Find the Harmony

Scott Beyer
11/21/23 - Bulletin

“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2)

            Can you imagine being called out for your grudge like these two women were?  Their problems with each other must have been bad enough that the whole church knew about their frustration with one another!  Paul praises them both as fellow workers, for they had both helped him and made great sacrifices for the gospel.  They both loved Jesus, but they didn’t really like each other much.

            Paul told them to live in harmony.  You can’t have harmony unless you have different notes.  The church is full of good people who love Jesus and work hard to serve Him, but we are all different from each other, and that can be a struggle or a blessing. We get to decide.  Harmony doesn’t mean we are all the same – it means that we find a way to enjoy how the different notes weave together as a single chord.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 4:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

Share Online