Introduction: Remember: it is not about you or me, but about the glory of God! When our will, agenda, or personality clashes with others in the church, we need to sit back and ask the question, why? Our devotion today does not explain in detail the whole situation between these two ladies in the church of Philippi. But the inspired writings by Paul to the church while imprisoned in Rome reveal their division. Therefore, he urges them to “be at peace”—work together instead of opposing each other, thus creating disunity. So how does God the Holy Spirit lead him to communicate to the church? Check it out:

 

1. Through encouragement to Euodias (Philippians 4:2) – “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”

 

Ironically, the name Euodias is Εὐοδία, which means fine travelling. “I beseech Euodias.”

 

The word “encouragement” is παρακαλέω, which has multiple meanings. It can mean:

 

1. Properly to call near (as to receive or give help)

2. To implore, entreat (to urgently ask for mercy or help)

3. To exhort (to urgently counsel, encourage, or admonish)

4. To comfort

 

The old saying is true: “If you pet your dog on his head, he will wag his tail.” To put it another way: “You can catch more flies with honey rather than vinegar.”

 

Her name means “happy event.” Syntyche was a Christian woman at Philippi. Evidently, she and Euodias had a big disagreement. By the way, it is okay to disagree, but we do not need to be disagreeable. In other words: do not have a bad attitude. Do you ever have a bad attitude? Need an AA… attitude adjustment?

 

3. Through encouragement for unity (Philippians 4:2–3) – “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.”

 

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Two working together can get more done than one if they work together. Are you a team player?

 

1. Yoked together, co-yoked

2. A colleague

3. Syzygus, a Christian

 

While in the Philippines on a mission trip, this pastor noticed on many farms in rural settings there were two oxen pulling a cart or a plow—working together. Needless to say, it helped lighten the load! Isn’t it great when someone helps lighten your heavy load?

Remember: what goes around comes around!

 

Conclusion: Lastly, Paul references those co-laborers whose names were written in the book of life. While we have differing spiritual gifts in the church, the key to working with others is maturity.

 

Maturity + Diversity = Unity

Let’s work together!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese