Church Struggles and Loving Exhortations
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 7 viewsPaul exhorts the church to unity in the Lord and addresses common issues in the church, showing how to address them as citizens of heaven.
Notes
Transcript
Last Week: Aiming for Heaven
Philippians 3:12-21
Paul finished out Philippians 3 by urging the church in Philippi to strain towards the goal and prize found only in Christ. We looked at two main points from the text together.
Aim for the prize of Christ (v.12-16)
Paul shares with the church that his aim is to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings.
WE ARE NOT YET COMPLETE! Paul shares that he is not yet perfect, but he presses on towards perfection found only in Christ
Justification -> Sanctification -> Glorification
WE RELINQUISH OUR PAST! As believers, we are new creations in Christ. Our former selves and sins have not power over us anymore.
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
2. Act Like a Citizen of Heaven (v.17-21)
Again Paul encourages the church to imitate him and others that are walking faithfully with Christ. Paul warns them that many who they know walk as enemies of Christ. They seek earthly fulfillment and satisfaction.
OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN! Paul reminds them that we await our Savior’s return, and He will make all things new in heaven and on earth, including us. This is not all there is! We await live eternal with our Savior.
_______________________________________
This Week: Philippians 4:1-9
In the beginning of Philippians 4 Paul opens up with an encouragement in v.1 that is connected both with the end of Philippians 3 and also sets the stage for what is to come at the end of this letter to Philippi.
In light of the coming Savior, Paul encourages the church to stand firm in the Lord and addresses a handful of issues that all churches from the 1st century until now have all faced.
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.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
PRAYER
1. Stand Firm in the Lord (v.1-3)
1. Stand Firm in the Lord (v.1-3)
Paul continues this letter in v.1 showing his affection and love for his brothers and sisters in Philippi. He repeats that he loves and longs for them.
This has been seen from Paul towards the Philippians from the very beginning of the letter.
Paul’s Greeting to the Philippians
8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
He loves and longs to be with them, and from previous chapters we learned that it is very likely Paul was able to visit Philippi again before his martyrdom.
Paul continues in v.1 describing the Philippian church as his joy and crown. Many believe this shows Paul considered the church at Philippi, its faithfulness and commitment to gospel advancement, his greatest achievement in the ministry.
Philippians 1:3–4 “3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,”
Time and time again Paul reassures the brothers and sisters in the churches he is discipling of his love from them, his care for their well being both spiritually and physically, and he is praying for them.
SIDE NOTE
Joe and I hope you know we feel the same way about you all. We are far from perfect, but we love you and care for you all deeply.
STAND FIRM
Paul concludes v.1 with his first exhortation of the chapter, which ties together the teaching of Phil 3 and what is to come in Phil 4.
Philippians 4:1 “1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”
Connect to Phil 3
Paul says STAND FIRM as you strain forward towards the goal, towards the the prize of the upwards call of God in Christ Jesus.
STAND FIRM in truth as you imitate those who are imitating Christ, knowing that many have walked away and are enemies of God and the cross.
As you await you Savior who will make all things new, STAND FIRM!
Standing Firm in Unity
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,
Connect to Phil 4
Paul shifts here from a general exhortation to the church as a whole to a specific application of it for the Philippian church.
What do we know?
There was a disagreement between members of the church.
EUODIA and SYNTYCHE
We do not receive any other details regarding the matter, but we know it was serious enough for Paul to be addressing them by name!
In v.3, Paul shifts from addressing the Philippians church in general to calling for his “true companion” to help these women. May believe this greek word to actually be a person or even leader in the Philippian church.
We don’t see much evidence that these women were new believers, and instead they have served faithfully alongside Paul in proclamation of the gospel. Paul says confidently that their names are written in heaven.
SUMMARY - Two faithful servants of Christ and the church had a present disagreement that was likely known by the church and unaddressed by the leadership.
Paul’s Solution?
AGREE IN THE LORD
Paul’s handling of the issue in this manner suggests that this likely not a doctrinal dispute but instead a clash of personality or preferences.
Notice also Paul’s lack of focus on who is “correct” but instead points them to where there union is found - IN CHRIST.
The instruction here to AGREE IN THE LORD is a call to put aside your differences for the sake of Christ, His Church, and the common mission believers share.
Easier Said Then Done?
I understand the thought of how is this possible sometimes. You may be a strong willed person or a person of great convictions in certain areas. That is fine and well.
In these situations, our strength to put aside our preferences and stand firm comes from our union with Christ!
Paul shows them that if their attitude towards this situation would be formed in the Lord and not in self, they would stand firm on what’s most important, and their disharmony would likely fade away quickly.
APPLICATION
Whether you have been with this church family for a short or long period of time, I pray that you have seen that we are not perfect. Like the church at Philippi, we have had disagreements, disharmony, discontentment, and difficulties.
