Defiant Joy: A Study On PhilippiansSample

DAY 8: JOY THAT DEFIES DIVISION

Division has crept into our country, our public discourse, our families, and even the Church. 

Paul understood the consequences of this and the toll it takes on our souls, which is why unity was his highest priority. For example, in Galatians 2, Paul passionately “opposed Peter to his face,” but then later reconciled with him. Paul recognized the importance of unity and unity takes work.

This is the context for Philippians 4 when Paul pleads with two Philippian women to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (v. 2). Euodia and Syntyche were two Christian women who were key players in the spread of the gospel. These women very well could have risked their lives for the mission of God, but disunity undermined their relationship. 

After urging these women toward unity, Paul gives a series of instructions in verses 4-9—action steps for maintaining their unity with one another:

1. Rejoice (v. 4) – Joy is a counterintuitive tool against division. Very often, division occurs when something other than Christ is made central. That’s the amazing thing about rejoicing in God and expressing gratitude. When we shift our focus off of the source of our division and onto the goodness of God, it shifts our perspective. It reminds us what we hold in common. 

2. Be gentle (v. 5) – When we pound people into submission with our words we might win the battle, but we will probably lose the war. Communication breaks down under the weight of slander, harsh words, unfair generalizations, and brazen self-righteousness. If we want to avoid disunity, we must wield our words with fear and trembling. 

3. Do not be anxious (v. 6) – So much division in our world comes from unfounded fears. It is for this simple reason that God repeatedly commands “Do not fear.” Fear is a liar, an instigator, an aggressor, and the source of much division today.

4. Pray (v. 6) – Go to God first. While it’s important to seek wise counsel, too often we stray into gossip and slander under the guise of seeking advice. ALWAYS go first to God in prayer. 

This passage reminds us that unity takes work—unity never happens on its own. The natural momentum of community is toward brokenness. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are constantly resisting the rupture of misunderstandings and relationship breakdowns. Joy is a part of that resistance. It’s just one more reason God invites us to choose joy.