Section 8
vainglory. Why are you unhappy when the saints do not say amen to your testimony? It is because of vainglory.
In Philippians 4:2 Paul says, "I beseech Euo dias, and I beseech Syntyche, to think the same thing in the Lord." I believe that there was rivalry between these two sisters, perhaps competition over who would be the leading one. As a result, they were doing things in the way of rivalry and vainglory.
If there had not been rivalry and vainglory among the Philippian believers, Paul would not have mentioned these things in Philippians 2:3. Here Paul seems to be saying, "I ask you not to do anything by way of rivalry or vainglory. This will help to make my joy full. Brothers, I am trou bled by the fact that some among you are doing things in the way of rivalry. I am happy that you love the Lord and that you are standing there in Philippi for the Lord's testimony. I rejoice, but my rejoicing is not yet full. It cannot be full as long as rivalry exists among you. Furthermore, some of you are seeking vainglory. If you have any con solation of love toward me, please make my joy full by not doing anything by way of rivalry or vainglory. Instead, in lowliness of mind, count others more excellent than yourselves."