Philippians 4:1-5 Review: What Has Paul Taught Us? Chapter One Verses 1-7 Fellowship: We are together knowing that we are all connected in our work, love and sharing of the Gospel. Verses 8-18 God s Purposes Cannot Be Hindered: Our circumstances no matter there difficulties, cannot hinder God s purposes for our lives Verses 19-30 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. We have in this life the opportunity to magnify and glorify the Lord in our bodies, whether by life or death. Chapter Two Verses 1-4 The Consolation in Christ and the Fellowship of the Spirit. The life of Christ is the model and encouragement, His tenderness, and love promotes the work of the Spirit and the fellowship we have. Verses 5-11 The Illustration of Christ s Mind, Deity, and Humanity We see the humbled and exalted Christ. His position in Heaven in Vs5-6 The steps down in Vs7-8 and the steps up in Vs9-11 Verses 12-18 Making the Humility and Self-Sacrifice of Christ a Reality in our Lives. Having Christ s mind should translate into good works or fruit in our lives. Verses 19-30 Timothy and Epaphroditus a Living Testimony: These men have lived out their lives in such a way as to model everything he has just instructed and exhorted us about. Chapter Three Verses 1-6 The Three Bewares.Dogs, Evil Workers, The Mutilation Legalism, men who want to dilute and destroy the power of the Gospel. Verses 7-11 Christ Our Righteousness We place our trust and faith in Christ and find the righteousness which is found only in Him. Our desire is to know Him and the power of His resurrection the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death Verses 12-16 Pressing On Having not attained to all that Christ had called him to, Paul encourages us to press on in the same manner and forget the things in the past that would hold us back and reach forward to the things ahead Verses 17-21 Our Citizenship Our citizenship is in heaven not the example set by this world of selfish living, for one day the Lord Jesus will return and will transform us completely into His image, using His all powerful authority. 1
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. [Join] [Those] Our fellowship together and unity. Over/Over again this reoccurring theme 1:27, 2:2, 3:16. We need each other. We are to take part in a collective activity of. [Following] [Example] [Pattern] Here is a principle a timeless truth all throughout the Bible. We are joined together in following. God has made us that way, we are sheep and we can t help it. Why He made it that way is another issue, but the fact remains we are. We have seen the examples of Christ, Timothy and Ephaprotitus, and so now Paul It s not just limited to Paul, God s Word requires it of those who would lead and shepherd His flock 1 Peter 5:2-3 What a sobering responsibility for all that would lead God s people. But it just doesn t rest on the leader, all that follow are held responsible as well. There are those who are out to fleece the flock of God not feed it. To trick, to counterfeit, disguise themselves as agents of righteousness So we are to.. note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. [Note] Note: 1 To notice or observe with care: How we need to be discriminating and filled with discernment, to be watchful and careful to observe.. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame who set their mind on earthly things. [Many Walk] More that don t follow Christ s example. Paul often found himself standing alone See Chp 1, 2:20 [Weeping] What a profound effect this had on Paul. Samuel [Belly] My flocks which I sacrifice to no one but myself, and not to the gods, and to this my belly, the greatest of the gods: for to eat and drink each day, and to give one s self no trouble, this is the god of wise men. ---Ancient Greek Philosopher--- Their rebellion is food for them, the things they gain that give them satisfaction is all they will get. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. 2
