Philippians 4:1-3
Philippians 4:1-3 1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Don t allow chapter divisions to distract you or to cause you to lose sight of the context of the passage. Personal application should always be built upon sound doctrine.
We can t live Christ-like lives without a proper understanding of doctrine that s based on God s Word, and His Word alone. Titus 2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
Good doctrine should always lead to right living. Paul is going to draw some practical application for the Philippians, that comes directly from the doctrinal statements he had made throughout his letter.
The vast majority of people in Philippi had some connection with the Roman military.
Paul writes to the believers in this military colony and tells them to stand firm in the Lord. Philippians 1:12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
As believers, we are to be active in advancing the gospel. However, in Philippians 4:1, Paul calls his readers to stand firm in the Lord.
Advancing the gospel is all about sharing the message of salvation through faith in Christ. Standing firm in the Lord has to do with taking a defensive stance against the attacks of Satan and his worldly system.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Philippians 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
In Christ, we re all part of the same body. And, a body has just one spirit and one mind. Being of one mind and one spirit will only happen when we willingly choose to align our thoughts and passions with those of Christ.
To the degree that we re in tune with Jesus, we ll be in tune with one another. Jesus is our oboe.
In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul used the analogy of a runner who strained forward and pressed on for the prize. Now, at the beginning of chapter 4, he talks about standing firm. Analogies must be understood in the context in which they were used.
Paul uses the running analogy to say that, for believers, the pursuit of Christlikeness is both the goal of this life and the prize of eternity. So, we should continually pursue Christlikeness with all that we have, like a runner seeking a medal.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 2 Corinthians 4:17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
1 Peter 4:12-13 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
We stand firm in the knowledge that our sin was been paid for through Christ s death on the cross. And, nothing can happen that will change that.
Pursue Christ, not because your efforts will add to your salvation, but to know Him as intimately as possible.
Hebrews 12:1-3 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
As followers of Christ, we re called to set our sights on Jesus so that we will not grow weary and lose heart.
Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. The word beloved comes from the Greek word agapētos (ä-gä-pā-toʹs).
Throughout this letter, Paul expresses his deep love for the believers in Philippi. They were his spiritual children. They were also his joy. The joy that Paul found in the Philippians was a manifestation of his love for them.
Paul also called the Philippians his crown. In this case, the Greek word stephanos (ste'-fä-nos) isn t referring to a royal crown, but to the laurel wreath given to victors at athletic events, or to those who were being honored by their peers.
Paul considered the Philippians to be the reward that he joyfully received, as the Lord s servant. How often do we look at people and focus on their shortcomings or, maybe, even view them as an irritation or a burden?
Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should look at how the Lord uses us for each other s mutual benefit.
Two things you can always be sure of: God has called you to demonstrate the love of Christ to everyone you encounter in life. God will use each one of them to help you grow.
God is completely sovereign and there is no one in your life who isn t there as part of God s design.
Philippians 4:2-3 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul had some things to say that were corrective in nature. But, he prefaced those statements with an expression of deep love and concern for all the believers in Philippi.
As the body of Christ, we have to be united in hearts, minds, and spirits. Paul called out two individuals, Euodia and Syntyche, who were doing more to divide the Philippian church, than to unite it.
Paul simply tells them to agree in the Lord. In direct contrast to Euodia and Syntyche, we have Timothy and Epaphroditus, two individuals Paul pointed to as positive examples.
Paul simply tells them to agree in the Lord. In direct contrast to Euodia and Syntyche, we have Timothy and Epaphroditus, two individuals Paul pointed to as positive examples.
After calling out Euodia and Syntyche, Paul turns right around and says some positive things about them. Both these ladies worked side by side with Paul for the sake of the gospel. And, their names are written in the book of life.
God has sovereignly brought us together to do His work. So, it s imperative that we work together, with love, kindness, and patience.