 00:23:09.780 --> 00:23:10.400 Loved. 00:23:10.520 --> 00:23:11.440 And totally secure. 00:23:11.520 --> 00:23:12.020 In Christ. 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:13.480 And therefore. 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:14.160 Are free. 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.440 To reach out. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:16.799 To others. 00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:18.039 At great personal cost. 00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:18.519 To ourselves. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:20.319 As the mind of Christ. 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:21.299 Led Christ to do. 00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:26.240 Verse five. 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.460 Be known. 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.960 For your reasonableness. 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:34.039 That's a strange. 00:23:34.039 --> 00:23:34.860 Little verse in there. 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:35.240 Isn't it? 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:36.279 Be known. 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:37.680 For your reasonableness. 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.559 I thought about that. 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:39.220 A long time. 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:39.680 Over the last. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.460 Two or three weeks. 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.120 And I've got there. 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:42.559 A sort of. 00:23:42.559 --> 00:23:43.519 Sub point. 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.240 Leading off it. 00:23:44.879 --> 00:23:45.559 Be known. 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:47.059 As a peacemaker. 00:23:48.379 --> 00:23:49.659 Rather than a brawler. 00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:54.460 So what is it. 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.339 To be reasonable. 00:23:55.799 --> 00:23:56.879 In a situation. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.659 Of conflict. 00:23:58.960 --> 00:24:00.059 How will the mind. 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:00.779 Of Christ. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.440 Make us reasonable. 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:03.259 As opposed to being. 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:04.299 Unreasonable. 00:24:05.179 --> 00:24:05.759 And unreasonable. 00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:07.019 Is just hard to deal with. 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:07.359 Isn't it? 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:08.700 When people are being. 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:09.339 Unreasonable. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.220 They're just. 00:24:10.440 --> 00:24:11.740 Impossible to engage with. 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:14.579 So what will. 00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:15.259 How will the mind. 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:15.680 Of Christ. 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.620 Make us reasonable. 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:18.519 Perhaps. 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:19.140 It'll be like this. 00:24:19.500 --> 00:24:19.859 Perhaps. 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.400 Paul's saying. 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:20.559 Look. 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:22.019 Be known. 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:23.400 As the person. 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:23.980 Who is quick. 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:24.839 To take ownership. 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:25.599 In your part. 00:24:25.620 --> 00:24:26.240 Of the conflict. 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:29.700 Be known. 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.380 As the person. 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:31.160 Who is quick. 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:31.900 To move. 00:24:31.900 --> 00:24:32.740 Towards the one. 00:24:32.839 --> 00:24:33.660 Who has wronged you. 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:35.380 And. 00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:49.579 Thank you. 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:50.140 Thank you for listening. 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:51.099 To this recording. 00:24:51.299 --> 00:24:52.759 From Grace Evangelical Church. 00:24:53.120 --> 00:24:54.279 We'd like to apologize. 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.700 For the quality of the audio. 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:56.940 And like to warn you. 00:24:57.359 --> 00:24:57.740 That the. 00:24:58.200 --> 00:24:59.180 Sermon cuts off. 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:00.319 At 24 minutes. 00:25:00.660 --> 00:25:01.180 You still. 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:01.579 However. 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:02.279 May wish. 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:03.519 To listen to. 00:25:03.900 --> 00:25:04.960 The first 24 minutes. 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:06.079 Apologies. 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:07.079 Apologies. 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.039 Apologies.