The King or the Queen

Jeremiah 44:1-30 

God had awfully hard things to say but… he is still talking to his people. Didn’t slam door in their face, tell them “talk to the hand”. Why?? Ex 34.6-7 

And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

This word to Jeremiah didn’t come at beginning of his time in Egypt –

“This word came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in Lower Egypt–in Migdol, Tahpanhes and Memphis–and in Upper Egypt” NIV

Direction based on Nile flow – Upper, incl. Lake Nasser and Aswan High Dam; Lower, incl. Nile Delta and Goshen. Gives some indication of how widely Jewish refugees had dispersed seemingly with little intention to return to Judah. Whatever their motivation, had already decided no enticement strong enough to overcome intense pain from what they saw / experienced at home. Side note: Old Testament first translated from Hebrew to Greek in Alexandria, center of learning and seaport further west from Goshen. Perhaps done by descendants of these refugees. Would be large group that had need of such a translation that would later be of use to 1st century Christians.

What follows this chapter is recapitulation of what had been said 10-20 years prior followed by appendix ch. 52. Chronologically, these are last recorded words of Jeremiah, completely consistent with all had said before. Surprising evidence of Jeremiah’s faithfulness… didn’t turn off his “thus says the Lord” voice and chew them out in own voice… how many times / reminders before they listened. Baruch may have heard Jeremiah say so but no one else.

A. history lesson  v.1-10

the costs of wickedness

had seen calamity / disaster brought by Chaldeans on Jewish people – starvation of men, women, children, disease, death

no question whose “fault” it was, God himself repeatedly declaring he the one responsible for everything they tried to escape

ties directly wicked behavior of everyone… for generations – did so willfully, worshiping gods they didn’t know rather than God they did know

fair warning

could not rightly plead ignorance, lack of opportunity to understand true reasons for experiencing God’s judgment

God by Word and prophets warning, pleading for 800 years, continues with intensity right up to present with Jeremiah

to add to culpability, had clear examples of precisely what God meant, most recently among countrymen north in Israel

no change

warnings, small disasters had no substantial effect, caused no movement of repentance / turning away from sinful idol worship

God turned up heat, harshness of conditions/treatment, eventually for entire nation / people group in both Israel and Judah

result was God’s Word and actions only hardened people in rebellion in spite of God’s pleading with them to humble themselves

B. current events  v.11-14

God isn’t done

continues to warn them – they ran from one catastrophe into another, both result of God’s intentional action to judge

will be some of same actors, primarily Chaldeans God will use to punish rebellious Jews and also humiliate Egyptian gods

take good look: what happened to Jerusalem… when God was “holding back”, using human agents – only minuscule taste of hell

judgment will continue

this not bad karma, simply stuff happening in messed up world – is nothing other than God acting to judge sinful rebellion

geography doesn’t matter to God, punishment will be same, no more or less… b/c God is perfectly just in all he does

hard reminder to Jews their God not a national / tribal deity like some they worshiped, not limited to being a god here, not there

but not without mercy

would be some fugitives from refugees, decided to return to Judah – maybe ones who didn’t want to go to Egypt in first place

God would allow them to return perhaps b/c they had attitude of repentance – details such God’s character not compromised

even when judgment has begin, is proceeding in this life, God always open to sincere repentance and ready to show mercy

C. tell someone who cares  v.15-19

plugged ears

how to find words to properly characterize these rebels – God speaking, had fingers in ears, came right out said “will not listen”

not entirely a surprise, ancestors doing same for centuries – really is common behavior of every lost person whether openly stated or not, determined not to hear what God is saying

a law to themselves

followed up with brazen declaration, would continue doing own thing – their lawlessness would lead to more of the same

that kind of behavior not new either, seen in first chapters of Genesis starting w/Eve, continued with Cain and Lamech and more

excuses

sin-clouded minds turned reality on its head: reason for hardship… they stopped worshiping “queen of heaven” – really b/c were doing it to begin with

women followed Eve’s example, blame game, just doing it b/c husbands gave permission… iow expected them to do it

D. here it is anyway  v.20-30

choosing the queen

Jeremiah not buying it, straightens out their reasoning – probably convinced no one but… on the record for hearing truth