We are human! For those in Christ, we are new creations freed from the bondage and power of sin, and we are citizens of heaven! Even so, we are human.
When these situations arise, Paul is teaching us today to:
STAND FIRM
CLING TO TRUTH
AGREE IN THE LORD
These exhortations are not easy and do require work, but if we can center our minds and our new hearts on Christ, we will be able to continue the work together!
Don’t want to meddle in others’ business?
Galatians 6:1–2 “1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Let’s not let our fear of “getting in other people’s business” keep us from reconciling fellow brothers and sisters to one another and to Christ. Gospel centered reconciliation should be our focus.
If we believe it to be sinful based on the scriptures, it is your and my business. Sin affects the entire church body.
Paul’s message here is clear and reflected back in Phil 2.
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
During the struggles of this life as a believer in the church with other imperfect believers…
Let’s Stand Firm together in Christ
Let’s be of the same mind, having the same love for our Savior and His will together.
When disagreements arise, let’s hold to truth and agree in the Lord.
2. Find Joy and Peace in the Lord (v.4-7)
2. Find Joy and Peace in the Lord (v.4-7)
(v.4)
The Struggle of Being Joyful
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
We have said many times over the past couple months that this letter to the Philippians is considered the Epistle of Joy.
Paul issues another repeated command here to rejoice in the Lord. Have we considered that the believers at Philippi likely were struggling with this?
I have often tried on Sunday mornings to help us see the humanity of both the apostles and the members of the early church, and here is a great example of it.
What are a few things we know about the faith of the Philippians?
Partners in the Gospel
Philippians 1:3–5 “3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
2. Faithful in Prayer
Philippians 1:18–19 “18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,”
3. Obedient to Christ’s Commands
Philippians 2:12 “12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”
Even in all of this, it is clear that Paul knew they needed to hear repeatedly what brought him joy and where true joy is found. Let’s look back at Acts 16 together when this church began
Paul and Silas in Philippi
23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.
Surely the Philippians remembered when Paul and Silas were beaten by the crowds with rods and thrown in prison.
The rest and joy they find while in chains came from praying and singing hymns together!
Paul’s exhortation here is to rejoice always! Regardless of circumstance.
APPLICATION
We often misunderstand the idea of being JOYFUL
CCE Philippians
“Most people think you get joy when you get what you desire. But real joy comes when you realize what you deserve. The realization of what you deserve (judgment) and what you’ve received instead (salvation) should lead you to great joy. It’s not about getting what you want; it’s about being grateful for all that you have in Christ Jesus.”
Every moment of every day, the believer always has reason to rejoice in the Lord because he/she has been brought from death in sin to new life in Christ. The Creator and Sustainer of all things has said “this is one of my people, my family, and bc of the work of my Son at the cross I will see their sin no more.”
This is a command in all circumstances, not just good advice.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
For the person not found in Christ alone, no such joy is present.
GOSPEL
(v.5)
The Struggle of Being Gentle
Philippians 4:5 “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;”
The translation here of the Greek word for “reasonableness” (ESV) in English has been difficult. Other translations read:
Graciousness (HCSB)
Considerate (NLT)
Gentle Spirit (NASB)
Gentleness (NIV)
In summary, the idea here is the willingness to yield your own personal rights and to show consideration and gentleness to others.
Such behavior is not limited to within the church, but Paul extends it to all people. Whether inside or outside the church body, we should be known by all people as being gracious, gentle, considerate people.
Consider Peter’s first epistle and his description of our Lord Jesus’ gentleness amidst unjust treatment.
Believers Called to Graciousness
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
APPLICATION
In our missions together to make disciples, we will see little success if we are not displaying the same grace shown to us at the cross.
In Reach HG, we are engaging a community who are possibly confused or misunderstands what true, biblical Christianity looks like. Let’s display grace in our conversations while holding to what is true.
Being right about something biblically does not give us a pass to be harsh and unloving. Never forget that the scriptures are foolishness to those not found in Christ.
Is our graciousness, gentleness, and reasonableness evident to our friends, family, neighbors, and church family?
“The Lord is at hand…”
This statement can be understood a couple different ways.
Either Paul is reflecting back on the end of Phil 3 when talking about God’s people awaiting the coming Savior who will make all things new….
…Or Paul is reminding the church that the Lord is present with His people and working for their good, shaping them to be more like Christ through these struggles.
Regardless, Christ’s return should cause us to live differently as citizens of heaven AND His closeness should cause us to seek Him in our attempts to resolve differences, be gentle, and overcoming anxiety.
(v.6-7)
The Struggle of Having Peace
Philippians 4:6–7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
ANXIETY is not a modern day issue, but it certainly seems to be a struggle for those inside and outside the church.