Citizenship Brings Privileges and Responsibilities. What are some of the Privileges/Responsibilities for us in God s Kingdom?? What are some of these just listed in this book of Philippines??..eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Transform: To change in structure, appearance, or character. The outward change [Transform] [Lowly] See I Cor 15:35-57 This body puts on immortality. [Conformed] Our great spiritual destiny, in the flesh I m conformed to His death in the Spirit I m conformed to His resurrection. [According] [Working] [Subdue] Lit. A military term That s why Paul was so CONFIDENT... Christ will complete what He started..chp 1 I can do all things through Christ Chp 4 Our Citizenship: Some of the Unique Characteristics of our Kingdom.. Our Kingdom: Is Not of This World John 18:36 Our Kingdom: Doesn t Have Illegal Immigrants Matt 22:12 Our Kingdom: Has a Unique Smell II Cor 2:14-15 Our Kingdom: Rules with Humility/Sacrifice Luke 22:21-27 Our Kingdom: The Last Shall be First Mark 9:35 Our Kingdom: Those Who Lose Their Life Will Save it Luke 9:24 Our Kingdom: To be Bound is to be Set Free Dan 3 Our Kingdom: Has a Unique Environment John 14:16-17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Where are our key themes in this Chapter Mind/Right-Thinking/ Mind of Love: Vs7/8,11/12 Conflict: Vs2,5,6 Suffering: Vs12,14 Confidence: Vs1,13 Conduct/Fruit: Vs1,7-9,10 Joy/Rejoicing: Vs4-2x s,10 Major Theme in This Chapter: Our Minds 1. Don t be Anxious Vs6 2. Pray with Thanksgiving Vs6 3. God Will Guard Our Minds Vs7 4. Think On Things That Are: a. Noble b. Just c. Pure d. Lovely e. Good Report 3
What is Paul Trying to Teach Us in This Section? Unity of Mind: In light of the Lord s soon return, we are urged to stand fast together in the Lord. Because we are true companions and that we labor together in the gospel we need to be of the same mind in the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord always, and be gentle to all. 1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. [Therefore] What is the why fore??? Living as citizens of heaven with the hope of Christ s soon return. [Longed For Brethren] Beloved twice in this verse. All that Paul has taught, he returns to the important aspect repeated from the beginning of the book, his great love for this church, this personal relationship he had with them. They were his joy and crown, his reward. Chapters 1-3 From a Personal Perspective.. From Chp 1 They gave him reason to be thankful, they gave him joy; he says he had them in his heart and it was right for him to think these things of them. That God was going to finish what He started in them, he longed for them in the affection of Christ, he prays their love would abound with knowledge and discernment to approve the things that are excellent that they would be sincere and without offense, filled with the fruits of righteousness. His chains would hopefully give them renewed confidence in serving the Lord, that they need not be terrified by their adversaries, for He was suffering the same conflicts and God was being victorious in his life, God would do the same for them. He prays that he would continue in this body to help them in their progress and development of faith From Chp 2 They were the consolation in Christ they were the comfort of love they were the fellowship of the Spirit, they were Christ s affection and mercy, they fulfilled his joy. He was confident that they would be lights shining in this crooked and perverse generation, harmless children of God, holding fast he word of life, so that in their success he would rejoice in the day of Christ that he had not run in vain or labored in vain. From Chp 3 He points them to the same high calling he was on. He encourages them to press on; following his example of counting all things loss, having been clothed in the righteousness of Christ conformed to His image. He points them to their common citizenship, and looking for the day that they would together stand before the throne of God clothed in the righteousness of Christ their King. Is there anybody in your life like this in your relationship in the Church? 4
.so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. [So]..[Stand Fast in the Lord] Where have we seen this before? 1:27.that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith Again I want to remind you that we must stand together and we can only stand together if we are taking responsibility for ourselves to stand on the ground that Christ has given us as individuals. Our standing together in a firm position can only be accomplished In the Lord Standing Fast: To hold one s ground. Stand: 1 : to take or be at rest in an upright or firm position 2 : to assume a specified position 3 : to remain stationary or unchanged 4 : to be steadfast 5 : to act in resistance 6 : to maintain a relative position or rank 7 : to gather slowly and remain 8 : to set upright 9 : ENDURE : TOLERATE Fast: Firmly fixed : tightly shut : adhering firmly : Stuck : Staunch : not easily disturbed : permanently dyed Our Example: 2 Sam 23:12 But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory. We are to hold our ground in the kingdom. But how do we do this???? Turn To: Eph 6:10-18 Eph 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints How to Stand: 1. Be Strong in God s Power/Might 2. Take up the Whole Armor of God 3. Put on the Whole Armor of God 4. Pray Always in the Spirit 5. Have Perseverance and Watchfulness in Your Prayers 5
