Paul often concludes his letters with some comments to individuals and general exhortations how to live. He knew these people and he gave them personal messages to help them in their walk with God. However, in so doing, he also gives us guidance for our lives.
“I entreat [you] to agree in the Lord.” Paul knew that harmony is important in the mission of the church. But this isn’t agreement for the sake of agreement, nor is it the ubiquitous, “We’ll just have to agree to disagree.” Paul literally calls to these Christians to think in Christ. They are to remember that together they are sisters in Christ. What is more, whatever their argument is, they are to come together in God’s Law to do what He has called us to do, and live together in His Gospel being forgiven and forgiving one another.
Too often we Christians walk away from conflict for the sake of harmony, and in truth we then experience no reconciliation. If we are in Christ together it means that we mutually see our sins and confess them to one another. Instead of glossing over differences we dig into them – speaking the truth in love, with gentleness and respect – and take them to the Lord in prayer studying His Word so that we can come out thinking the same way; God’s way. Ultimately our opinion does not matter and we are submitting ourselves to our Lord Jesus.
As uncomfortable as that is, the exhortation to rejoice in the Lord is essential. Jesus, out of his love for us was crucified and rose to bring us back to God. That overarches any troubles we can have in the world since it is the ultimate message of God’s love for us.
“Let your gentleness be known to all.” The word gentleness can also mean kindness, and that might be a better image for what we are being called to do here. Gentleness has taken on a sense of weakness in our culture. However, kindness often requires a conscious choice and shows in our conduct during conflict, our dealing with others, and many different aspects of our lives. Kindness fits nicely with Christian love, because we are looking out for others. Kindness also does not allow people to harm themselves, so we too will reach out to the hurting, and those who are lost in unbelief. Amazingly, when we serve God this way, we find that He gives us peace.
“Finally” (Paul says for the second time in this letter) “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Much of life draws us to the least common denominator. We are called out of the least into God’s glory. We do well to think about that, and to rejoice in the things that God rejoices in.
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, . . .” Now that’s a statement! Paul is saying, “Follow in my footsteps, because I am following Jesus.” As forgiven citizens of God’s kingdom, how now shall we live? We cling to Calvary’s Cross for forgiveness, and run to Jesus’ empty tomb to know our salvation is won, and then we follow Him. And as we follow Jesus, telling others about Him, we become an example of what God can do in their lives. It’s a real message of grace that as we follow Jesus, we can also lead others to Him.
Father in Heaven, through your Paul you have given many good thoughts on how to live. Help me to follow him, and in so doing follow Jesus so that I might lead someone to Him, too. Amen
“I entreat [you] to agree in the Lord.” Paul knew that harmony is important in the mission of the church. But this isn’t agreement for the sake of agreement, nor is it the ubiquitous, “We’ll just have to agree to disagree.” Paul literally calls to these Christians to think in Christ. They are to remember that together they are sisters in Christ. What is more, whatever their argument is, they are to come together in God’s Law to do what He has called us to do, and live together in His Gospel being forgiven and forgiving one another.
Too often we Christians walk away from conflict for the sake of harmony, and in truth we then experience no reconciliation. If we are in Christ together it means that we mutually see our sins and confess them to one another. Instead of glossing over differences we dig into them – speaking the truth in love, with gentleness and respect – and take them to the Lord in prayer studying His Word so that we can come out thinking the same way; God’s way. Ultimately our opinion does not matter and we are submitting ourselves to our Lord Jesus.
As uncomfortable as that is, the exhortation to rejoice in the Lord is essential. Jesus, out of his love for us was crucified and rose to bring us back to God. That overarches any troubles we can have in the world since it is the ultimate message of God’s love for us.
“Let your gentleness be known to all.” The word gentleness can also mean kindness, and that might be a better image for what we are being called to do here. Gentleness has taken on a sense of weakness in our culture. However, kindness often requires a conscious choice and shows in our conduct during conflict, our dealing with others, and many different aspects of our lives. Kindness fits nicely with Christian love, because we are looking out for others. Kindness also does not allow people to harm themselves, so we too will reach out to the hurting, and those who are lost in unbelief. Amazingly, when we serve God this way, we find that He gives us peace.
“Finally” (Paul says for the second time in this letter) “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Much of life draws us to the least common denominator. We are called out of the least into God’s glory. We do well to think about that, and to rejoice in the things that God rejoices in.
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, . . .” Now that’s a statement! Paul is saying, “Follow in my footsteps, because I am following Jesus.” As forgiven citizens of God’s kingdom, how now shall we live? We cling to Calvary’s Cross for forgiveness, and run to Jesus’ empty tomb to know our salvation is won, and then we follow Him. And as we follow Jesus, telling others about Him, we become an example of what God can do in their lives. It’s a real message of grace that as we follow Jesus, we can also lead others to Him.
Father in Heaven, through your Paul you have given many good thoughts on how to live. Help me to follow him, and in so doing follow Jesus so that I might lead someone to Him, too. Amen
Comments