Philippians 1:27-30 GR 623

As Paul discusses the suffering he has been enduring, he wants the Philippian believers to realize they too are confronted by opposition and pressure. It often happens that we divide under pressure. We see this even in our homes. If you men have been under pressure in your jobs, you may find yourselves coming home and having an argument with your wife or children. Or the wife may have a difficult day with the children, and when her husband comes home there's a conflict. This very same thing happens in the church. As long as things are going smoothly and there is no pressure, we think everything is great. But when the pressure comes there is the danger that we will divide and go after one another. That is why even though this book is described as an epistle of joy, Paul puts a strong emphasis on unity. As the pressure builds, our tendency is to try to release the pressure in an attack on someone else.