Personally this is a topic that I do not struggle with often, and have previously struggled to understand. I would not describe myself as an anxious person, but some of us are. This is certainly a topic even our Lord Jesus spoke on directly, and is worthy of our attention.
What I have learned about anxiety is that the most unhelpful thing to say when someone close to you says “I am really anxious right now…” is to say in return “Well, just don’t be anxious”.
I do not think that is the instruction Paul is offering here.
The Greek term used for ANXIOUS here was also used in Phil 2.20 when Paul said Timothy would we “genuinely concerned” for their welfare. This is certainly a positive use of the term, unlike what we see in Phil 4.
In this chapter, the term clearly speaks of anxiety, fretfulness, or undue concern.
Paul’s Solution
Because the Lord is near to his people and His return is coming soon, when anxious feelings or thoughts arise, turn to the one and only God who is sovereign over all things for help!
BE PRAYERFUL
You may be thinking of a time when you received this instruction from a friend during an anxious time, and you may have thought “Thanks, but that does not really help me or solve my problem.”
The answer to anxiety is seeking the Lord in prayer!
In all things, worship our Lord by thankfully making your requests/needs known to Him. Yes, the Lord wants to hear what you are struggling with.
BUT, in all prayer we follow our Lord’s example in ultimately seeking the will of the Lord to be done.
Matthew 6:9–10 “9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
APPLICATION
In light of our sanctification, our sovereign God allows us to walk through situations where we are tempted to give way to anxious feelings.
His will also might not be for us to be delivered from these situations, but its possible He desires to teach us through them.
As we respond in prayer, the Lord will faithfully guard our hearts and our minds with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Such Peace is found in nothing else and in no one else but Jesus Christ! Peace is a person.
Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 “6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Perfect Peace in Him
Isaiah 26:3 “3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Peace in His Presence
John 14:26–27 “26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
As we seek Him in prayer during anxious times, He protects our hearts and minds from anxiety and despair.
The encouragement to PRAY through anxious times is not just a “Christian” response, it is wise counsel from someone who loves you dearly.
3. Dwell in the Lord (v.8-9)
3. Dwell in the Lord (v.8-9)
Philippians 4:8–9 “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul’s concludes this section with an exhortation that extends to something that often remains hidden from most people - OUR THOUGHTS.
CCE Philippians
Exalting Jesus in Philippians Think on Praiseworthy Things (4:8–9)
What we think matters, and it matters more than we think
As believers, when we consider what is sinful we naturally tend to focus on outward actions or words. In doing so, we minimize the potentially sinful positions of our hearts and our naturally evil thoughts because those things are very easily hidden.
We can easily harbor hate towards someone while acting as if all is okay when in their presence.
This is also not a NT idea, but extends all the way back through the history of the Israelites. Consider the teachings of Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5).
Twice in this chapter when dealing with the topics of ANGER and LUST, Jesus corrected their understanding of the Law and teachings of Judaism. The outward sinful actions of such things began with sinful desires and thoughts.
To be growing in Christlikeness, we need a renewed mind! Paul pointed the believers in Rome to a similar idea - BE TRANSFORMED
Romans 12:1–2 “1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
We need to transform the way we think and the desires of our heart.
Sin towards God and people, whether outward or hidden within, begins in our hearts and minds. Knowing this reality, the apostle addresses where the thoughts of a follower of Christ should be focused.
How do we transform the way we think?
Praise God, for He “has blessed His church with His Word as the primary means of purifying our minds” (CCE Philippians).
Verses 8-9 is a call for the believer to center his/her mind on exalted things! Paul tells us to spend time mentally dwelling on things that are TRUE, HONORABLE, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, COMMENDABLE, EXCELLENT, and WORTHY of PRAISE.
We should find it no coincidence that all of these things describe the Lord Jesus well!
Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
We will begin to see real change in our lives when we use the gift God’s Word to transform the way we think and understand this world.
(v.9)
Paul calls for the church to think about such things, which they have also learned and received from Paul in his teaching and example of living, and then put them into practice! at this time in histoyr, the standards of Christian belief and action were largely taught audibly and observed in the example of faithful men and women.
In doing this as well, Paul promises the peace of God will be with us.
APPLICATION
The wonderful reality from this passage is that the Philippians church, while being Paul’s joy and crown achievement, was just like any other church. It was faithful in some areas and had common difficulties as well.
Knowing this is true of us as well, let’s follow Paul’s instruction in doing the following:
STAND FIRM in the Lord. He will not fail us today, tomorrow or forever.
AGREE in the Lord. Cling to truth but put aside differences for the sake of Christ.
REJOICE in the Lord. Ecclesiastes 7:14 “14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other...”
FIND PEACE in the Lord. In anxious times, seek the Lord in prayer. He is our promised Peace, and He is with us.
DWELL in the Lord. Those who abide in the Lord, and the Lord in them, bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.