God’s position: they made choice of queen over king, determined to persist in worshiping idol of their own choosing

go your way

God declares those who have made evil choice will surely follow their desire path – even if thought might change their mind, would not be permitted to, hardness of heart confirmed

once again the promise of a few, a small number who would survive and return to Judah, serve as witnesses of outcome

God still rules

geographic boundaries don’t define God’s rule, nor do political boundaries – God just as sovereign over Pharaoh as Nebuchadnezzar

certainly not God’s purpose to destroy a people simply b/c he could – gracious and merciful and holy and just

Sure Jeremiah wished had good things to tell his people but… no choice but to communicate what God told him to say. If Jeremiah were walking streets of our cities, what kinds of words would he have for those he meets? Expect would sound much like words he had for Jewish people. Would include both words of warning and of promised mercy. God’s word has been around for more than 3000 years and as relevant today as when first spoken b/c God is.

Is a warning here should encourage unsaved friends / loved ones to heed: one who is determined to do own thing for now, maybe think about God later may not be able to do that. Can reach point like Pharaoh where God says “ok, have your own way… for always” (v.25-26) Turn to him in faith now, don’t count on later. They may be ancient words but are still true.

 

The Fort of God’s Peace

Philippians 4:4-7 

Consider conditions in Roman Empire when Phil. was written – uncertain future for writer, would he live or die and when / how. Challenging daily existence for readers, would grow even more dangerous.

“It is an exhortation suited to the times; for, as the condition of the pious was exceedingly troublous, and dangers threatened them on every side, it was possible that they might give way, overcome by grief or impatience. Hence he enjoins it upon them, that, amidst circumstances of hostility and disturbance, they should nevertheless rejoice in the Lord, as assuredly these spiritual consolations, by means of which the Lord refreshes and gladdens us, ought then most of all to show their efficacy when the whole world tempts us to despair.” Calvin

Circumstances then as now make difficult to see how angels’ declaration can be right:

Luk 2:13-14 suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Wonder when that will happen, sure doesn’t look/sound very peaceful in world today. Is how usually think, world peace, end of wars and the like. How about we read it this way “peace among those with whom he is pleased!” ESV It makes more sense when include Jesus’ words:

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Paul elaborates on kind of peace Jesus talked about, what every child of God should experience. Thanks to sin in world, don’t enjoy 100%, that’s for next life. But… can be regular part of this life.

Remember evidence of Spirit’s presence (Gal. 5:22-23) in life of believer: love, joy, peace – #2 & 3 central to our text. If these are “fruit of the Spirit” means they are not things we manufacture by ourselves – certainly can stifle their expression but are naturally stimulated by ongoing presence of Spirit. Keep in mind too… Paul not making suggestions here… is giving divinely directed instruction, “do this”.

A. rejoice  v.4

definition

“Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good.” –Locke.

have emotions, should express them (Jesus did) but need not govern life – mind should be in charge, more in v. 8-9 next time

source

joy (john 16:20-24) and peace for Christian ultimately rest on Christ, are found in Christ, will be fully experienced with Christ

people seek happiness in many places / things / relationships – genuine lasting joy worth pursuing found only in Christ

joy and sorrow together

joy and sorrow can and often do co-exist – experience both in life, just b/c one is predominant doesn’t mean other is absent

both present and expressed in Jesus’ ministry life – wept at Lazarus tomb, over Jerusalem, called “Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”  Isa. 53:3 

and… “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 

happiness / pleasure comes and goes, joy endures… always

happiness usually result of current circumstances, can be diminished or encouraged by what we expect, may/may not be justified

joy result of current experience and future expectation – begins with objective truth, what we know to be true about Jesus

B. tread softly  v.5

with graciousness, mildly, kindly, patiently

were occasions when Jesus caused ruckus… pushing back against oppression of others – general character not like that

Jesus a gentle shepherd, patiently compassionate – was enemies breaking bruised reeds, Jesus binding up broken hearted

summarized in 1Cor 13.7 

“bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” – especially hard to do, contrary to way of the world

be encouraged, Jesus didn’t give example then say “go do it” – said “follow me”, not expecting us to do entirely on our own

he is near, he sees, he defends

source of joy, peace, strength, help within reach and responsive – someone enters room, entire mood changes: Jesus always in room w/his people

Psa 34.7 “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” …from dangers to our souls

