Think the Same Way in the Lord

Through the apostle John's experience of seeing with his own eyes Christ seated on the throne and the book of life, this passage emphasizes that God's justice and judgment are real. John had only vaguely believed in Jesus' cross and resurrection, without any deep understanding of his return and judgment, but on facing the glory of the throne he saw clearly his own sin and ignorance. God records every human word and deed, one by one, in the books, and declares that he will judge by them.

The sermon points to the situation in the church in Philippi, where Euodia and Syntyche quarreled, unable to think the same way in the Lord, and makes clear that conflict in the church arises from a clash between human pride and God's authority. Rather than insisting on their own opinions and ways, believers must obey Christ's commands and show one another gentleness and give way to one another. Because quarrels in the church are a sin that makes souls stumble and divides the church, believers must hold down their tempers and entrust all their worries to the Holy Spirit.

God delights in believers who live with steadfast faith and just lives, and he examines their lives just as he examines the life of the world. Believers should have wisdom and live honestly in the world, but within the church they should humbly choose the lower place and seek harmony. The sermon warns believers to remember the day they will stand before the throne, since the small quarrels of today can bring eternal loss. Can believers enjoy God's peace by forgiving and building up one another, and live without shame as members of the body of Christ?