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Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ). Philippians 2:3 reads as follows:
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
The Greek word ( Greek [ 2052 ] ) for the word "strife," in the above-given passage from the Holy Bible, is defined as follows:
"prop. intrigue, i.e. (by impl.) faction." [ See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 41. ). ]
The word "intrigue," in the above-given definition, is defined as follows:
". . . n. 1 The working for an end by secret or underhand means; a plot or scheme. . . ." [ See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 514. ]
The word "faction," in the definition of Greek word ( Greek [ 2052 ] ) above, is defined as follows:
". . . n. 1 A number of persons combined for a common purpose. 2 A party within a party; an irregular association of partisans; a cabal. 3 Violent opposition, as to a government; turbulence; dissension. See synonyms under CABAL. . . ." [ Ibid., p. 348. ]
Moreover, the Greek word ( Greek [ 2754 ] ) for the word "vainglory," in the above-given passage from the Holy Bible, is defined as follows:
"empty glorying, i.e. self-conceit." [ See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 54. ). ]
Additionally, the word "politician" is defined as follows:
". . . n. 1 One engaged in politics, especially professionally. 2 U.S. One who engages in politics for personal or partisan aims rather than for reasons of principle; also, a political schemer or opportunist. 3 Brit. One skilled in the science of government or politics; a statesman. . . ." [ See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 752. ]
The apostle Paul ( see Galatians 1:1, 2 and Philippians 4:21, for example ) wrote to "all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" ( see Philippians 1:1 ). He addressed the need for unity, for example, among the saints ( Christians - see Psalm 50:5, Acts 11:26, and Colossians 3:1-4 ( especially verse 3, for example ), for example ) there. Each local congregation of the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18, Romans 16:16, and Ephesians 1:15-23 ( especially verses 22 and 23, for example ), for example ) today must likewise strive for unity.
However, how can there be unity in a local congregation if we, as Christians, encourage a partisan atmosphere? If our motives are not with "godly sincerity" ( see 2 Corinthians 1:12 ), are we not rather behaving as political schemers or opportunists, as politicians? Lowliness of mind is a requirement for unity in a local congregation of the New Testament church. Esteeming oneself to be better than others is a sin ( see 1 John 3:4, for example ). See also Psalm 119:65-72, Romans 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, for example. Jesus ( see Matthew 23:1 ) said the following in Matthew 23:11: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."
Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see 2 Timothy 2:15, for example ).
If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>