C. pray  v.6

in all situations: Psa 55.22, 1Pet 5.7 

“Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you”  “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

too often wait until trouble comes, need to be proactive… seeking God’s help before we think is needed, before we make worse

ask with thanksgiving

is how to pray in faith, thanking God for what he has done and will do, being close by, responsive, sufficient to meet all needs

sets mind up to approach circumstances with right mindset, trusting God to direct both thoughts/actions and the outcome

make it God’s problem

whatever would diminish your joy or trouble your peace by your hanging on to it – let God manage it however he chooses

then let God do it… w/o trying to help him – if it’s God’s problem, no need to be anxious, fretful, impatient… and he helps with that… when you ask him

D. enjoy peace  v.7

rejoicing/praying/thanking -> peace

all this designed by God to facilitate result, peace of mind / heart… kind that cannot be explained… apart from God supplying it

God’s kind of peace leads to greater joy which encourages thankful praying and results in richer experience of God’s peace – not formula/recipe, requires constant effort

closes the loop on anxiety

can’t be at peace and anxious at same time – when in mode of relishing Jesus and his presence and how he cherishes his people, rest will more naturally fall into place

at same time need to keep wits, not allow to lose focus, when happens is ok to talk to self… Psalmist did so frequently

filters and directs inputs

God and his peace coming through Lord Jesus will keep troubling things at distance, give wisdom to properly use what enters

don’t forget: protection is inside the fort… don’t stick head out window into danger: worry, temptation, sinful responses

According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote in 433 AD –

“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise.”

When that series of thoughts influences framework of thinking, his joy will be larger portion of experience, we will be less troubled by circumstances. Whether joys or trials, can depend on Christ to be our portion.

 

A Bad Response to Good Counsel

Jeremiah 41:16-43:13 

Probably easy to find fault with Jews of Jeremiah’s day. Surely was “mixed multitude”, much same as culture in world today regardless of specific locale. Would perhaps have been some who really believed true God, sought to obey as best they could. Then those who followed other gods, some who followed no god other than self-interest. Record given in Bible focuses on details of key players, not so much on others. Much taking place to make average people uneasy, even fearful of what might happen next.

Serious situation here, death of one Nebuchadnezzar appointed as governor of Judah left defeated people with no designated leader. Bible refers to people as sheep… for good reason – Jesus spoke of people “weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” Matt 9.36 . Can also add fearful and anxious to that. Not sure who to follow, not knowing what Nebuchadnezzar would do when he found out about Gedaliah. Had heard what God said through Jeremiah, also what other neighbors / political and religious leaders said about God’s expectations. Was more than true believers could do to stay in the land w/o strong leadership – would rightly be considered a remnant of the remnant. All they could manage was to go along with majority rather than be left behind to face whatever would happen.

From our time and place only having written record to help understand their situation, think we probably do better than they did. Maybe… maybe not. Are things we can certainly avoid doing, learning from their example and with God’s help doing better.

A. validate our choice  41:16-42:6

rescue a good thing

Ammonites troubled Hebrew children for generations, beginning during time of judges – would oppress, treat captives harshly

Johanan spared sin of assassinating Ishmael but… in spite of God’s mercy Johanan determined to keep doing things own way

no idea his motivation but did acted in way that inspired some confidence – other leaders, former political figures, common folk willing to follow him

proper response to fear

good at time of FUD to seek clarification from God what to do – find out if understanding what he said before still accurate

Jeremiah showed pastor’s heart, of course I’ll pray for you – reassures them he won’t keep any secrets, fudge the truth

Zedekiah set horrible example, making big promises/vows, leaders and people followed, swearing to do whatever God said

 “God told me”

rightly wonder what they were thinking, already traveled toward Egypt – seems actions put lie to promise of obedience to God

were hoping God would agree, tell them what they were doing was ok? so even if turned out badly could blame God for it

sure does seem to be lack of sincerity, honesty in both request and vow – perhaps conscience told what to do, only half listened

B. the right answer but… 42:7-22

delayed answer

would God have waited 10 days before responding to voice mail if everything all right? did he need to figure out correct answer?

