Grumbling and Disputing

2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

For some reason, in 2:14-17 Paul subtly uses a string of allusions to the story of Israel to make his point. For instance, the word grumbling is used only here and in 1Cor.10:10 which is an explicit reference back to the Israelites. Thus begins a pattern that carries through the drink offering and sacrifice language used in v.17. The language is strangely parallel to the history of Israel.

But the word "disputing" does not come from the story of Israel. Paul must have a special reason for mentioning this since it doesn’t follow the pattern of his language here.

It isn’t hard to see what is happening. Though subtle, it is clear from Paul’s letter to the Philippians that the believers in Philippi are having troubles getting along with each other. Exhortations to harmony abound (see 1:27, 2:1-4, 4:2-3).

Paul connects this with the grumbling of the Israelites. But the grumbling of the Philippians was not identical to the grumbling of the Israelites. The Israelites grumbled against Moses and against God. The Philippian grumbling is not against Paul and God but against each other. The way they were grumbling was by disputing. So, Paul says, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing."

Much of our disputing is just grumbling. Even if it is directed against other people, it is still ultimately pointed at God. Whether we realize it or not, every time we grumble we are saying, "God isn’t doing a good job in my life!" A bad attitude towards God produces a bad attitude towards man. The mindset that befits a Christian is not grumbling but joy (see 3:1). But it is so important that we understand that God isn’t merely commanding us to rejoice instead of grumble. He is commanding us to live by the truth, and the truth is that every Christian is a very blessed person, having received from God the indescribable gift of Christ along with everything else in the universe (Rom.8:32). It is just not fitting for a person who is so rich to grumble as if he’s poor. If we are bitter it is because we are blind to the love of God.

The flesh enjoys being bitter. It enjoys judging and blaming other people. "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: ...enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying..." (Gal.5:19-21) Conflicts in the church and in the home spring from conflicts with God. Grumbling and disputing go together. So do joy and love. The flesh needs to be put to death. Sins need to be repented of.

"What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel." (James 4:1-2 )

Father, forgive me for the damage I have done to others because I was sinfully unhappy in my spirit. Forgive me for how my joylessness has prevented me from loving. Help me to resist the fleshly impulses to feel sorry for myself and to feel bitter towards others. Keep my eyes open to the bountiful riches of Your grace, that I may walk in the joy of the Holy Spirit and build up Your people in love.