In/Joy Life
Philippians 4:1-3
Reducing Conflict With Others – Philippians 4:1-3
Introduction
1. We all have conflict and strife in our lives, and we all struggle with knowing how to handle disputes that arise between people, as a result of the conflict.
a. How do you tend to deal with disputes that come between you and other people?
b. Have you ever allowed a dispute to ruin a relationship that you once valued? What was the hardest part about losing that relationship?
c. Have you ever salvaged a relationship that was affected by a dispute? What was the reward of choosing to salvage that relationship?
d. How much does the fact that you are a Christian give you extra incentive to work hard to resolve disputes and maintain relationships with people?
Discussion Questions
2. In verse 2, Paul pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to “agree with each other,” or “be of the same mind” in the Lord. Why is this an important command? Reconsider the other times Paul wrote this command in his letter to the Philippian church? (Phil 2:2 & 2:5)
a. What effect do you think their broken relationship was having on the rest of the church?
b. What does it mean to “agree in the Lord” or “be of the same mind in the Lord”? What would that look like in your life?
c. Does this mean that we can’t disagree? Is there room in the church for different opinions?
d. How should we respond to disagreements within our church or small group?
3. What was the role of the “loyal yokefellow,” Clement, and the rest of Paul’s fellow workers in this dispute between these women?
a. Have you ever been involved in helping others work through a disagreement? What was the most difficult part of being a “peacemaker”?
b. How important is it that we strive to be peacemakers in our homes, at work, and in our church?
c. Is this ability to help others work through a dispute something that everyone is called to do in their life? Is this something that can be learned, or is it a “spiritual gift”?