no, issue not on God’s end, more likely questioners need to learn some things, use time to carefully consider what God had told them already… more than once

if people really wanted to hear from God and obey and too impatient to wait, could have asked prophet to pray again

do not be afraid

greatest most obvious problem was their fear of the one they knew was acting as God’s instrument, w/i boundaries God set

deeper problem – they lacked confidence in God and his ability/commitment to deliver from king’s power, iow lacking faith

another complication, continued rebellion / determination to do it their own way instead of trusting God they couldn’t see

disobedience will cost

warning of serious and even fatal consequences… again… if they choose disobedience – God makes clear should not trust sight

would not experience from what they feared, what had demoralized/worn them out – hardship, war would follow even to Egypt

more important… God would not protect them from harm and hardship, would not bless abundantly while disobeying him

Jeremiah calls them out for their insincerity/hypocrisy/self delusion – had no intention of obeying God unless he agreed w/them

C. fear rules  43:1-7

showed true colors

Jeremiah had torn off their mask, no point any longer in keeping up pretense – choice now of how to respond to disclosure

leaders and people alike determined to do what they thought best – all reminders, warnings, hardship, humiliation of defeat not enough to break hearts of stone

all that may influence neighbors and loved ones, requires work of God directly (not through means) to give light and life

blame game

perhaps didn’t dare to accuse God, instead blamed his mouthpiece for lying, really charged Jeremiah with being a false prophet

not satisfied with that, included Baruch in accusations also – trying to create diversion… look at Jeremiah… look at Baruch… don’t look at us who are doing wrong, sinning against God

unwilling evacuees

doesn’t say were taken by force but… would Jeremiah and Baruch have willingly gone to Egypt when God made plain not to

Jeremiah would have opportunities for pastoral ministry in Egypt esp. if others compelled to go who wanted to stay

D. the other shoe drops  43:8-13

when not if

another message with visual aids from God to his people – seems like God uses object lessons when really bad stuff will happen

no question events will take place just as God says – another opportunity for people to rethink choice, go back to Judah

false security

can readily understand why people would want to escape horrors of war, move to where will be safe from the aggressor

perhaps thought Egypt safe b/c Chaldeans retreated from Jerusalem when they thought Egyptians were coming to help

made mistake even Christians make: deciding on course of action as result of human wisdom rather than God’s direction

God rules

would God have brought Nebuchadnezzar to Egypt if Israelites hadn’t gone there? possibly, punishing them not all God had in mind, planned to accomplish

God would show superiority / rulership over his people and false gods of Egypt… once again as he had during time of Moses

Book doesn’t end with 43:6 and Jeremiah going with people into wrong self-imposed exile. Don’t know all the details, that’s ok, God apparently not upset with Jeremiah and Baruch. Continued to use Jeremiah as spokesman, Baruch as official recorder for remainder of Jeremiah’s life.

Our circumstances not nearly as dire as Jews of Jeremiah’s day. Many times when can’t see road ahead clearly, what we can see is unsettling and maybe appears wrong. Regardless of situation or time in history or place in world, right thing to do always: trust the Lord to lead us… when it makes sense, when it doesn’t. Remember Isa. 43:2 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Can safely rest on Jesus and be confident he will bring us safely home.

 

 

Live a New Life

Romans 6:4-6

 Text talks about newness of life, our old man, slaves of sin, gives some idea that things are not all they should be. That everyone faces death at some point another clue. Problem something we don’t like to talk about, even less want to admit to. But praise God there is more to story.

John 3.16-21 God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world. Those who believe in him won’t be condemned. But those who don’t believe are already condemned because they don’t believe in God’s only Son. This is why people are condemned: The light came into the world. Yet, people loved the dark rather than the light because their actions were evil. People who do what is wrong hate the light and don’t come to the light. They don’t want their actions to be exposed. But people who do what is true come to the light so that the things they do for God may be clearly seen. God’s Word to the Nations Bible

So what is the reason for what we’re doing this morning?

[Ordinances] were given so that by our use of them God might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel. And this is God’s gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone [through faith alone] because of Christ’s one sacrifice finished on the cross.

Christ instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly his blood and his Spirit wash away my soul’s impurity, in other words, all my sins.

The one who has believed God’s gospel promise and received eternal life, life that never ends, doesn’t have to wait for new life to begin. Starts at moment of conversion, continues from there. Some might think – I got saved a long time ago, been walking this road a lot of miles; I get idea of new life for new Christian, aren’t I kinda old for that now? Paul, 2nd letter to church at Corinth: “even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:16, NET) Doesn’t matter how old in the faith we are, each day should be getting a little more like Jesus… thinking, saying, doing what is pleasing to him.