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Now a personal word to two sisters in the Lord. Euodia means: Lit. Prosperous journey One who has arrived Maybe she had achieve some measure of standing in her life and this church Syntyche: Lit. Pleasant acquaintance. Root word To meet with. Maybe a person who is a mixer, who meets people very easily, the first to meet new people and makes people feel welcome. Implore: Beseech : Entreat..Synonyms: Beg, Plead [Same Mind] Where else in our book has Paul talked about having the same mind???? No Less than 4 Times: See: 1:27 2:1-4 2:5-8 3:15 It seems that trouble has happened between these two women, who represent so many broken relationships in the church, how we can work so closely, so hard for so long and somehow, either sin, our flesh, satan or the world work their way in and cause the work of Christ to be divided, not good team mates. How we need to be on our guard, there are several issues that bring about division Un-forgiveness: The issue of un-forgiveness is at the root of many a broken relationship. 2 Cor 2:10-11 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. Selfish Ambition: Self-Promotion Envy/Strive/Jealousy. We had documented in Chapter1 the ground work of a heart that brings hurt and division. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; Paul goes to the root of this envy and strife. This Self-Promotion, Jealousy, this Pride of not being in the place of prominence, not being in the lime-light, it seems that Paul was getting the headlines and not them. This manifested itself in envy and strife; these were just the symptoms of their sick condition. Envy: Painful or resentful awareness of another's advantages; Jealous: Feeling bitter and unhappy because of another s advantages, or possessions. Suspicious of Rivals: Feeling suspicious about a rival s or competitor s influence, especially in regard to a loved one. Watchful: Possessively watchful of something. Demanding Loyalty: Demanding exclusive loyalty or adherence. 6
But this unfortunate condition is not only reserved for leaders, it can happen to us. supposing to add affliction to my chains; It is Interesting That [Add Affliction] If left unchecked in our lives this self promotion. And un-forgiveness leads to us wanting (supposing) to hurt others. Instead of Adding love we add hurt to others.how this can cripple us and our testimony. Because we won t trust God to work out His plan for us, we look at others with envious/jealous/ un-forgiving eyes, rather than trusting our faithful Savior. There is a pattern that I have observed in my lifetime, and I believe is spelled out for us in the bible. This frustration with God, leads to Envy/Jealously with others, which leads to Anger, and this Anger leads to Bitterness, Bitterness leads to Hatred, and Hatred leads to Murder.. The Bible Warns Us:1 John 3:11-12 Anger---Jealousy--- Bitterness---Hatred---Murder. Don t get ripped off.. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. [I Urge] Now an exhortation not only to these two sisters, but also to those who know them, we have a responsibility also in these matters. Paul Urges..These that should help. [True Companion] Companion: Latin a compound word, together + bread.communion Help: To take hold with another. A true companion will step in and help [Labored] [Laboring] Where else have we seen this? 1:27.striving together for the faith of the gospel, Striving Together for the Faith: Striving/Laboring: Lit: Athlete, Athletics The picture Paul is drawing for us here is a team working together each with the individual skills brought together against a common opponent. [Clement and the Rest] Turn To: Mark 12:41-44 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! We rejoice in the Lord that brings Him pleasure. Notice God s work and energy is poured out for the ultimate fulfillment of His plan which brings Him and us pleasure [Always] What keeps us from Always rejoicing? Paul has to tell us twice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. [Lord is at Hand] What should this mean to us????? Turn To: Mark 13:32-37 Let s get along, because we are citizens of the God s Kingdom and the Lord is coming back soon. 7