Bible Passage: Philippians 4:2-3; 1 Cor 6:1-8

I. After dealing with topics such as humility, priority for others, self-sacrifice over self-projection, etc., Paul zeroes in on two individuals, Euodia and Synteche (4:2)

1. They were believers from day #1 of the founding of the church (cf. Acts 16:13)
2. Along with Paul, they contented for the Gospel —Striving in public arena
3. Paul calls them “fellow workers” along with Clement (verse 3)
4. Euodia and Synteche

II. It looks like that Paul was building his case for this moment

III. Paul’s preference is that they would settle their conflict on their own without an external interference (cf. verse 2 “having the same mindset of the Lord”)

IV. But it looks like that the conflict has come to a level that they could not settle the issue on their own

1. It was hurting them and the church
2. It was dishonoring God in Philippi (hurting the cause of Christ)
3. It was not Christians “living worthy of the Gospel” (cf. 1:27; 2:15)

V. Therefore, Paul calls on a “genuine comrade” to help them—to be a mediator

VI. Let’s look at Paul’s teaching on this subject in other places

VII. Paul tells Corinthian Christians categorically that one believer must not sue another believer (1 Cor 6:1-8)

1. Secular judges do not have any standing at the church (1 Cor 6:4)
2. Non-Christians do not share the values of Christians (1 Cor 6:4)
3. Hurts the reputation of Christ (1 Cor 6:6)
4. When Christians are tried in open court, they are witnessed by the non-believers (bad testimony)
5. When they sue another believer, they defeat themselves (verses 7-8)

VIII. When conflicts and disputes happen in relationships, how do we resolve them?

1. Resolve amicably as Paul says, “be of same mind in the Lord” (Phil 4:3; cf. 2:5)
2. Instead of seeking justice in the secular court, they better choose to be a looser (1 Cor 6:7-8)
3. Call for a mediator, who is a matured believer (Phil 4:3 “genuine co-worker” and 1 Cor 6:5 “one among you wise enough”) to “help”

Take Away

Settle your civil disputes and promote God’s honor in your relationships