Paul by no means new believer… yet included himself: we were buried, we should walk, we should no longer… This “new” way of life never to become “old” way, is to remain with us, describing us for duration.

What are some of characteristics Paul had in mind that display newness following conversion and baptism?

1. under new ownership

no longer slaves of sin but slaves of righteousness  (Rom. 6:17-18)

come into this world enslaved in sin – Rom. 5:12 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned;”

only God can “deliver us from the power of darkness and convey us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,” (Col. 1:13)

God breaks every chain that enslaves, every thing that binds us to sin and Satan and darkness, sets us free to be joined inseparably to Christ… forever, puts his mark on us… mark of his Spirit “the guarantee of our inheritance” (Eph. 1:14)

2. guided by new principles

ones that lead to holiness (1 Pet. 1:15)

the God who called us is holy, the Christ who purchased us is holy, the Spirit who brought us to life is holy, we must be holy, set apart from world, devoted to Christ and his use

seeking kingdom of God first (Matt. 6:33)

things world thinks important / significant, if they show up at all are secondary – first question: is what I’m about to do pleasing to God? second question: how can I use what God has entrusted to me for his glory and advance of Christ’s kingdom?

3. have new motives

living to please God rather than self (Matt. 16:24)

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me.”

obeying from the heart rather than for reward (John 14:23)

Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them.

motivated by love for others (John 15:12)

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – the kind of love that seeks what is best for the other person  – remember what Jesus’ love for us cost him

4. pursue new objective

to be like Christ (Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:2)

“predestined to be conformed to the likeness of Christ” – to become more like him daily so those who see us know who we belong to – beauty of it all is one day we will be like him

times we miss the mark not failures – are opportunities to demonstrate God’s love and forgiveness to sinful people

to glorify God by doing his will (Col 3:17, 23)

why don’t people get converted, baptized, then off to heaven? Jesus no longer in world so his people are completing his work, making Jesus look good

5. experience new emotions

inexpressible joy (1 Pet. 1:8; John 16:20, 22, 24; 17:13)

most-repeated concept in Jesus’ farewell: that his followers would have joy, fullness of joy, joy that no one could take away, not subject to circumstances

hatred of sin (Rom. 7:15; 12:9)

closer we are to Jesus, more he fills our vision, more hateful sin appears, greater our desire to avoid it at all costs – not case of how much like world can we be without crossing line

sorrow over the lost (Rom. 9:2-3; Phil. 3:18-19)

Jesus sought forgiveness for those who rejected, crucified him – one living new life sees more clearly than ever destiny of the lost, is brokenhearted over loved ones, friends

6. given new hope

hope of glory (Col. 1:27)

not a “wish so” kind of hope, a real hope / confidence because we have Christ in us, the hope of our eventual glory

hope of eternal life (1 Pet. 1:3-5)

does not depend on us fanning the flame to keep hope alive – is the power of God that preserves us and maintains hope

7. inherit new possessions

peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7)

peace that guards hearts and minds from turmoil, discouragement, anything that would take focus off Lord Jesus

an inheritance (Rom 8:17)

joint-heirs with Christ of an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven, waiting for day when we will take possession of it

every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3)

absolutely nothing we need to live pleasing to God – material or spiritual – that he is not ready to supply abundantly

So here is the question:

“Is there something about your life and activities that cannot be explained in ordinary terms and can only be explained in terms of your relationship to the Lord Jesus? Lloyd-Jones

With God’s help, our committed dependence on him, availing ourselves of means of grace – preaching / teaching of Word, prayer, ordinances – faithfully encouraging one another, we all can walk in newness of life.

Be of the Same Mind

Philippians 4:2-3

People of God always been under pressure, individually and corporately, from time they were outnumbered: pressured to conform to whatever majority decides. Pressure comes not only from those in power, also from those who haven’t been converted. Apostle exhorts believers in Rome to pay attention, “not be conformed to the pattern of this world”. Instead, urges them… and us… to be transformed, to develop with God’s help a radically different way of thinking. As that happens, child of God becomes more like Jesus, less like the world, at least is how supposed to work.

In this country, have done as Eliashib the priest in last chapter Nehemiah. Gave fellow basically hostile to God studio apartment inside Temple. Similar has happened in church in America – given world rooms in the church: methods and principles the world treasures being adopted and followed in Christ’s church. Must not do that – if principle we follow appears like way world does something, let it be they copy the church, not other way round. Especially important when differences among members of church family arise. Must act according to principles found in God’s word the Bible w/o fail.

