In fact, it may be exactly what he had in mind when he penned this phrase. However, one further point must be investigated before we draw our final conclusions. This is true in both the English language and the Greek language of the New Testament. The same is true in the Greek language. The Philippians were to work out a solution to the problem of the party spirit to save the unity of their church.
Contention is devastating in any church, but is especially critical in a young, growing church.
Don't pretend the contentions don't exist. Don't sweep the disunity under the rug. We can be sure that since God's will for us is unity in our churches, then there is a divine solution for every disrupting problem. The solution may not come easily.