Paul calls the church his beloved, and his joy and crown.
- They have the same joy, thus making his joy complete.
- Do I consider others in the church to be a joy or a burden?
* How do others affect me?
- Two words for "crown"
* diadem - crown of royalty
* stefanos - crown a victor wears. This is the word Paul used.
* The church is his reward for victory - He finds strength in them.
How do I paint the picture of my relationship with the church? Are they my strength?
In verse 2, Euodia and Syntyche are not like-minded and are at odds. Paul urges them in verse 3 to bring about correction. Galatians 6:1 - Restore each other gently.
1 Corinthians 1:10 - We are either complete in the same mind, or we are divided.
Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all men --> It is active and takes effort on our part.
Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord! our joy is found in God. Despite our circumstances, we should be full of joy because of God.
vs. 5 - Gentle spirit, forbearing spirit - we must continue to strive in our gentleness and humility. If we rejoice always, it will be evident to everyone that we have joy.
vs. 6 "Anxious" - apply deep thought to something, which causes division in your mind. Everywhere else in the Bible it refers to the way we think. By not trusting God, we cause a division among ourselves.
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