NOTE: seems like too much of what is being said publicly and probably privately now is filled with acrimony: “Bitter, sharp animosity, especially as exhibited in speech or behavior.” Amer. Heritage Dict. Webster’s from 100 years ago, first definition: “A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others” Must not be like that, helps if we don’t listen when others display acrimonious quality. Must heed clear instruction plus Jesus’ example in thought and conversation.

A. the same frame of mind

a big deal

great potential for much damage if situation not brought to proper godly resolution – what happens in Dodge rarely stays there

concern for what would to personal relationships beyond the two, had already become public enough for Paul to name names

even though Paul thinking about potential for church split, doesn’t solve it for them – reminds them of what needs to happen

content to let godly wisdom among true believers coupled with ministry of Holy Spirit to carry the day – leave outcome with Lord

substantial difference

not simple thing like color of carpet in meeting place, don’t laugh, made local news, brought shame on both Christ and church

apparently really matter of principle, not preference – remember, making it up as they go, didn’t have complete NT like we do

precise issue not identified, not necessary, helps later readers profit, apply to their own situation, resolve important issues well

given history/commendation, “these women who labored with me in the gospel”, don’t believe would pick fight/get exercised over secondary things, something genuinely trivial

need for unity

not peace/unity at any cost, esp. anything that would compromise sound doctrine and understanding about the Gospel

said on previous “page” “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” – wants them to settle on solution showing that

not new idea, not unimportant – Jesus “preoccupied” with unity/oneness among followers when facing death in few short hours

differences don’t have to disappear, rather set aside so those who love Jesus work together in godly way pursuing same purpose

B. the same Lord

right beginning

“in the Lord” favorite phrase, >40x in letters, 9x in Phil. – as work this out (and later) act as if Jesus sitting there at same table

follow his example laid out in Gospels, strive for Jesus’ way of thinking, see people/things from his perspective, act as he would

sound biblical principles must never be sacrificed even though they may be ordered: what is of first importance, secondary, etc

preferences about way principles applied to situations don’t need to be same – have liberty to differ with proper mind and act

right help

whatever specifics were, apparent difference beyond ability of women to sort out – interpersonal communication vitally important but imperfect

perhaps unwittingly using different definitions, parallel conversations, needed other ears/eyes to clarify root issue and resolve

not clear who true partner was but… someone Paul and church knew / trusted – could act as peacemaker/mediator to reconcile

if others in church family have insight, expected they would help process along to goal of genuine gospel-centered reconciliation

right service

had already been of invaluable service in Gospel ministry, working side by side with Paul along with Clement and other laborers

unstated desire for resolution to conflict so future working together is possible – had been effective in past, could be again

task of bringing Gospel to all who need it so large it requires everyone working together in church family to achieve goal, completing work Jesus began and then entrusted to followers

C. the same Book

shared destiny

apparently no doubt everyone Paul had in mind to be considered true converts – Paul not one to say so if not convinced by consistent evidence

city seen by John that had Lamb for it’s light one with controlled entry: “there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Rev. 21:27 

another encouragement to sorting out differences in this life – is good preparation for spending all of eternity together in Jesus’ presence

also clear strong differences not disqualifier – far more important how we deal with them, doing so in way that sets good example

clear identity

if was obvious to apostle these friends were Christian brothers and sisters, was also apparent to friends / neighbors they were motivated by principles other than what world endorses

how they behaved toward one another observed by all sorts of people… in the church… in the world – opportunity for influence

often not necessary to announce identity, what we model for family togetherness makes clear who we belong to, follow

single purpose

to become as much like Jesus as possible incl. his single-minded focus on doing his Father’s work… centered on Gospel

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1Pe 3:15 

means must give people reason to ask about our hope – conversation w/Hospice social worker, how many make poor decisions esp. about end of life things b/c have no hope

whether rejoicing as next verse urges or sorrowing can with God’s help do so with hope

Should strive to not allow differences to divide us from one another. When we see it happening, help sort it out to the glory of God and for sake of Gospel. Can be of one mind and heart b/c God’s people have so much in common including Holy Spirit who indwells us. What draws together and binds together not limiting but blessing, foretaste of what we will enjoy in fullness forever.